What to Expect When You Become a CASA Volunteer

Becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer means stepping into a child’s life at a critical moment. These children have experienced abuse or neglect and now find themselves navigating the court and child welfare systems.

As a CASA volunteer, you offer consistent support, a listening ear, and a strong voice in court. Here’s what you can expect when you begin your journey.

Training And Preparation

Before advocating for a child, you’ll complete a comprehensive training program. This training equips you with the knowledge and tools you need to be an effective advocate.

You can expect to:

• Attend 30+ hours of in-person or online training
• Learn about child development, trauma, the court system, and family dynamics
• Understand your responsibilities and how to build trust with a child
• Meet your local CASA staff and fellow volunteers

You don’t need a legal background or social work experience. CASA provides all the education and ongoing support you need.

Being Assigned A Case

After training, CASA staff will match you with a case. You’ll begin reviewing documents, meeting the child, and connecting with the adults in their lives.

Early steps include:

• Reading case files and court reports
• Meeting the child and beginning to build a relationship
• Speaking with parents, foster parents, teachers, caseworkers, and others involved in the child’s life
• Creating a schedule for regular visits

Your presence shows the child they are not alone. You become a consistent adult in a world full of change.

Visiting The Child

One of the most important parts of your role is spending time with the child. These visits allow you to see how the child is doing and understand their needs.

During visits, you will:

• Talk and listen without judgment
• Ask about school, hobbies, and relationships
• Observe how they interact in their home or placement
• Share fun experiences like going to the park or playing a game

Regular visits (at least once a month) build trust and help you see progress or setbacks firsthand.

Reporting To The Court

As a CASA volunteer, you write reports for the judge before each court hearing. Your insights help the court make informed decisions.

Your report will include:

• Updates on the child’s well-being
• Observations from your visits
• Information from conversations with caregivers and professionals
• Recommendations for services or next steps

You don’t speak for the child, instead, you speak up for their best interests, with their voice in mind.

Ongoing Support And Connection

Throughout your case, you will receive support from CASA staff. They will help you navigate challenges and ensure you have what you need to advocate well.

Support includes:

• Regular check-ins with your supervisor
• Continuing education opportunities
• Connections with other volunteers for peer support

You never walk this journey alone!

The Impact You Make

Your advocacy helps children find safe, permanent homes more quickly. Children with CASA volunteers often do better in school, receive more services, and feel more hopeful about their future.

Your role can lead to:

• Stronger recommendations in court
• Increased emotional stability for the child
• Lifelong impact on a child’s sense of worth and belonging

Ready to Make a Difference?

Children in foster care need someone who will stand by them, listen to them, and advocate for them every step of the way. That someone can be you.

Become a CASA volunteer today. Help change a child’s story.