June 29, 2026 •Johnson County CASA
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Summer is supposed to feel light.
For a child, it can mean bare feet in the grass, popsicles melting too fast, library books stacked on the kitchen table, and long afternoons where the biggest decision is what game to play next. It’s the season many adults remember with a smile because it felt simple, safe, and free.
But for some children in Johnson County, summer does not feel that carefree.
When a child is involved in the court system because of abuse or neglect, life can feel uncertain no matter what month it’s. School routines may pause. Teachers and counselors may be harder to see every day. Family visits, placement changes, court dates, and case meetings may continue while the rest of the world seems to slow down.
That is why Children’s Awareness Month is such an important time to pause and look closer. It reminds us that every child deserves more than a season of fun. Every child deserves safety, stability, and someone who is paying attention.
Why Does Children’s Awareness Month Matter in Johnson County?
Children’s Awareness Month gives our community a chance to think about the children whose struggles are often hidden from everyday view. These are children who may be carrying worries that no child should have to carry. They may be wondering where they will live, when they will see a parent or sibling again, or whether the adults around them are truly listening.
A Court-Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA volunteer, steps into that gap.
CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. They get to know the child, learn about the child’s needs, and share thoughtful recommendations with the court so decisions can be made with the child’s safety and well-being in mind. National CASA/GAL explains that volunteers are appointed by judges, receive training, and stay involved with a case until it closes and the child reaches a safe, permanent home.
That role matters in every season, but summer can make the need feel especially clear. A child may not say, “I need an advocate.” They may say very little at all. But a CASA volunteer learns to notice what is being said and what is not being said.
A Carefree Summer Starts With Feeling Safe
Think about a child walking into a summer program, a park, or a relative’s home. Most children are thinking about snacks, friends, and whether they can stay up a little later.
A child navigating foster care or the child welfare system may be thinking about something much heavier.
Will I have to move again?
Does the judge know what I want?
Who is going to remember what happened last time?
Can I trust this adult to come back?
CASA volunteers cannot erase every hard part of a child’s story. But they can be steady. They can show up, listen, ask questions, and help make sure the child’s needs are not overlooked.
In Indiana, GAL and CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of children involved in Child in Need of Services cases. Their work can include visiting the child, reviewing documents, talking with professionals, meeting with parents or placements, and helping the court understand what services the child may need.
That kind of careful attention can make a real difference. Not because it’s flashy. Not because it solves everything overnight. Because children notice when an adult keeps showing up.
Do You Need to Have All the Answers to Become a CASA Volunteer?
A lot of caring people hesitate because they assume they are not qualified.
Maybe you have thought something like, “I care about kids, but I am not a lawyer.” Or, “I would not know what to say in court.” Or, “I do not have a background in child welfare.”
That is understandable. It’s also exactly why CASA provides training and support.
CASA volunteers are community members who are trained before they are assigned to a case. They are not expected to walk in already knowing the court system. They are not asked to parent the child, foster the child, or replace the professionals already involved. Their role is to focus on the child, gather information, and advocate for what supports that child’s safety, stability, and well-being.
Johnson County CASA also notes that volunteers continue learning after initial training, including completing continuing education each year to stay current on issues related to volunteer advocacy.
What matters most is the willingness to listen, learn, and stay committed.
Small Moments Can Carry a Lot of Meaning
A CASA volunteer’s impact often shows up in ordinary moments.
It might be remembering that a child loves soccer and asking whether they can keep playing after a placement change. It might be noticing that a child is struggling in school and asking whether extra support is available. It might be making sure a sibling connection is not forgotten. It might be telling the court, clearly and calmly, what the child needs to feel safe and supported.
Those moments may not look dramatic from the outside. To a child, they can mean everything.
During Children’s Awareness Month, it’s natural to think about big community problems. But change often starts with one adult choosing to care about one child’s future.
How to Help a Child in Johnson County Feel Seen This Summer
Every child deserves a carefree summer. Every child deserves a safe place to land. Every child deserves a champion who is willing to listen closely, speak thoughtfully, and keep showing up when life feels uncertain.
If you have been looking for a meaningful way to serve children in Johnson County, CASA may be the next step. Learn more about [becoming a CASA volunteer], explore [upcoming information sessions], or [contact the CASA team] to ask questions about training and the volunteer process.
A child does not need a perfect adult. A child needs a steady one.
Questions you may still have about Children’s Awareness Month
What is Children’s Awareness Month?
Children’s Awareness Month is a time to bring attention to the needs, safety, and well-being of children. For CASA, it’s also a meaningful opportunity to remind the community that some children need a trained advocate to help make sure their voices and best interests are represented in court.
What does a CASA volunteer do?
A CASA volunteer gets to know a child involved in the court system because of abuse or neglect, gathers information from people connected to the child’s life, and shares recommendations with the court. The goal is to help support the child’s safety, stability, and well-being.
Do CASA volunteers need legal experience?
No. CASA volunteers receive training and ongoing support. A legal background is not required. What matters most is being dependable, compassionate, objective, and willing to learn.
How does CASA help children during the summer?
Summer can bring changes in school support, routines, visits, and placements. A CASA volunteer helps keep attention on the child’s needs during this season, whether that means asking about safety, education, family connections, services, or emotional well-being.
How can someone get involved with CASA in Johnson County?
The best first step is to contact CASA, attend an information session, or ask about the volunteer application and training process. Even one trained volunteer can make a meaningful difference for a child who needs a steady advocate.