You’re here because you care about helping vulnerable children. So do we.
Children who find themselves in the foster care system need a voice. They need you to speak up for them.
What is a CASA?
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASAs are volunteers of all backgrounds who make a commitment to advocate for the needs of the child or sibling group with whom they are matched.
Six Steps to Becoming a CASA Volunteer
1. Attend an Information Session
Review our requirements for becoming a CASA. Then, sign up to attend a free Information Session where you will hear from a current CASA and have the opportunity to ask questions.
2. Apply
Complete a CASA application to volunteer in either San Diego County or Riverside County. Extra Credit: You can complete your application before attending an Information Session, so you are prepared for Step 3.
3. Interview
Tell us more about yourself and share why you’re interested in volunteering. It’s our responsibility to make sure the volunteers who work with our kids are here for the right reasons, and we take that very seriously.
4. Train
Our “Advocate University” training will fully prepare you to be a successful advocate for a child. Advocate University includes 35 hours of class – some in person and some online – plus an opportunity to observe CASAs in court and meet a judge. There is a nominal fee for training that can be waived if needed.
5. Meet Your Supervisor
At the mid-point in training, you will be matched with an Advocacy Supervisor – a Voices for Children staff member who will work closely with you on the child’s case, offer resources, and provide support throughout your CASA service.
6. Advocate
You’ve completed training classes and assignments and passed the required background checks (criminal and driving record). You’re ready to advocate! After graduating, you will be matched with a child or set of siblings.
Have some questions?
If you're thinking it, there's a good chance someone else has asked the same question. Read our FAQs to learn more about the role of a CASA volunteer.
"I am a serial volunteer, and being a CASA has been my most rewarding volunteer experience yet. It is truly an honor to be invited into someone's life."
- CASA Vanessa