Children playing with toy cars in a classroom, smiling and enjoying their activity.

Volunteer

Show up today.
Give a child in foster care hope for tomorrow.

Court Appointed Special Advocates, known as CASA volunteers, speak up for the best interests of youth in foster care and provide a stable presence in their lives. They help give a child self-confidence and build resiliency while they advocate for their best interest in court, in schools, and the community.

CASA volunteers are recruited and trained by local CASA programs in each county. They are community members from all walks of like who dedicate approximately 10-15 hours a month to advocating and supporting a child in the foster care system.

Read our CASA requirements in our Volunteer FAQ →

Blue arrow-shaped banner with the text 'it all starts here!' in blue letters.

CASA California Volunteer Form

What are the steps to becoming a CASA?

Black and white abstract waves pattern with curving shapes.

STEP 1

Fill Out the Online Volunteer Inquiry Form

Your local CASA Program will call you to set up a time for you to attend an in person volunteer session.
Fill out the form →

A clipboard with a checklist and three checkmarks, accompanied by a red pencil.
A clipboard with a checklist and three checkmarks, accompanied by a red pencil.
Icon of a folded map with a red location pin marking a specific place.

STEP 2

Complete a Volunteer Application form from your Local CASA

Your local program will provide you with an application.

Two overlapping speech bubbles, one red and one white, with black lines representing text, placed over a blue background.

STEP 3

Interview with your local CASA
Your local CASA Program will call you to set up a time for you to attend an in person volunteer session.

STEP 4

Train to Become a CASA
All CASA volunteers attend 30 hours of initial pre-service training (covering topics like dependency law and child development), known as CASA Academy to prepare you for your service.

Open book with a red lightbulb above it, symbolizing ideas or knowledge.
A graphic of a hand holding a bottle with a red cap, set against a blue background.
Black and white abstract wave pattern with flowing curves and bold contrast.

STEP 5

Meet Your Supervisor

Your local CASA Program will call you to set up a time for you to attend an in person volunteer session.

A cartoon illustration of a red megaphone with hearts and stars coming out of it, set against a blue background.

STEP 6

ADVOCATE!

Once you pass your criminal and driving background checks, you'll be ready to be matched with a child or set of siblings to support and advocate for!

Two women walking outdoors on a sunny day, one with curly dark hair and the other with wavy light hair, one wearing a red top and the other a cream sweater, with one woman touching the other's shoulder.

Learn more about one CASA volunteer’s experience in this LA Times segment.

Questions?
We’re Here to Help

Contact us at: staff@californiacasa.org

Volunteer FAQ

  • To serve as a CASA volunteer, you must be at least 21 years old, pass a criminal background check, maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries, and meet your local program’s eligibility requirements.

  • Most CASA programs ask volunteers to commit to at least 12–18 months of service to provide consistency and stability for the children they support.

    Requirements may vary slightly by local CASA program. Your local program can provide additional information about volunteer qualifications and the application process.

  • Yes. Volunteers must have a valid California driver’s license and at least two years of licensed driving experience in the United States.

    Will my driving record affect my eligibility?
    Yes. You may be ineligible if:

    • You have more than three minor moving violations within the past three years.

    • You have had any major moving violations (such as a DUI conviction) within the last four years.

  • Yes. CASA volunteers must have reliable access to a vehicle and be willing to travel to various locations throughout the county where they serve.

  • Yes. All CASA volunteers are required to successfully complete a criminal background check before beginning service.

  • Possibly not. You may be ineligible if you currently work or volunteer for an agency that serves children in foster care or their families.

  • No. Individuals who hold an active foster parent license are generally not eligible to serve as CASA volunteers.

  • No. Individuals who are currently in the process of adopting a child in California are generally not eligible to volunteer.

  • Requirements may vary slightly by local CASA program. Your local program can provide additional information about volunteer qualifications and the application process.

  • You have more than 3 minor moving violations within the past 3 years.

    You’ve had any major moving violations (DUI conviction, etc.) within the last 4 years.

    You’ve had involvement with Child Welfare Services, also known as Child Protective Services (CPS).

    Requirements may vary slightly by local CASA program. Your local program can provide additional information about volunteer qualifications and the application process.