What does a CASA Volunteer do?
Children with CASAs have an ally who speaks only for them—giving judges the clear picture they need to make life-changing decisions.
When a child enters the child welfare system due to abuse or neglect, they find themselves navigating a complex journey toward reunification paved with regular court dates, social workers, foster placements, and new schools. In Caroline County, because the community is resource deprived, these children are often placed out of county and sometimes out of state with limited access to the family they have in place. In addition to the professional support from attorneys and DSS, another constant figure who can make a world of difference is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
If you’ve ever wondered what a CASA volunteer does, or if you have what it takes to become one, here is a clear look at this vital role.
A CASA Volunteer is a trained community member appointed by a judge to speak up for the best interests of a child in foster care. Unlike social workers or attorneys who may manage dozens of cases simultaneously, a CASA volunteer is typically assigned to just one child or sibling group at a time. This allows the advocate to provide focused, individual attention and serve as a reliable, consistent adult during a chaotic time in a child’s life. To be a CASA, one does not need a degree in legal studies or social work; they come from various professional backgrounds. The 30-hour Pre-Service Training provides a comprehensive overview of all the information and tools need to be successful in their role.
The core responsibilities of a CASA volunteer’s work centers on four main pillars: gather data, visit regularly, write reports, and advocate in court.
1. Gathering Information
To understand what is truly in the child’s best interest, a CASA conducts independent research. They review school records, medical files, and reports specific to the child, while interviewing key figures in the child’s life—parents, foster parents, teachers, therapists, and doctors.
2. Building a Relationship & Monthly Visits
Volunteers visit their assigned child in person at least once a month. These visits might involve sharing a meal, going to a park, helping with life skills, or simply listening. Over time, this consistency builds deep trust.
3. Reporting to the Court
Before court hearings, the CASA writes an objective report for the judge. This document outlines how the child is faring in school, health, and placement, while offering concrete recommendations for services and family reunification.
4. Advocating in Court and Community
The CASA attends court hearings to speak on the child’s behalf. Outside the courtroom, they ensure the child receives necessary resources such as specialized tutoring, counseling, or family visitations as needed.
CASA programs and the courts ask for an 18 to 24-month commitment, which ensures continuity until the case is permanently resolved whether through safe reunification, guardianship, or adoption.
On average, a volunteer spends 10 to 15 hours per month on their case. Monthly in-person visits with the child to which one is assigned can average between 2-4 hours per month; ongoing stakeholder check-ins between 2-3 hours per month; preparation and writing of court reports take place every 3-6 months and can average between 3-5 hours per month; and periodic court hearings between 2-4 hours per month. Because much of the communication and record review can be done flexibly, over 50% to 70% of CASA volunteers work full-time jobs.
The impact of having a dedicated advocate works to shorten the time a child spends in foster care, ensure better educational outcomes, and provide emotional stability. Children assigned a CASA reach safe, stable, loving, and permanent homes at a faster rate. Because of the support they receive from their CASA, these children receive more necessary educational services and perform better in school. The reliability provided through having a single adult who stays with a child through multiple placements provides crucial emotional security.
If you are interested in making a direct impact and becoming a CASA Volunteer in Caroline County, begin by completing an online application at www.casaofcaroline.org. Once your application and reference surveys pass the vetting process, CASA of Caroline will order a comprehensive background check. If the background checks come back clean, you will be invited to attend a 30-hour Pre-Service Training covering the role and responsibilities of a CASA, the child welfare system, child development, legal procedures, trauma, and cultural responsiveness. If you complete the training successfully, you are officially sworn in by the family court judge and assigned to your first case where you will be supervised.
By giving a few hours of your time each month, you can change the trajectory of a child’s life and help build a stronger, more compassionate community.
