Serving Bowie, Cass, Miller, Little River, Hempstead, Howard, Nevada, and Lafayette Counties
The Role of a Volunteer Advocate
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) works one-on-one with a child in the foster care system. CASA volunteers gather information on a child's circumstances to make recommendations to the court that will support the child. Ideally, CASA volunteers will work towards reuniting the child with their family of origin whenever safe, and if reunification is not possible, they may recommend placing the child with extended family or family friends. Volunteer Advocates advocate for permanency, well-being, and safety that help each child flourish.
“Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.”
- C.S. Lewis
Becoming an Advocate
What is a Volunteer Advocate?
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are committed, highly-trained volunteers who are appointed by a judge to an individual child's case, to act and advocate for the child's best interests in court and in all aspects of their life, making a positive difference and giving them the opportunity to thrive.
What is the commitment?
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Minimum 18-month commitment
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Complete new volunteer training
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Visit child(ren) once per month (An average of 10 hours time commitment per month)
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Maintain confidentiality
What are the requirements?
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Be at least 21 years old
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Have a valid driver's license
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Have access to a vehicle and proof of insurance
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Complete criminal and CPS background check
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Have the desire, time, patience, and heart to work with children and families