In an overburdened social welfare system, abused and neglected children often slip through the cracks. That’s where CASA advocates like you can help make a difference.
Appointed by family court judges, CASA advocates typically handle one case at a time until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. Other people come and go in the child’s life, but their CASA provides a constant presence the child needs to thrive and move on with their life.
Advocates start by getting to know everyone in that child's life: parents and relatives, foster parents, teachers, medical professionals, attorneys, social workers and others. They use the information they gather to inform judges and others what the child needs and how they are doing while progressing towards a safe permanent home.
You do not have to be a lawyer or social worker to be an advocate. We welcome people from all walks of life. We are simply looking for people who care about children and have common sense. As a volunteer, you will be thoroughly trained and well supported by our staff to help you through each case.
You must pass a background check, participate in a 33-hour pre-service training course and agree to stay with a case until it is closed (a year and a half on average). Read more about the requirements and role of being a CASA advocate.
Interested in helping children but not ready to commit to becoming an advocate? Learn about other volunteer opportunities.