What To Expect As A CASA Volunteer
Volunteer Training And Preparation
Receive Training and Support
Start with training and guidance before taking on a case.
Build a Child’s Trust
Spend time listening, visiting, and learning about their needs.
Advocate Throughout the Case
Stay involved and help guide decisions toward stability.
Your role centers on understanding that child’s situation and helping the court make decisions that support their safety and long-term stability.
Volunteering as a CASA allows you to stand up for children who need a strong advocate in the court system. When a judge appoints you as a CASA volunteer, you focus on one child or sibling group involved in a case related to abuse or neglect.
CASA of Kosciusko County provides training, guidance, and ongoing support so you feel prepared and confident in your role. While every case looks a little different, most volunteers share a similar experience as they move through the advocacy process.
Start a Conversation
Have questions about becoming a CASA volunteer? We’re here to answer them and help you take the next step.
Training And Preparation
Before you receive a case, you’ll complete structured pre-service training that introduces you to the child welfare system, the court process, child development, trauma, and effective advocacy techniques.
Training also prepares you to:
Understand how juvenile court cases work
Recognize the impact of abuse and neglect on children
Communicate effectively with professionals and families
Gather and document important information about a child’s situation
Getting Assigned To A Case
After training, the court may appoint you to a child’s case. Each volunteer typically serves one case at a time, which allows you to focus fully on understanding the child’s situation and advocating for their best interests.
Your CASA supervisor will guide you through the first steps of the case. Early work often includes reviewing court records, learning about the child’s history, and connecting with the professionals involved in the case.
Building A Relationship With The Child
One of the most meaningful parts of the CASA role involves getting to know the child.
You’ll schedule regular visits and spend time talking, listening, and learning about their experiences. These visits help you understand how the child feels, what they need, and what type of support will help them grow and thrive.
During visits, you may:
Ask about school, hobbies, and relationships
Observe how the child interacts in their home or placement
Listen to their concerns and hopes for the future
Offer encouragement and consistent support
Gathering Information
CASA volunteers work as independent fact-finders for the court.
You may also review school, medical, and case records to understand how the child is doing and what services they may need. This information helps you identify what will truly support the child’s safety, stability, and long-term well-being.
You’ll speak with people involved in the child’s life so you can understand the full picture of their situation.
This process often includes conversations with:
Parents and relatives
Foster parents or caregivers
Teachers and school staff
Caseworkers and social service providers
Medical or mental health professionals
Advocating In Court
As a CASA volunteer, you act as the eyes and ears of the court.
After gathering information and observing the child’s situation, you write a report for the judge that outlines your findings and recommendations.
Your report may address topics such as:
Where the child should live
What services the child or family may need
How the child performs in school
Whether the child’s placement supports their well-being
Time Commitment
CASA volunteers balance meaningful advocacy with manageable time commitments.
Most volunteers spend about five to ten hours per month on their case. This time includes visits with the child, communication with professionals, reviewing updates, and preparing court reports.
At the beginning of a case, you may spend additional time reviewing records and gathering information so you can understand the situation thoroughly. Cases often continue until the court reaches a permanent outcome for the child, which may include reunification with family, adoption, or another stable placement.
Ongoing Support From CASA Staff
You won’t serve alone as a CASA volunteer.
CASA staff provide supervision, coaching, and resources throughout every case. Your supervisor helps you navigate challenges, answer questions, and stay informed about best practices for advocacy. You’ll also receive opportunities for continuing education so you can continue growing as an advocate.
But CASAs do make a difference. Not only in the lives of children, but in the lives of their families as well.
