Become a CASA Volunteer

Imagine the experiences of children who are removed from their homes, their families, their siblings, and everything they know and care about. They find themselves in a world filled with new sounds, new places, new people, new smells, and new schools while social workers, lawyers, and judges make life-altering decisions on their behalf.

Fortunately, children in our community have court-appointed, trained, and committed, volunteer advocates who ensure that each child’s individual needs remain a priority in an overburdened child welfare system.

A CASA volunteer forms a consistent relationship with a child that provides stability and hope for better days ahead. Oftentimes, a CASA volunteer is the most consistent presence in a foster child’s life. In the midst of an unsettled and chaotic time, a CASA is there to ensure a child does not have to navigate the system alone.

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Children Served in 2024
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CASA Volunteers assigned in 2024
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Years of Advocacy

How to Become a Volunteer Advocate

Voices for Children information sessions are one-hour, staff-led overviews of the agency, the volunteer advocate role, and the training process.

Click the button below to choose your session date; instructions will be emailed after you register.

Information Session Sign-Up

From there, you’ll complete a CASA Volunteer application and schedule an interview. The interview is part of the screening process and allows CASA staff to learn about your background, interest in the role, explain expectations, and answer your questions.

Qualified applicants will be invited to complete a 33-hour CASA training. Classes are offered multiple times a year in both traditional and fast-track formats so you can choose what fits your schedule, and you’ll gain the tools you need to serve as a CASA volunteer.

Qualifications

No special education, experience, or background is required. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and share a commitment to improving children’s lives, a willingness to learn, and an open mind towards life experiences different from their own.

Voices for Children seeks volunteers of diverse backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or gender expression. Currently, there is a high need for Spanish-speaking CASA Volunteers.

A CASA Volunteer Must:

  • Successfully pass extensive screening and background check requirements
  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Successfully complete 30 hours of classroom training provided by Voices for Children and 3 hours of court observation
  • Make a 12-18 month minimum commitment to a case with an average of 10-15 hours per month invested
  • Understand confidentiality and work within established program guidelines

CASA Volunteers provide an objective view of what is in the best interests of the child or children involved in the case. It is an important commitment and a serious role entrusted to Voices for Children and every CASA Volunteer.

CASA Pre-Service Training

Voices for Children offers multiple pre-service training courses with both daytime and evening sessions available throughout the year.

Pre-Service Training Schedule

Voices for Children offers multiple Pre-Service Training courses throughout the year to prepare new CASA Volunteers for their advocacy work. Below is the schedule for our next available training session:

2026 Pre-Service Training Dates

Pre-Service Training 1
February 3 – February 26 (Tuesday/Thursday)
Time: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
APPLICATION DEADLINE JANUARY 20, 2026

Pre-Service Training 2
April 6 – April 29 (Monday/Wednesday)
Time: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 23, 2026

Pre-Service Training 3
June 1 –June 11 (Monday – Thursday)
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
APPLICATION DEADLINE MAY 18, 2026

Pre-Service Training 4
August 18 –September 10 (Tuesday/Thursday)
Time: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
APPLICATION DEADLINE AUGUST 4, 2026

Pre-Service Training 5
November 2 –November 12 (Monday – Thursday)
Time: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
APPLICATION DEADLINE OCTOBER 19, 2026

Session Content:

  • Session 1: The CASA/GAL Volunteer Role
  • Session 2: The Well-Being of the Child
  • Session 3: Trauma, Resilience, and Communication Skills
  • Session 4: Mental Health, Poverty, and Confidentiality
  • Session 5: Substance Abuse and Different Backgrounds and Experiences
  • Session 6: Domestic Violence, Values and Perceptions
  • Session 7: Educational Advocacy and Supporting Older Youth
  • Session 8: Moving Forward as an Advocate and Court Report Writing

​Have questions about training or schedules? Contact CJ Spencer.