Volunteer
What is a CASA?
Williamson County CASA trains everyday people to stand up for children who’ve been abused or neglected, often becoming the only consistent adult in that child’s life.
Advocates – empowered directly by the courts – offer judges the critical information they need to ensure that each child’s rights & needs are being attended to while in foster care.
After a CASA is trained, they are assigned to a child. They will get to know them & their life, and submit reports to the judge to ensure their needs are understood & prioritized. They will be there at every major moment in that child’s case – helping guide them toward safety, hope & a stable home they will thrive in.
Who Are the children?
These are abused & neglected children who have been thrown into the court system. They are children who need a voice in a crowded, overworked system that can otherwise feel bureaucratic and impersonal.
Imagine the life of a child who has no guidance, no mentor, no sense of belonging, and no voice. A young person confused & scared by the actions of the adults in his or her life.
These are the children in our society at the greatest risk. They need compassionate, brave, driven men & women to help them through a very unstable time.
Who is a CASA?
Anyone can be a CASA. Volunteers don’t need legal experience: just the time and the heart to help a child.
CASA volunteers come from all walks of life.
85%
are women
86%
have a degree
46%
are employed full-time
27%
are retired
Advocate Stories
CASA volunteers are not therapists nor official legal counsel. They are, in essence, a friend & responsible advocate with the goal of securing a solid home for a child – so that he or she has a fighting chance to become a happy, fulfilled adult. Our CASA advocates are YOU!
Frequently AskedQuestions
What is a CASA volunteer?
A CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a trained citizen who is appointed by the Judge to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court.
What is a CASA volunteer’s role?
CASA advocates provide the judge with carefully researched information about the child to help the court make a sound decision about that child’s future. They provide written reports to the court and follow through until that child reaches a safe, permanent home.
How does a CASA relate to the child?
CASA advocates offer children trust and advocacy during legal proceedings. They encourage the child to express his or her opinions and hopes, while maintaining their own objectivity.
How many cases do volunteers carry?
CASA volunteers typically carry one or two cases at a time.
How much time does it require?
It typically requires 10-25 hours a month per case until the case is resolved.
What kind of training is required?
CASA advocates complete a 33 hour training course and a mandatory court observation. All classes must be completed for a volunteer to graduate and be sworn in by the court as a CASA volunteer. Each volunteer must also complete 12 hours of continuing education every year after his or her first year of service.
What kind of person is a CASA volunteer?
CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. Volunteers must be 21 or older, undergo a background check, provide references and take part in a personal interview. Volunteer advocates are patient, open-minded people who have good communication skills, can maintain professionalism and objectivity, have a history of following through on commitments and a willingness to accept guidance. Above all, they care about children.
How it WorksAdvocate Job Description
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) must make at least a two year commitment, complete a CASA training course & court observation hours, and successfully pass a CASA background screening, among other requirements.
Contact
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Williamson County CASA volunteer. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our Advocate Supervisors at volunteer_inquiry@williamsoncountycasa.org.