Everything You Should Know About Becoming a CASA

Have you ever felt the tug to do something more—something meaningful that changes lives? At CASA of Linn County, we often hear from people who want to make a difference but aren’t sure where to start. Maybe they’ve heard the name in passing, volunteered alongside a friend, or seen us at a community event and thought, What exactly do they do?

If the examples above sound like you, you’re in the right place. In this blog. we’;; answer some of the most frequently asked questions about volunteering as a CASA—so you can move from curious and interested to confident and involved.

Let’s get started.

What Is a CASA?

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained volunteer who advocates for a child in foster care who has experienced abuse or neglect. These children often find themselves moving between homes, schools, and caseworkers. In the midst of all that change, CASAs are there to be their steady, trusted presence.

CASA volunteers get to know the child, gather information from everyone involved in the case, and make recommendations to the court based on the child’s best interests.

In short, a CASA helps ensure no child slips through the cracks.

Do I Need Legal or Child Welfare Experience?

Nope—not at all! You don’t need a background in law, social work, or child welfare to become a CASA. Instead, all you need is:

• A heart for children
• The ability to remain objective
• A commitment to show up consistently
• Willingness to learn through our training program

Fortunately, we provide all the tools, guidance, and support you need to succeed. Our CASA volunteers come from all walks of life: retirees, working professionals, stay-at-home parents, college students, and more. In fact, the diversity of experience only strengthens our community.

How Much Time Does It Take?

On average, a CASA volunteer spends around 10 hours per month on their case. That time includes visiting the child, attending meetings, writing reports, staying in touch with caseworkers and teachers, and sometimes appearing in court. Volunteers usually work on one case at a time, and we work with you to ensure the case fits your capacity.

And don’t worry—you’re never doing this alone. Our staff is here to support you every step of the way.

What Does Training Involve?

CASA of Linn County provides a thorough 40-hour pre-service training that covers everything you need to know to feel confident in your role. Training topics include:

• The child welfare system
• Child development and trauma
• Cultural competency
• Court processes and report writing
• How to advocate effectively

Training sessions are offered multiple times throughout the year and are available in person and online. After training, a judge will swear you in, and that’s when your real journey begins.

Additionally, we offer continuing education throughout the year to keep your knowledge fresh and your advocacy strong.

Will I Be Assigned a Child Right Away?

Not immediately. Once you complete training and have sworn in, a judge will appoint you to a case. We work with you to find a case that fits your comfort level and schedule. From there, you begin to build a relationship with the child (or sibling group) and start advocating on their behalf.

What Kind of Support Will I Have?

CASA of Linn County believes that support is just as important as training. We pair every CASA with a staff supervisor who is there to help, guide, and encourage you throughout your case.

If you need help with anything (writing a report, you’re unsure how to navigate a situation with a caregiver or caseworker), your supervisor is only a phone call or email away when you need them.

Moreover, we host monthly in-services, offer ongoing resources, and provide opportunities to connect with fellow volunteers so you never feel alone in the work.

What About the Court? Will I Have to Testify?

Possibly—but don’t worry. Part of your role as a CASA is to attend hearings related to your child’s case. A judge may ask you to speak directly to them about your findings and recommendations. However, in most cases, your written reports will do the talking for you.

Our training prepares you for court involvement, and your supervisor will help you every step of the way. Many volunteers find the courtroom experience empowering because it’s the moment when their voice carries the weight of change.

How Long Does a CASA Stay with a Child?

Ideally, a CASA stays with a child until the case closes. One of the most powerful parts of being a CASA is that you are often the only consistent adult in a child’s life during this time. While caseworkers and placements may change, CASAs usually remain a steady, trusted presence.

Typically, most cases last 12–18 months, though timelines can vary. What matters most is your commitment to sticking with the child for as long as possible to reach a safe, permanent resolution.

Is This a Good Fit for Me?

Being a CASA might be the perfect fit if you:

• Care deeply about children
• Believe in fairness, stability, and dignity
• Can remain objective and respectful
• Want to make a real difference in your community

We always encourage people to attend an information session to learn more. You’ll get an inside look at what it’s like, hear real volunteer stories, and have a chance to ask questions in a low-pressure environment.

I’m Interested! What’s My Next Step?

We’d love to have you join our CASA community.

Here’s how to get started:

• Visit our website at www.linncasa.org
• Sign up for an info session
• Complete a volunteer application
• Attend training and get sworn in
• Start making a difference—one child at a time

Small steps count, and every action adds up to meaningful change.

Still Not Sure?

We get it. Volunteering as a CASA is a commitment—and it’s not for everyone. But if you’ve made it this far in the blog, chances are, you’re the kind of person who wants to help. Maybe the time isn’t right today, and that’s okay. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, come to an event, or share our mission with someone who might be the right fit. When you’re ready, we’ll be here.

The Power of One

CASAs don’t take over the system—they change it from within by focusing on what truly matters: a child’s well-being. One visit. One voice. One case at a time. You could be that one.

Are you ready to be a voice for a child in Linn County?

We’d love to meet you!