How Much Time Does CASA Really Take? Flexible Commitment for a Big Impact

One of the most common questions we hear from potential volunteers is: "How much time does it really take to be a CASA?" If you're someone who wants to make a difference for children in Johnson County, Indiana, but you're unsure if you can fit it into your life, you're not alone. The good news? CASA offers a flexible commitment that fits into many different lifestyles while making a profound impact.

The Commitment is Real, But So is the Flexibility

Being a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a serious commitment. You're stepping into the life of a child who has most likely experienced abuse or neglect, and you're becoming their voice in court. That responsibility matters. But it doesn’t require a full-time schedule to make a full-time difference.

Most CASA volunteers in Johnson County report spending about 10-15 hours a month on their case. Some months may require a bit more time, especially around court dates, while others are lighter. The key point: most of your CASA work can be done on your own schedule.

Your CASA Time Will Include:

Visiting the child at least once a month, often more depending on the case.
Communicating with caregivers, teachers, and caseworkers to gather information.
Preparing court reports to help the judge make informed decisions.
Attending court hearings every few months (these are scheduled in advance).

Outside of those court dates and report deadlines, you manage your own time. Whether you're retired, semi-retired, or have a flexible work schedule, CASA can fit into your life in a manageable and meaningful way.

The Training: Your First Investment of Time

Before you can take your first case, you’ll go through a comprehensive pre-service training program that prepares you for the courtroom, the child welfare system, and the emotional realities of the role. This includes approximately 30 hours of training, often spread across several weeks. Learn more about what that looks like in our article: From Training to Courtroom: Your First 90 Days as a CASA Volunteer.

While our current training window has closed, now is the perfect time to start your application and background check. That way, you'll be ready to go when the next session begins.

You Choose How Much You Take On

After completing training, CASA volunteers are typically appointed to one case at a time, but there are superstars who may take on multiple cases at a time or a case may involve more than 1 sibling.

Each case is assigned by the judge and then matched to a volunteer by our CASA program staff, but your availability, experience, and interests are always taken into account.

This kind of flexibility makes CASA service accessible to:

Retirees looking to stay active and engaged
Community members with part-time schedules
Individuals passionate about children’s rights but needing flexibility

A Big Impact in Just a Few Hours a Month

Even with just a few hours a week, CASA volunteers have a profound impact. You’re the one consistent adult in a child’s life as they navigate foster care, family changes, and court hearings. Your voice helps judges make decisions that can change the course of a child's future.

As CASA volunteer Jeri-Lyn Line explains, "Input from CASA volunteers assists the Court in making sound decisions for providing safe and permanent homes and ending the cycle of abuse and neglect for at-risk children."

Whether it's attending a hearing or writing a thoughtful report, every action you take as a CASA contributes to a better future for a child, and a stronger Johnson County overall.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’ve been wondering whether you can make time to be a CASA volunteer, we hope this article shows that you absolutely can. With flexibility, support, and purpose, volunteering as a CASA fits into more lives than you might think.

Start the process today by visiting our Volunteer Page, where you can learn more, fill out the application, and begin the background check process.

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It takes just a few hours a month to be the voice a child needs. CASA of Johnson County is here to guide you every step of the way.