Few things in life are more fulfilling than helping a child in need. Advocates for Children provides meaningful volunteer opportunities to support abused or neglected children in foster care through a national program called Court Appointed Special Advocates® (CASA). Well-trained volunteers are appointed by juvenile courts to be the voice of the children in the confusing and challenging world of court proceedings.
This best-interest advocacy makes a life-changing difference for children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect, most of whom are in foster care. Our goal is to advocate for a safe, permanent home for each child.
CASA volunteers are the most intensely trained of Advocates’ volunteers, with more than 30 hours of class time and 10 hours of court observation, as well as experience with the Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS), Juvenile Court and other related entities.
We are looking for CASA volunteers to enroll in Training Classes each Spring and Fall.
Questions? Email emilycasa@advochild.org | For information on classes, please contact alicia@advochild.org
KIM’s VOLUNTEER story
As a CASA volunteer, I went in thinking I would be an advocate for the child, not an entire family network. Encouraging the child’s parents to become stronger and more capable adults with better skills to lead their family to success has been the most frustrating, yet has brought me the greatest joy. The main goal, generally, is to reunite child and parent; many fail, but we must try.
So often, a child is not heard, even when surrounded by many loving adults – as an advocate, I can echo their words and give them the power to make choices that affect their future.
Most recently, a young boy was rude and very disrespectful to his case manager. After talking to him, he understood that it was not HIM against THEM, his thinking changed to US FOR HIM. The child did nothing wrong to be in foster care, and as HIS CASA, we must listen and advocate for them.
Being a CASA means more than standing by a child—it means encouraging families to grow and heal. It’s hard work, but it’s where true impact happens. Helping a child shift from feeling alone to feeling supported is everything. As a CASA, I get to be that steady voice fighting for them.
