DO YOU WANT TO BE A CASA VOLUNTEER, AND JUST NEED TO KNOW HOW TO GET STARTED?
As a first step to becoming a CASA Volunteer, join us for an upcoming virtual, one-hour Information Session. Upcoming Information Sessions are listed on our Events page.
ABOUT OUR CASA PROGRAM
What is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer?
A CASA for Kids’ Voice is a volunteer who serves as the “voice in court” for a child who has experienced abuse or neglect. Kids’ Voice of Indiana is appointed in all abuse and neglect cases in Marion County when a judge decides the court’s ongoing intervention (and the involvement of the Department of Child Services), is required to keep the child safe. As you can imagine, this is a scary, vulnerable and complicated time in a child’s life. Our volunteers get to know the child, advocate for their needs, and present their best interests to the judge who is making consequential decisions on the child’s behalf.
Who can be a CASA volunteer?
CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. They are dedicated, trained and supervised volunteers, appointed by the courts to gather information and make recommendations about what is in a child’s best interest. CASAs are at least 21 years old and pass criminal and DCS background checks.
How is this different than a GAL volunteer?
GAL volunteers at Kids’ Voice do similar work to CASA volunteers, but for a different type of legal case. GAL volunteers are appointed to cases related to adoption, divorce, paternity, and guardianship. You can learn more about GAL volunteering here.
Your next steps to becoming a CASA volunteer
The first step toward becoming a CASA volunteer is to sign up to join us at an upcoming Information Session! You’ll learn details about the need for CASA volunteers, the specific tasks involved in the work, how much time is required and more. All upcoming sessions are listed at the top of this page. You can also fill out our CASA volunteer application. Both steps are required before registering for a training class.
There are over 3,100 children in Marion County today who have been abused or neglected. Each one deserves a CASA volunteer standing up for them in court. We hope you’ll join us!
