Become a CASA Volunteer
Join CASA of Southwest Michigan as a volunteer and make a difference in the life of a child in foster care.
No special skills are needed—just a love for kids and a passion for advocacy. With training, support, and time, you can be the voice that changes a child’s future.
Call us at (269) 934-3707 or email director@casaswmi.org to learn more.
What is a CASA Volunteer?
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a compassionate and dedicated individual who becomes a voice for children in the family court system. CASA volunteers are caring adults who provide consistency and support to children who have experienced abuse or neglect. They are specially trained and sworn in by a judge to advocate for the best interests of these vulnerable children, helping to navigate the complexities of the foster care and judicial systems.
CASA volunteers take on many roles—they are listeners, fact-gatherers, advocates, and trusted allies for the children they serve. By building a meaningful relationship with the child, CASAs can provide valuable insight into their unique needs, express their circumstances in court, recommend necessary services, and help the child understand what’s happening in their case.
Appointed by family court judges, CASA volunteers are supported by a professional team and equipped with extensive training to ensure they are prepared to make a lasting impact. If you have the passion and heart to change the life of a child in foster care, CASA of Southwest Michigan welcomes you to join their mission.
Who Can Volunteer?
Our volunteers come from all walks of life, and no specific skills or professional background are required to join our team. All you need is a love for children, a passion for advocacy, a willingness to learn, and the time to dedicate to making a difference. To become a CASA volunteer, you must meet a few basic requirements: be at least 21 years old and successfully pass a background check. If you have questions or want to learn more, we’re here to help! Call us at (269) 934-3707 or email director@casaswmi.org to learn more.
Steps to Become a CASA Volunteer
Step 1: Submit an Application
Begin your journey by submitting an application to your local CASA program. Once your application is reviewed, you’ll be contacted to schedule an interview where you can discuss the program and your interest in volunteering.
Step 2: Complete a Background Check
For the safety and well-being of the children, all CASA volunteers must undergo a thorough background check. Please note that certain criminal offenses may disqualify applicants, as outlined in the application process.
Step 3: Attend CASA Training
Participate in a 30-hour comprehensive training program designed to equip you with essential knowledge and skills. Topics include child abuse, juvenile law, court processes, trauma, and advocacy techniques to prepare you to be a strong voice for children in foster care.
Step 4: Take Your Oath
After completing your training, you’ll take an oath before a judge to officially become a CASA volunteer. Once sworn in, you’ll be assigned to a child’s case, ready to make a meaningful difference in their life.
FAQs About Volunteering
Can I Volunteer If I Work Full-Time?
Yes! Many of our volunteers hold full-time jobs. Some flexibility is needed to attend court hearings and meetings, but we work with you to make it manageable.
What Does Training Involve?
Our training program is comprehensive and equips you with everything you need to be a successful advocate. It includes:
- 10 sessions (3 hours each, typically on weekday evenings).
- Topics like law, trauma, brain development, poverty, culture, education, medical needs, and effective advocacy.
After training, CASA Staff will provide ongoing support to ensure you feel confident in your role.
Can I Choose the Child I Work With?
While we do our best to consider your preferences, we serve the children assigned to us by the court. Flexibility is important as we work to match you with a child in need.
How Many Children Will I Advocate For?
Most CASA Volunteers advocate for 1-2 children at a time. For larger sibling groups, we often create a team of volunteers to ensure each child’s needs are met.
Where Are CASA Kids Located?
All children we serve have court hearings in Berrien or St. Joseph Counties. However, due to a shortage of local foster homes, some children may be placed in surrounding communities.
Make a Difference Today
Volunteering with CASA is a life-changing experience—not just for the children you serve, but for you as well. By providing advocacy, stability, and a voice for a child in foster care, you become a critical part of their journey toward a brighter future.