Program
CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocates
Trained community volunteers who speak up for a child's best interests in the courtroom — and stand beside them outside it.
Be the voice of a child.
CASA volunteers are sworn in by judges and trained to gather facts, build trust with the child, and make recommendations that help the court make decisions in the child's best interest. For many children in the foster care system, their CASA is the most consistent adult they will know.
- 30 hours of comprehensive training, fully supported
- Roughly 10–15 hours/month of volunteer time
- Sworn officer of the court — no legal background required
- Make a measurable, lasting difference for one child at a time
CASA Best-Interest Advocacy
CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Each of these responsibilities works together — all are essential to standing up for a child.
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Learn
Learn all you can about the child and his or her family and life.
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Engage
Engage with the child during regular visits.
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Recommend
Speak up for the child's best interests in court. Make recommendations regarding the child's placement and needed services, and monitor the child's situation until the case is released by the court.
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Collaborate
Collaborate with others to ensure that necessary services are provided and are in the child's best interest.
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Report
Report what you have learned and observed to the court.
CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Here's what that means.
Learn
Learn all you can about the child and his or her family and life.
Engage
Engage with the child during regular visits.
Recommend
Speak up for the child's best interests in court. Make recommendations regarding the child's placement and needed services, and monitor the child's situation until the case is released by the court.
Collaborate
Collaborate with others to ensure that necessary services are provided and are in the child's best interest.
Report
Report what you have learned and observed to the court.
VOLUNTEER TRAINING
Ready to make a difference in your community?
CASA volunteers play a powerful role in helping children feel seen, heard, and supported. If you are ready to take the next step, review our upcoming training opportunities below.
Upcoming CASA Training Events
Training Sessions
June 23 – July 15, 2026
- Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- In-person at Alexandria
- CAN Campus, Alexandria
Training Sessions
August 3 – September 8, 2026
- Mondays 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Pre-training completed in-person + 4 online sessions on Zoom
Training Sessions
September 29 – October 22, 2026
- Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- In-person with Zoom option
- CAN Campus, Alexandria
CASA volunteers play a powerful role in helping children feel seen, heard, and supported. If you are ready to take the next step, review our upcoming training opportunities below.
For more information, contact us at volunteer@childrensadvocacy.net
ELIGIBILITY
CASA Volunteer Qualifications
CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, but every advocate must meet a few important requirements before being assigned to a case.
You must be 21 years of age or older.
You must have reliable transportation.
You must successfully pass the screening process.
You must complete 30 hours of training.
You must be able to make a commitment to a case.
Ready to begin? Contact volunteer@childrensadvocacy.net to learn more.
Thank you to our sponsors!
If a child is in danger