What is a CASA Volunteer?

Welcome! A Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer, or CASA, has a unique and extremely important role in helping preserve the well-being of children in foster care. To become a CASA volunteer, you do NOT need a childcare or law degree or a background in child welfare. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. They share a common desire to make a difference in their community and are passionate about making a substantive difference in a child’s life.

Many people come in and out of a child’s life once they have been removed from their home, but a CASA volunteer is the one constant in a case to be a strong voice for that child. A CASA volunteer advocates for the child’s best interest within the Court and in the world where the child lives. They get to know the child and understand the circumstances that led to the child’s removal from their home. A CASA will take the time to gather as much information about the child and their case circumstances as possible. They do this by contacting the child’s social worker, the foster or group home, teachers, counselors, or therapists. Together, they can all collaborate on what is in the best interest of the child.

As a CASA, you can make a lasting difference in a child’s life and in the future of our community. At the same time, don’t be surprised if you notice a change in yourself along the way.

The CASA Role

CASAs are specially trained volunteers who are appointed as "Officers of the Court" to an abused or neglected child. Their role is to make recommendations to the Court about what is in the child's best interest. A CASA gets to know a child’s situation, communicates with professionals on the case, and ensures the child’s needs are being met. At regular court hearings required for all children in foster care, our CASAs report on the children’s progress and needs, which is essential for judges to make the best decisions for their futures. CASA volunteers are an active part of the child's team that is working toward ensuring the child has a safe, stable, and permanent home.

What does a CASA do?

  • Visits with the child regularly

  • Reviews the social service agency and Court records

  • Gathers information about the child from:

    • Parents

    • Caregivers

    • Social workers

    • Teachers

    • All important people in the child's life

  • Identifies family and community resources that can help meet the child's needs

  • Problem solves with the professionals involved in the child's case

  • Prepares written reports for Court hearings

  • Participates in Court hearings

  • Participates in team meetings

  • Provides testimony to the Court if requested

  • Ensures that the child's wishes are known to the judge

  • Meets regularly with the CASA case supervisor for support and guidance

  • Keeps the focus on the child until he/she is in a safe, stable, permanent home

  • Maintains confidentiality at all times

Is CASA right for YOU?

If you…

  • Care about children

  • Are at least 21 years of age

  • Live or work in Tift, Turner, Irwin, or Worth Counties

  • Are objective and non-judgmental

  • Have a flexible enough schedule to attend Court hearings and meetings

  • Have enough time in your schedule to spend 5-10 hours a month working on behalf of a child

  • Can participate in 12 hours of continuing education training per year

  • Can make a minimum one-year commitment

  • Have good written and verbal communication skills

  • Possesses basic computer skills such as email and word processing

  • Have reliable transportation

Then CASA is right for you!

How We Support Our Volunteers

CASA Volunteer Training

You don’t need to know how the foster care system works or have a legal background to sign up to become a CASA. We provide all the training you need to become a successful advocate for a child.

Advocacy Coordinator

Every volunteer is paired with a Coastal Plain CASA staff member called an Advocacy Coordinator, who will support you every step of the way. Our team is knowledgeable about foster care, trauma-informed care, legal proceedings, and the many resources available to children in foster care.

Continuing Education

While being a CASA, you will continue to have opportunities to learn and grow through movies, television shows, online trainings, and by attending CASA-to-CASA support groups, CASA-sponsored trainings, and training offered in the community.