Volunteer
OUR WHY
You can change a child's story
Every year, hundreds of children in Northeast Louisiana experience abuse or neglect. Instead of playing with friends and creating happy memories, they face court hearings, move between foster homes, and change schools. This burden is heavy for any child to bear. But with a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer by their side, these vulnerable children have someone to speak up for their best interests. Your support ensures that more children have the opportunity to thrive in safe and loving homes.
OUR VOLUNTEERS
Make a difference
A CASA volunteer is a compassionate individual dedicated to making a difference in the lives of abused or neglected children. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, ranging from moms to mill workers, teachers to truck drivers, busy CEOs to retirees. They are normal, everyday people who share a common willingness: to give their time to speak up on behalf of a child. At CASA of NELA, volunteers play a crucial role in advocating for these children, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met throughout their journey in the child welfare system. Once appointed by the court, CASA volunteers become steadfast advocates for the child, providing stability and personalized attention to help navigate towards a safe, permanent home.
OUR ADVOCACY
The role of a CASA
As a CASA, one of the most important things you will do is help a child in foster care find a safe, permanent home. You will spend time gathering information from key players in their life, from family members, social workers, and foster parents, to teachers, doctors, lawyers or other relevant people in a child’s life. Our volunteers act as the eyes and ears for a judge— giving insight to what is in the child’s best interest. CASA volunteers are appointed by the court to serve as advocates for these children, ensuring their voices are heard and their best interests are represented throughout their journey in the child welfare system.
Court - Appointed
After finishing training, CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge to speak up for abused and neglected children in court and other settings.
OUR PROCESS
Take the first step
Ready to make a difference in the life of a child? Taking the first step towards becoming a CASA volunteer is easy. Explore our training page to learn about the process of becoming a volunteer and discover upcoming training dates. Whether you're curious about CASA's mission or ready to embark on your advocacy journey, we're here to support you every step of the way. Start your journey with CASA of NELA today!
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Join us for an Information Session
Are you curious about becoming a CASA volunteer? Join us for an information session, where prospective volunteers have the opportunity to learn more about CASA of NELA and our vital role in advocating for children in Northeast Louisiana. Led by CASA staff members, these sessions provide valuable insights into the foster care system, the role of CASA volunteers, and the impact of our advocacy work. It's a chance to ask questions, gain clarity, and explore whether volunteering with CASA is the right fit for you!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Learn more about volunteering
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How do I become a CASA volunteer?The first step in becoming a CASA volunteer is to fill out an application and sign up for our volunteer pre-service training. After completing training and passing a comprehensive background check, the judge will swear you in as an officer of the court. Learn more here.
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Who can be a CASA volunteer?Community members over the age of 21 who pass a background check and complete training are eligible to become a CASA volunteer.
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What types of cases are assigned to CASA?Judges assign our advocates to children who are the most at risk, having experienced abuse or neglect and needing the Court’s protection. Some children live at home with their parents, but the majority live out of home in foster care, in group homes, or with relatives.
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How long is the training?Pre-service training is 32 hours. After a volunteer has been sworn in by the court, they are required to complete 12 additional hours of training each year.
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How do you screen prospective volunteers?Each CASA volunteer participates in a comprehensive background check process. Since Advocates work on behalf of abused and neglected children, the law requires that all advocates receive proper training, thorough screening, and assessment.
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What are the responsibilities?Key responsibilities include: Advocate for the child in court, investigate and gather information, and monitor the case progress.
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Will I have to go to court?Yes, CASA volunteers will write court reports and attend court hearings to provide their report and advocate for the child's safety, well-being, and permanency.
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How much time will I be expected to contribute each month?Every child and every case is different. The amount of time required will vary, depending on the case and the child’s age and needs. Volunteers devote, on average, 8 to 10 hours per month.
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How long is my commitment?CASA of Northeast Louisiana (NELA) requires an 12-month minimum commitment from all advocates.
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How many children will I be assigned?A CASA volunteer's caseload is typically one child or one group of siblings. Each volunteer has a dedicated CASA Advocate Supervisor to support them.
We've compiled answers to some of the most common questions prospective volunteers have about joining our team. At CASA of NELA, we understand that taking on this important role is a significant commitment, and we want to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Explore the FAQ section below to learn more about the process, training, and expectations of becoming a CASA volunteer. If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way as you embark on this rewarding journey of advocacy and service to children in need.
