April 22, 2025 •Johnson County CASA
Every child deserves a safe, loving, and stable home. But for hundreds of children in Johnson County, that kind of home has been interrupted by abuse, neglect, or exploitation. When a child enters the foster care system, they are thrust into a confusing world filled with court hearings, caseworkers, and unfamiliar environments. Amid all this uncertainty, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers step in to be a consistent, caring presence—and a voice in the court system for children who desperately need one.
Understanding the Foster Care System in Johnson County
When Child Protective Services determines that a child is unsafe in their home, the child may be placed in foster care—either with relatives or in licensed foster homes. The legal process that follows is designed to determine what’s best for the child, whether that’s reunification with family, guardianship, or adoption.
But the system is often overburdened, and children’s needs can get lost in the shuffle. In Johnson County alone, 84 children are currently being served by CASA, while 47 are still waiting for a volunteer advocate. That’s 47 children without a consistent adult looking out solely for them in court proceedings—someone to ensure their voice is heard, their best interests are clear, and their future is not decided without careful attention.
What Makes CASA Volunteers So Essential?
While attorneys and caseworkers handle many children’s legal and social service needs, CASA volunteers offer something unique: independent advocacy from someone who is there purely for the child. They visit the child regularly, gather information from all parties involved in the case—such as teachers, doctors, foster parents, and social workers—and provide the court with a detailed, unbiased report to help judges make informed decisions.
Children with CASA volunteers are more likely to receive services, do better in school, and move through the foster care system more efficiently. Most importantly, they have someone they can count on—someone who listens, shows up, and speaks up.
Why CASA Matters in Johnson County
In our community, the need for volunteers is urgent. We currently need 35 new CASA volunteers to ensure that no child waits alone on the sidelines of the legal system.
Beyond the statistics, each of these children is an individual with a name, a story, and a future that matters. CASA volunteers provide a sense of security, advocacy, and consistency—all vital ingredients in a child’s healing journey.
What It Takes to Be a CASA Volunteer
You don’t need a background in law or child welfare to become a CASA. You simply need compassion, commitment, and a few hours each month. In fact, many of our best volunteers come from backgrounds in nursing, education, and caregiving—people just like you, with a heart for service and a desire to make a lasting difference.
To become a CASA volunteer, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete 30 hours of pre-service training (16 in class, 14 through independent study)
- Commit to volunteering for a minimum of two years
- Pass a background check and provide three non-relative references
Volunteers spend an average of 5–10 hours per month on a case, depending on its complexity. You’ll be assigned a mentor to support you through your first case, and you’ll receive ongoing training throughout your service.
The Role of a CASA Volunteer Includes:
- Research: Interview key people in the child's life and review relevant records
- Review: Prepare and submit reports to the court and attend hearings
- Facilitate: Help coordinate services and plans for the child's well-being
- Monitor: Stay in touch with the child and all parties to ensure court orders are followed
No legal expertise is needed—just strong communication skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to remain impartial and focused on the child’s best interests.
Why Volunteering as a CASA Feeds the Soul
Many CASA volunteers describe their experience as life-changing—not just for the children they serve, but for themselves. After years of focusing on family or professional life, becoming a CASA can be a powerful way to reconnect with your community and rediscover a sense of purpose.
You’ll become a steady presence in a child’s life, someone they know they can count on. Your involvement can be the reason they find a permanent, safe home. You will be a servant, an advocate, and a guardian of hope.
Answer the Call—Become a CASA Volunteer Today
If you've ever wondered how to make a real difference in your community, this is your chance. Every child in Johnson County deserves someone to stand up for them. Right now, 47 children are waiting for someone like you.
Your time, your compassion, and your voice could be the most powerful gift they receive.
Visit casajohnsonco.org/volunteer to learn more and take the first step toward becoming a CASA volunteer.