How CASA Collaborates With Schools To Support Educational Success

School should give children a place to learn, build friendships, and feel supported. For children who have experienced abuse or neglect, however, changes at home can also create challenges in the classroom.

A child may change homes, adjust to new routines, struggle emotionally, or face disruptions that affect attendance and learning. That’s why education plays an important role in a CASA volunteer’s advocacy.

Through educational advocacy, CASA volunteers work with teachers, school officials, caregivers, caseworkers, and others to understand each child’s needs and advocate for the support that can help them thrive.

Why Does Educational Advocacy Matter?

Children involved in the court system often experience uncertainty in many parts of their lives. Maintaining stability at school can give a child something consistent to rely on while adults work toward a safe, permanent home.

CASA volunteers look at the whole child. That includes understanding how they’re doing academically, socially, and emotionally.

An advocate may pay attention to:

• School attendance
• Academic progress
• Changes in grades or classroom performance
• Behavioral or emotional concerns
• Relationships with teachers and peers
• Services or resources the child may need

By staying aware of these areas, advocates can help ensure educational concerns don’t get overlooked during a complicated time.

How Do CASA Volunteers Work With Schools?

CASA volunteers gather information from many of the people who interact with a child regularly, including teachers and school officials.

Teachers often see children for hours each weekday, which gives them valuable insight into changes in behavior, academic performance, friendships, and overall well-being.

Through CASA educational advocacy, a volunteer can communicate with appropriate school personnel and review relevant school information to gain a clearer picture of how the child is doing.

That information becomes part of the advocate’s broader understanding of the child’s circumstances.

Bringing Educational Needs Into The Bigger Picture

CASA volunteers don’t replace teachers, counselors, caseworkers, or other professionals. Instead, they collaborate with the people already supporting the child.

An advocate gathers information, spends time with the child, communicates with people involved in the child’s life, and provides independent recommendations to the judge about the child’s best interests.

If educational concerns arise, the CASA volunteer can help make sure the right people know about them. Depending on the child’s situation, that could include concerns about attendance, academic struggles, needed services, or the impact of frequent transitions.

This collaboration helps everyone see a more complete picture of what the child needs.

Providing Consistency During Times Of Change

Consistency matters for every child, but it can become especially meaningful for a child navigating foster care or the court system.

Teachers, caregivers, caseworkers, and even schools may change during a case. CASA volunteers typically remain involved until the case reaches a permanent resolution.

That long-term perspective can help an advocate recognize changes and patterns over time. It also gives the child another consistent adult who’s paying attention to their experiences, concerns, and needs.

Helping Children In Kosciusko County Thrive

Educational success involves more than grades. Children need stability, encouragement, resources, and adults who recognize when they need additional support.

Educational advocacy helps connect what’s happening at school with the larger decisions surrounding a child’s safety, well-being, and future.

At CASA of Kosciusko County, our trained volunteers advocate for children involved in abuse and neglect cases throughout the Kosciusko County court system.

By working alongside schools, caregivers, caseworkers, and other community partners, advocates help keep each child’s best interests at the center of important decisions.

Become A Voice For A Child In Kosciusko County

One consistent adult can make a powerful difference in a child’s life. CASA of Kosciusko County recruits, trains, and supports volunteers who advocate for children when they need someone in their corner.

If you’re ready to help a local child feel seen, heard, and supported, learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do CASA volunteers communicate with a child’s teachers?

Yes. CASA volunteers may talk with teachers and other school officials as they gather information about a child’s needs, experiences, and well-being.

Can a CASA volunteer review a child’s school records?

CASA volunteers may review relevant records, including school records, as part of gathering information and developing recommendations about the child’s best interests.

Does a CASA volunteer replace a school counselor or teacher?

No. CASA volunteers work alongside teachers, counselors, caseworkers, caregivers, and other professionals. Their unique role focuses on advocating for the child’s best interests.

How does school information help a CASA volunteer?

Attendance, academic performance, behavior, and other school information can help an advocate better understand how a child is doing and identify concerns that may require additional attention.