Volunteer
Imagine the experience of children who are removed from their parents because the people who should have protected them cannot or will not do so. These children find themselves in a world filled with social workers, lawyers, judges, and courtrooms where life-altering decisions are made on their behalf, while they remain voiceless. A CASA volunteer is a court appointed, trained and committed adult who stands by their side, watches over their case and advocates for their best interest.
A CASA volunteer ensures that these children remain a priority in an overburdened legal and social service system. You may be the only guiding presence involved from beginning to end during a child’s case. For these children, you will be the difference between instability and permanence, insecurity and learning to trust, invisibility and being made a priority.
We hope you decide to join our family of volunteers, everyday people, who are committed to improving abused children's lives. It is easier than you think.
Your volunteer commitment
As a CASA volunteer advocate you commit to spending 15-20 hours per month on one specific case for at least a year. You research the case, talk with everyone involved and build a trusting relationship with your child or children. You will prepare reports to the court based on what you believe is best for the child, helping the judge make the most informed decision possible; you will serve as the “eyes and ears” of the court. The scheduling of your activities is flexible, and you will be paired with a staff professional who supports and guides you every single step of the way.
Training to become a volunteer
You do not need any special kind of education or experience to serve as a CASA volunteer. We will provide you with all the training and support to serve as an effective advocate. The CASA University course work consists of 30 hours of training designed to be a self-paced learning experience. In addition, you will participate in 3 hours of courtroom observation to watch trained advocates in action. All training is completed before you work directly with children on a case. You will begin your course work with CASA 101: What it means to be a CASA volunteer. Afterwards, you may take the remaining 9 sessions in the order that works for you. Classroom sessions are offered at a variety of times and dates providing you with maximum flexibility. View our current training schedules.
As a CASA volunteer, you will not only greatly improve the life of a child in need, you will also impact your own life tremendously. Many CASA volunteers often question whose life was most affected by a case, theirs or the child's. If you are interested in taking on a unique and meaningful role as a volunteer, please consider training to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate.
To learn more about volunteering with CASA, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Melia Graber at (512) 459-2272 or via email.
You must be at least 21 years of age and be able to pass extensive reference, Child Protective Services and criminal background checks before becoming a CASA volunteer. You cannot be a current foster parent or be in the process of adopting a child from Child Protective Services.
CASA Open House
Please consider attending an Open House at the CASA office. Stop by the CASA office anytime from 10 am to 6 pm on the following Tuesdays to talk with our Volunteer Coordinator and staff members about becoming a Volunteer Advocate.
August 3rd
September 7th
October 5th
November 2nd
Community for CASA
Interested in supporting CASA of Travis County, but unable to become an advocate at this time? Consider joining Community for CASA, a brand new volunteer organization made up of young men and women dedicated to improving the lives of abused and neglected children in our community. The organization is committed to creating a fun and social environment to raise funds for and promote awareness of CASA of Travis County. Visit the Community for CASA page to learn more.
Intern with CASA of Travis County
Find out more about program and development internships (unpaid) with CASA on our Employment page.