Volunteer your time to Change A Child's Story.™
Serving as a CASA Volunteer is a flexible, meaningful, and unique volunteer opportunity. To learn more about the impact that CASA Volunteers make in their communities, read about The Need For Volunteers.
Step 1: Contact your local CASA program.
Illinois CASA is a network of 30 local programs advocating for children in more than 80% of communities in Illinois. Visit our Locations page to find your local program and get connected.
Want to learn more about CASA before getting started? Attend an Illinois CASA 101 Informational Session (hosted via Zoom monthly).
Step 2: Begin the application process with your local CASA program.
Each local program’s process is slightly different, so be sure to contact their team to find out how you can get involved. CASA Staff are prepared to support you through every step of your onboarding and future advocacy. Some programs have their application online. Find your local CASA program's website and check it out today!
Step 3: Complete a background check.
Every volunteer advocate must undergo a comprehensive background check. Volunteers cannot have a record of certain criminal offenses, including child abuse, neglect, or sexual crimes. Background checks are provided at no cost to the volunteer.
Step 4: Complete CASA Pre-Service Training.
Before accepting a case, volunteers are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of CASA Pre-Service Training. This training equips our volunteers with knowledge of the Illinois child welfare system, the role of a CASA/GAL volunteer, and techniques for communicating with involved parties. CASA Pre-Service Training thoroughly prepares you to be an effective advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect in your community. After you complete training, you can find continued training resources in Illinois CASA's Advocacy Toolkits.
Step 5: Take the CASA Oath, administered by your local judge.
The final step, which occurs after training but before accepting a case, is to take the CASA Oath. This oath, sometimes called the Swearing In Ceremony, is administered by a judge at your local courthouse. In this oath, you will promise to protect and promote the best interests of the children you go on to serve.
Step 6: Accept your first CASA case.
After you complete all of the steps above, local CASA staff will contact you about available cases in your community. After choosing to accept a case, CASA Volunteers are supervised by local CASA staff members to support their advocacy journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time commitment of being a CASA volunteer?
CASA Volunteers report an average of 5-15 hours of volunteer advocacy per month. However, being a CASA Volunteer is a long-term commitment; CASA volunteers commit to advocating for their assigned child or set of siblings until the kids find a safe, permanent and loving home. The average case that is assigned a CASA Volunteer may stay open for 12-18 months, but could be shorter or longer depending on the circumstances.
Generally, being a CASA volunteer is a flexible volunteer opportunity. CASA volunteers coordinate with a child's caretakers to schedule monthly visits, and may also interact with other adults, including teachers, caseworkers, medical staff, and other professionals. In addition to maintaining communication with children, CASA volunteers may also interact with the families of children (including biological families, foster families, and kinship providers).
What are the requirements to be a volunteer?
For most CASA programs, CASA Volunteers must:
- Be over 21 years of age
- Be able to complete CASA Pre-Service Training & Pass a Background Check
- Be willing to commit to the responsibilities of being a CASA Volunteer
CASA Volunteers do not need any special prior experience with law or child welfare, but are expected to review documents, communicate verbally & in writing, and advocate professionally on behalf of a child. Anyone can be a CASA volunteer, and your local CASA program is ready to give you the training and support you need to advocate for a child in your community.
Each local CASA program has its own unique onboarding process. Find your local CASA program to get started today.
Can I learn more before applying?
Of course! To learn more about CASA before applying to become a volunteer, you can...
