December 29, 2025 •Johnson County CASA
Is It Time to Become the Voice a Child Needs in Court?
Have you ever felt a strong pull to do more for children in your community, especially those who don’t have a safe or stable home? If so, you might already be on the path toward becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). In Johnson County, Indiana, countless children are navigating the complexities of the child welfare system, and they need someone like you to stand by their side. So how do you know if volunteering as a CASA is the right fit? Here are seven signs that you’re ready to become a voice for a child in court:
1. You Believe Every Child Deserves a Champion
At your core, you believe that no child should go unheard. You understand that all kids, regardless of their background, deserve to be safe, supported, and loved. You’re the type of person who sees injustice and wants to take action. If your heart aches when you hear about children in difficult foster care systems or see stories about neglect or abuse, becoming a CASA may be your opportunity to step in and make a real difference.
2. You Have a Few Hours a Month to Make a Lifelong Impact
You don’t need full-time availability to be a CASA. In fact, most volunteers commit just 8 to 10 hours a month. If you can carve out a few hours to meet with a child, attend court hearings, and write simple reports, you already have what it takes to contribute meaningfully. Your time and consistency can change the entire trajectory of a child’s life.
3. You’re Comfortable Navigating Tough Conversations with Compassion
CASA volunteers often engage with birth families, foster families, caseworkers, and attorneys. If you’re the type of person who can approach difficult situations with empathy, keep an open mind, and stay focused on a child’s best interest, you’ll be a natural fit. You don’t need to have all the answers, you just need to be willing to listen, learn, and advocate.
4. You’re a Strong Communicator, Both Written and Verbal
Part of your CASA role will involve writing reports and sharing your observations with the court. If you're someone who can clearly express thoughts, summarize your findings, and speak confidently when needed, you’ll excel in this role. While CASA’s never make the final decisions, judges often rely on CASA reports to make decisions about a child’s placement, schooling, and services. Your voice holds real weight.
5. You’re Looking for a Way to Give Back That Feels Deeply Personal
Many people want to volunteer but don’t know where to start. If you're seeking a cause that aligns with your passion for justice, child welfare, or community service, CASA offers a deeply personal and rewarding way to serve. You won’t be one of hundreds in a crowd. You’ll be the one consistent adult in a child’s life, someone they can count on during uncertain times.
6. You Trust the Legal System but Know It Has Gaps
If you believe in due process and the importance of the court system, but also recognize that overburdened caseworkers and stretched resources can leave children overlooked, your instincts align perfectly with CASA’s mission. Volunteers are appointed by judges to help fill the gaps, to ensure every child’s voice is heard, especially when critical life decisions are being made.
7. You’re Ready for a Challenge That Comes With Unmatched Reward
Let’s be honest, being a CASA isn’t always easy. But it is always worth it. If you’re someone who welcomes a challenge, values growth, and wants to be part of something bigger than yourself, this role will meet you where you are and push you to become the advocate a child needs. You’ll have the training, support, and community to guide you every step of the way.
So, Is CASA the Right Fit for You?
If these signs resonate with you, it may be time to take the next step. You don’t need to have a legal background or prior experience, just a heart for children and a willingness to stand up for what’s right.