August 3, 2026 •Johnson County CASA
Falling behind in school is not always about effort or ability. For a child experiencing abuse, neglect, placement changes, or family uncertainty, school challenges may reflect everything happening outside the classroom.
At Johnson County CASA, we look beyond grades. Our trained volunteers pay attention to the child’s safety, stability, relationships, confidence, and educational needs. By gathering information and speaking up in court, we help ensure the whole child remains part of important decisions.
Why Can School Be Harder for Children Facing Instability?
School can provide structure, familiar faces, and a dependable routine. When a child changes homes, caregivers, or schools, that sense of stability may disappear.
The child may miss class, lose access to schoolwork, or struggle to adjust to different expectations. They may also be carrying grief, worry, or uncertainty that makes it difficult to concentrate.
These challenges can appear in different ways. One child may fall behind academically, while another becomes quiet, frustrated, tired, or disconnected. We do not assume that every child will respond the same way. We take time to understand what may be affecting the individual child.
Grades Tell Only Part of the Story
A low grade can point to a learning need, but it may also reflect a disrupted routine, missed instruction, lack of sleep, or difficulty feeling safe enough to focus.
Our volunteers look at the larger picture. We may speak with the child, caregivers, teachers, caseworkers, and other professionals involved in the case. This helps us understand whether the child is attending school, receiving appropriate support, adjusting to changes, and feeling heard.
Our role is not to tutor the child or replace school professionals. We gather relevant information and help the court understand how the child is doing academically, emotionally, socially, and physically.
You can learn more about how we support children in the foster care system.
How Do Our CASA Volunteers Help With School Concerns?
Our volunteers advocate for the child’s best interests across every part of life, including education.
When appropriate, we ask about attendance, academic progress, school stability, services, behavior, and relationships. If concerns arise, our volunteers can gather more information, follow up with the people involved, and include relevant observations in reports to the court.
A volunteer may notice that a child’s confidence has changed or that school difficulties began after a move. By staying involved, our volunteers can help make sure those changes are not overlooked.
That consistency is especially important when other adults, placements, or routines may change. Our article about why one consistent adult matters explains how a steady relationship can help a child feel seen during an uncertain time.
You Do Not Need Education Experience to Help
Many caring people hesitate because they are unsure whether they are qualified. They may wonder whether they need to be a teacher, lawyer, social worker, foster parent, or child welfare professional.
You do not need any of those backgrounds to become one of our CASA volunteers.
We provide training, guidance, continuing education, and staff support. We help volunteers learn how to gather factual information, communicate with children and adults, maintain appropriate boundaries, write court reports, and advocate without judgment.
We do not expect volunteers to have every answer. We look for people who are willing to listen, learn, remain dependable, and keep the child’s best interests at the center of their work.
How We Prepare Volunteers for the Role
Our training helps new advocates understand the child welfare and court systems before they receive a case. Support continues after training through staff guidance and case-specific assistance.
This preparation matters because school concerns are often connected to a larger situation. Our volunteers learn to ask thoughtful questions without making assumptions or stepping into the roles of teachers, therapists, attorneys, or caseworkers.
You can explore how our CASA training prepares new child advocates and what to expect during your first 90 days as a CASA volunteer.
Take the First Step Toward Becoming an Advocate
A child who is struggling in school may need more than help with an assignment. They may need someone who notices what has changed, listens carefully, and helps ensure their needs remain part of the conversation.
You can be that consistent voice without entering the role alone. We will provide the training and support you need.
Visit our volunteer page to learn about the role, ask questions, attend an information session, or begin the application process.
Questions You May Still Have About Helping Children Through CASA
Do I need to be a teacher to become a CASA volunteer?
No. Education experience is not required. We train and support volunteers from many professional and personal backgrounds.
Can our volunteers communicate with a child’s school?
Yes, when it is appropriate to the case. Our volunteers may communicate with teachers or other school professionals to better understand the child’s progress and needs.
Is a CASA volunteer responsible for improving a child’s grades?
No. Our responsibility is to advocate for the child’s best interests. We help make sure educational concerns are understood, communicated, and considered alongside the child’s other needs.
Can I volunteer while working full time?
Many advocates balance CASA service with work and family responsibilities. Some responsibilities occur during business hours, while others can be scheduled more flexibly. Our guide to the CASA volunteer time commitment provides more context.