CHANGE A CHILD’S STORY, BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEER

Other people may come and go in a child’s life, but CASA advocates can provide a constant presence for children in foster care or at risk of removal. You do not have to be a lawyer or social worker to be an advocate. We welcome people from all walks of life.

Why CASA? Watch the difference you can make.

As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), you will be assigned to the case of a child or group of siblings in foster care. With support and guidance from staff at your local CASA program, you will work with others and provide diligent advocacy to ensure children in foster care have their needs met, that they spend no more time in foster care than necessary, and that older youth aging out of foster care have the support and resources they need to live independently.

Steps to becoming a CASA volunteer

Becoming a CASA is a guided process — and we’ll support you at every step. Here’s what it looks like:

Find a program that is most convenient for you. Our local programs currently serve 32 different counties across the Empire State.
Each CASA program has their own application process. The process can vary from program to program, so contact them to receive more details about your next step.
You will be asked to complete an application, which will include the submission of references. In addition, prospective volunteers undergo a thorough background check to ensure that our children are in good hands. Volunteers cannot have a record of certain criminal offenses, like child abuse or neglect, or any sexual offenses. If you have any questions, please speak with your local CASA program staff.
All CASA volunteers complete the Pre-Advocacy Academy, a required training based on the National CASA/GAL Pre-Service Curriculum. This prepares you to begin your role with confidence and clarity. Training is offered in partnership with CASA of NYS and your local CASA program.
👉 Learn more about the Pre-Advocacy Academy.
Congratulations! You’ve become a sworn CASA volunteer. Now you are ready to be appointed to a child who deserves to have an advocate by their side.

CASA and our Advocate Volunteers play a very special role in the lives of children and in our family court and child welfare systems. Across the state, there are children who need your help. Attending an info session can be the first step.

CASA INFO SESSIONS:

Our one-hour, no-obligation Info Sessions are a great way to explore whether becoming a CASA volunteer is the right fit for you. Offered at least once a month via Zoom, these sessions are free, open to all, and designed to give you a clear understanding of CASA’s mission, the advocate role, and the life-changing impact volunteers make for children and youth who have experienced abuse and/or neglect.

Led by our team at CASA of New York State, in collaboration with staff from our 14 local CASA programs, each session is a welcoming space to learn more and ask questions.

You can select from the available dates in the drop-down menu on the registration form. Additional Info Sessions may be offered in the month leading up to a Pre-Advocacy Academy session.

Free. No pressure. Just information.

Advanced registration required.