ABOUT
THE NATIONAL CASA/GAL ASSOCIATION FOR CHILDREN SUPPORTS AND PROMOTES COURT-APPOINTED VOLUNTEER ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED ABUSE OR NEGLECT
CHARITY snapshot
WHAT THEY DO
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) or Guardian Ad-litem (GAL) is a volunteer who guides a child in the foster care system to a safe and permanent home as quickly as possible.
They provide a constant presence in the child’s life during their time in foster care.
HOW THEY DO IT
When a home is no longer safe and a child must enter foster care, a judge may appoint a CASA/GAL volunteer to a child.
A CASA/GAL has the child’s best interests at the forefront of every decision during the time the child spends in foster care.
location & minimum Age
Located in the United States
Each CASA/GAL Program is run at the local level- find your local program
Minimum age to volunteer: 21 years old
VOLUNTEER
Comprehensive 30+ hours training program – varies per locality
Flexible volunteer schedule with a time commitment of 12-15 hours per month
Start with attending a one hour, no-obligation volunteer information session in your area – some are virtual!
other ways to help
ADVOCATE FOR LEGISLATION at the national level
GIVE in-kind donations that your local chapter needs: Check your local chapter’s wishlists.
INVITE A SPEAKER from your local CASA program to speak to your group, place of worship or organization
Charities2love insights
The CASA volunteer is fully supported by the CASA staff in their local program.
The training program teaches about courtroom procedures and the consequences of abuse and neglect.
You learn transferable life skills.
This is a great volunteer opportunity for those who love children and advocacy.
FIND IT FAST
- Find your local program
- Learn more about being a CASA in Texas, including finding your local Texas program
- Learn more about CASA’s impact at the national level
- Donate at the national level, in Texas, or locally.
FOLLOW THEM
National Programs
Texas CASA
More 2 love
- Rated GOLD TRANSPARENCY 2023 by Candid
- Attend your local CASA’s fundraising events, like golf tournaments, galas, and clay shoots.
- Some programs have a Young Professional Council to provide social and charitable opportunities for those 21-39 years old
- For an insider’s view on CASA, read our blog post about Maitry’s experience as a CASA
QUOTE OF NOTE
CASA Volunteer (from Texas CASA)
My favorite moment was watching my CASA child be told she was going home to her loving mother after years of being apart. After a long journey, a true story of forgiveness and unconditional love in the heart of a child that most adults are not willing or capable of.”