Who Can Volunteer
CASA Volunteer Requirements
If you care about children and want to make a difference in our Kosciusko County community, you may already have what it takes to become a CASA volunteer.
You might wonder if you have the right background or experience to serve. The truth is simple. CASA volunteers come from many professions, life stages, and personal experiences.
Children in the foster care system need adults who will stand up for them, listen to them, and advocate for their future. CASA volunteers step into that role.
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Have questions about becoming a CASA volunteer? We’re here to answer them and help you take the next step.
Volunteers Come From All Walks of Life
There isn’t a “typical” CASA volunteer. CASA programs welcome people from many backgrounds, including teachers, retirees, business professionals, parents, and community members. Volunteers bring different perspectives, cultures, careers, and life experiences, but they share one thing in common: they want to help children find safe and permanent homes.
You don’t need a legal degree or social work training to get started. CASA provides thorough training so volunteers understand the child welfare system, court procedures, and effective advocacy for children.
Many volunteers balance their CASA work alongside jobs, families, and other responsibilities.
Basic Qualifications to Become a CASA Volunteer
While volunteers come from many backgrounds, CASA programs follow several basic requirements to protect children and maintain strong advocacy.
Volunteers must:
Be at least 21 years old
Hold a high school diploma or GED
Pass criminal and child welfare background checks
Complete a screening interview and reference checks
Finish CASA pre-service training before receiving a case
Commit to serving a case until it reaches a safe and permanent outcome
Personal Qualities That Make Great CASA Volunteers
Training prepares volunteers for the role, but certain personal qualities help advocates serve children effectively.
CASA volunteers often demonstrate:
CASA volunteers gather information from many sources, including teachers, caseworkers, caregivers, and family members. They use that information to help judges understand what will truly serve the child’s best interests. Because of this responsibility, volunteers must stay professional, thoughtful, and committed throughout the child’s case.
Time Commitment For Volunteers
CASA volunteers give children something incredibly valuable: consistency. Most volunteers spend about five to ten hours per month working on a case. That time includes visiting with the child, speaking with people involved in the child’s life, reviewing updates, and preparing court reports.
Volunteers typically serve one case at a time, which allows them to focus on getting to know the child and advocating effectively. Cases often last until the court finds a permanent outcome for the child, such as reunification with family, adoption, or another stable placement with a guardian.
Volunteers Come From All Walks of Life
There isn’t a “typical” CASA volunteer. CASA programs welcome people from many backgrounds, including teachers, retirees, business professionals, parents, and community members. Volunteers bring different perspectives, cultures, careers, and life experiences, but they share one thing in common: they want to help children find safe and permanent homes.
You don’t need a legal degree or social work training to get started. CASA provides thorough training so volunteers understand the child welfare system, court procedures, and effective advocacy for children.
Many volunteers balance their CASA work alongside jobs, families, and other responsibilities.
Support And Training For Every Volunteer
CASA of Kosciusko County provides the training and support you need to succeed as an advocate.
Before you receive a case, you’ll complete structured training that introduces you to:
The child welfare system
Juvenile court procedures
Child development and trauma
Effective advocacy techniques
Communication with professionals and families
But from beginning to end, I remained. I was their CASA — the only constant in their devastating time in “the system”
