Advocate for children in foster care

The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program trains and supports community volunteers to advocate for a safe and permanent home for children in the child welfare system. Currently, the program is seeking volunteers from counties across the state to better serve local children.

Volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and receive training in topics including the juvenile justice system, social services, and child trauma response. Upon completion of training, volunteers are sworn into service by a judge. Once assigned to a case, volunteers regularly visit the child, as well as talk with the childs parents, teachers, service providers, and other adults in the childs life. After developing an understanding of the childs situation, they write and submit reports to the courts, making recommendations about the childs needs and best interests.

Volunteers average between 5 to 10 hours each month on case-related activities. The hours are flexible with the volunteers able to set up most meetings according to their schedules, however, the court hearings are set by the judge. Program coordinators and fellow experienced volunteers, known as CASA coaches, are available for questions and assistance throughout a case.