Becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer in San Diego means showing up, consistently and purposefully, for a child in foster care who may have no other stable adult in their corner. You don’t need a legal background or a social work degree. You need the willingness to listen, advocate, and make time. This page walks you through exactly what the San Diego CASA program involves, what the journey looks like from application to advocacy, and the answers to questions most prospective volunteers ask before taking that first step.
Voices for Children has designed a clear, supportive process so you know what to expect at every stage. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Everything starts with a simple online application. You’ll share some basic background information and answer a few questions about why you want to become a CASA volunteer. There’s no commitment required at this stage, just a willingness to explore.
Step 2: Attend a Volunteer Orientation
After your application is reviewed, you’ll be invited to a free orientation session. This is your chance to learn more about the program, ask questions, and meet the team before deciding if CASA is right for you. No pressure, just information.
Step 3: Complete Your Training
Voices for Children provides thorough pre-service training that covers the foster care system, child development, trauma-informed approaches, and your role as a CASA. Training is typically completed over several sessions and prepares you to step into advocacy with confidence.
Step 4: Get Matched with a Child
Once certified, you’ll be matched with a child in San Diego County’s foster care system. Matches are made thoughtfully, with attention to geography, schedule, and any specific needs the child may have.
Step 5: Begin Your Advocacy
As a CASA volunteer, you’ll meet regularly with your child, review case records, connect with teachers and caregivers, and attend court hearings. Your goal is to understand what the child needs and communicate that to the judge, clearly and without bias.
Step 6: Receive Ongoing Support
You’re never advocating alone. Voices for Children provides a dedicated staff supervisor throughout your entire service, answering questions, offering guidance, and helping you navigate complex situations so you can focus on the child.
Ready to begin? Start your application here.
Hear From Our San Diego Volunteers
The best way to understand what CASA volunteering means is to hear from our volunteers who have walked this path.
“I never expected to feel so connected to this child’s future. Being a CASA volunteer in San Diego changed both of us.”
— Sarah Johnson, San Diego CASA Volunteer
“I was nervous at first, but the training and staff support made me feel ready. This is the most meaningful thing I’ve done.”
— Michael Thompson, San Diego CASA Volunteer
Common Questions About Becoming a CASA Volunteer in San Diego
We’ve answered the common questions about volunteering that most people have before applying. Here are the ones we hear most often.
How much time does being a CASA volunteer require?
Most CASA volunteers in San Diego dedicate between 10 and 15 hours per month to their child’s case. That typically breaks down to a few visits, some case record review, coordination with caregivers or educators, and an occasional court appearance. Your schedule matters, Voices for Children works with you to find a match that fits your life.
Do I need special qualifications or a degree?
No degree is required. Volunteers come from every professional background, educators, business owners, healthcare workers, retirees, and parents. What matters most is your commitment, reliability, and genuine care for children in foster care. Voices for Children provides all the training you need.
What does the training involve, and how long does it take?
Pre-service training covers the California foster care system, trauma-informed communication, court processes, documentation standards, and the CASA role. Training is completed before you’re matched with a child and ensures you walk into your first meeting feeling prepared, not overwhelmed.
What exactly do CASA volunteers do day to day?
As a CASA volunteer, you’ll meet regularly with your child, speak with the people in their life (teachers, foster parents, caseworkers), review case files, and attend juvenile court hearings. You then write a report for the judge summarizing the child’s situation and your recommendations, a voice the child may not otherwise have in the courtroom.
Are CASA volunteers paid or compensated?
CASA volunteers are unpaid. This is a community service role. That said, Voices for Children provides full training at no cost to you, ongoing staff support throughout your service, and a community of fellow volunteers who understand exactly what you’re navigating.
Learn More — Volunteer Resources
Looking to go deeper before you decide? These resources from Voices for Children will help you understand the CASA experience, the foster care system in San Diego, and the difference one advocate can make.
Ready to Change a Child’s Story?
Foster children in San Diego County need consistent, caring adults in their corner, people willing to show up, speak up, and stay the course. As a CASA volunteer, that person is you.
The journey starts with a single step: submitting your application. Voices for Children will guide you through everything that comes next. Training, matching, support, community, it’s all there for you.
→ Start Your Application Today
Questions first? Visit our volunteer FAQ page or reach out to the Voices for Children team directly. We’d love to hear from you.
