CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Volunteer Advocate

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer

Kids’ Voice of Indiana amplifies the voices of children and youth in the legal system to improve individual outcomes and inspire system-wide advances. Our vision is a child-centered legal system that protects children, contributes to their well-being, and promotes family preservation.

To Apply, please send an email to itolbert@kidsvoicein.org

Position Overview

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteers advocate for children involved in Child in Need of Services (CHINS) and Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) cases. CASA volunteers ensure children have a consistent, caring adult voice in court proceedings and work toward safe, permanent homes. They collaborate closely with their assigned Guardian ad Litem (GAL) supervisor to gather accurate, up-to-date information about the child’s circumstances and well-being.

Responsibilities

• Meet with the assigned child at least once per month to build rapport and trust.
• Communicate regularly with caregivers, educators, service providers, and Department of Child Services (DCS) personnel.
• Gather documents, records, and observations to create a comprehensive understanding of the child’s situation.
• Submit written court reports using the approved format and provide best-interest recommendations at hearings.
• Participate in Child and Family Team Meetings (CFTMs), school meetings, or other case-related events as needed.
• Collaborate with the staff GAL and maintain accurate case notes in Optima.

Requirements

• Completion of 30 hours of initial training (virtual or in-person) and annual 12 hours of continuing education.
• Strong communication, organization, and observation skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and professionalism when engaging with families and providers.
• Ability to remain impartial while advocating for the child’s best interests.

Commitments

• Volunteer for a minimum of one year or until the case concludes.
• Average 6–8 hours per month, including visits, meetings, documentation, and hearings.
• Maintain regular monthly contact with assigned GAL supervisor for case support.

Supervision and Support

Each CASA volunteer is supervised by a staff Guardian ad Litem (GAL) who provides ongoing guidance and case consultation. Volunteers have monthly contact with their GAL supervisor and access to Kids’ Voice staff for additional mentorship and training resources.

Success Indicators

Success is measured by timely monthly visits, accurate documentation in Optima, attendance at hearings, and the quality of recommendations made to the court.