Volunteer
CASA volunteers are everyday people
Teachers, business people, retirees, stay-at-home parents, and grandparents – committed to making a difference for children who might otherwise slip through the cracks of an overburdened foster care system. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to help ensure that every child in foster care is moved to a safe, stable, permanent home as quickly as possible. CASA volunteers research case records and interview each person involved in a child’s life, including family members, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and social workers. They monitor the progress of the child and family and advocate for the child’s current and future needs in court, in school, and in agency meetings. CASA’s independent evaluations allow the court to make better informed decisions.
Because CASA volunteers serve on one case and commit at least 12 months of their time, they truly get to know an individual child or sibling group. They provide sustained, personal attention to every child – just as every child deserves.
We invite you to join our family of volunteers and make a difference in a child’s life – and your own.
Steps to Becoming A CASA Volunteer
Step One: Apply
Be 21 years of age or older.
Provide 5 references with email addresses.
Provide your driver’s license number for the mandatory background check.
Complete the application here
You must complete the application in a single session; you will not be able to save and return to it later.
Step Two: Interview
Our Training Manager will follow up with you after your application has been reviewed. Applicants will schedule a one hour pre-training interview to go over expectations and our Training Manager will answer any questions that you may have.
Applicants must successfully pass screening, background checks, and fingerprint requirements prior to training.
Step Three: Train
View our training dates. CASA is requesting that applications be turned in two weeks before their preferred training date in order to allow for applicants to complete fingerprinting and a pre-training interview.
Successfully complete initial 6-week training course provided by the CASA of Central Texas, Inc. program: 42 hours of initial training including weekly classroom sessions, homework, online coursework, and 4 hours of court observation.
Complete 12 hours of continuing education per year.
Step Four: Advocate
Be able to keep information confidential and work within established program guidelines.
Be able to serve at least 12 months of your time (average 10-15 hours per month).
Visit with the child on at least a monthly basis.
Interview all parties associated with the case.
Attend court hearings to testify as to the best interest of the child.
A 6-part Volunteer Training Course is required for all new Court Appointed Special Advocate Volunteers. If you are interested in enrolling in one of our upcoming training courses, please complete a volunteer application.
Not ready to become an advocate but want to support CASA?
Help us in one of these ways:
Community outreach events
Advocate appreciation socials
School supply and toy drives
Fundraisers