Ready to Become a Child Advocate?
When you’re ready to begin making a difference in the life of an abused or neglected child our staff makes sure you're well-prepared for your first case. We offer training courses and continuing education programs to equip you with the skills you need to be an advocate for a vulnerable child. Call us today at (270) 683-2138 to find out if our program is right for you. Fill out the form below if you would like us to reach out to you!
Who’s eligible to become a volunteer advocate?
We accept volunteers from all walks of life. If you don't have the time to be an advocate, we have other ways you can help. To become a volunteer advocate, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Complete our extensive background check process
- Commit to advocating through the life of the case (Average 12-18 months)
- Finish a 30-hour pre-service training course
Cases typically last as long as a year and a half. During that time, you'll interview the child, family members, and anyone else involved with the child's life. You'll also attend court proceedings and testify about your findings, if necessary.
You do not need to have a background in child development, social services, or the law. If you are a community member who is ready to make a difference in the life of a child, CASA may be for you.
CASA Volunteer Form
I’m looking for CASA volunteers to bring courageous and common-sense recommendations.
Local Judge
What is the role of a CASA volunteer?
CASAs have the unique role of advocating for the best interest of the CHILD. CASA Volunteers are trained citizens appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in court. Children helped by CASA volunteers are involved in the Family Court system because they have been abused or neglected. CASA children may live with their parents, with a family member, someone who is like family, or in a foster home.
The CASA volunteer provides the judge with carefully researched background details about the child to help the court make a sound decision about that child's future. Each case is as unique as the child involved. The CASA Advocate will build a relationship with the child and significant people in the child’s life. The CASA will then create a report to submit to the judge (with staff support!) that includes facts about the child, the CASA advocates interpretation of the best interest of the child, the strengths of the family, and the wishes the child has for their future.
Have questions? Reach Out! We want to tell you about CASA and how you can be a voice for a child.
How do CASA volunteers investigate a case?
To gather information to share with the judge, the CASA volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, social workers, school officials, health providers, and others who are knowledgeable about the child's history. The CASA volunteer also reviews all records pertaining to the child: school, medical, caseworker reports, and other documents.
