Todo lo que debes saber sobre el voluntariado para ser CASA

¿Has sentido alguna vez el tirón de hacer algo más, algo significativo que cambie vidas? En CASA del Condado de Linn, a menudo oímos a personas que quieren marcar la diferencia, pero no están seguras de por dónde empezar. Quizá han oído el nombre de pasada, se han ofrecido voluntarios junto a un amigo o nos han visto en un acto comunitario y han pensado: «¿Qué hacen exactamente?

Si eso suena a ti, estás en el lugar adecuado. Algunas de las preguntas más frecuentes sobre el voluntariado como CASA encontrarán respuesta en esta entrada del blog, para que puedas pasar de la curiosidad y el interés a la confianza y la implicación.

Empecemos.

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. 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! You don’t need a background in law, social work, or child welfare to become a CASA. 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

How Much Time Does It Take?

On average, a CASA volunteer spends around 10 hours per month on their case. That includes visiting the child, attending meetings, writing reports, staying in touch with caseworkers and teachers, and sometimes appearing in court. Most volunteers 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, you’ll be sworn in, and that’s when the real journey begins.

We also offer continuing education throughout the year to keep your knowledge fresh and your advocacy strong.

Will I Be Assigned a Child Right Away?

Once you complete training and have sworn in, you will be appointed to a case by a judge. 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.

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. But more often, your written reports will do the talking.

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, 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.

Most cases last 12–18 months, though it varies. 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.

¡Estoy interesado! ¿Cuál es mi siguiente paso?

Nos encantaría que te unieras a nuestra comunidad CASA.

He aquí cómo empezar:

• Visita nuestro sitio web en www.linncasa.org
• Apúntate a una sesión informativa
• Completa una solicitud de voluntariado
• Asistir a la formación y jurar el cargo
• Empieza a marcar la diferencia: un niño cada vez

Los pequeños pasos cuentan, y cada acción se suma a un cambio significativo.

¿Aún no estás seguro?

Lo entendemos. Ser voluntario de CASA es un compromiso, y no es para todo el mundo. Pero si has llegado hasta aquí en el blog, lo más probable es que seas el tipo de persona que quiere ayudar. Quizá hoy no sea el momento adecuado, y no pasa nada. Síguenos en Facebook e Instagram, ven a un acto o comparte nuestra misión con alguien que pueda ser la persona adecuada. Y cuando estés preparado, aquí estaremos.

El poder de uno

Los CASA no se hacen cargo del sistema, lo cambian desde dentro centrándose en lo que de verdad importa: el bienestar del niño. Una visita. Una voz. Un caso cada vez. Tú podrías ser ese caso.

¿Estás preparado para ser la voz de un niño del condado de Linn?

¡Nos encantaría conocerte!