February 9, 2026 •Johnson County CASA
Let me ask you something.
When you think about real love, what comes to mind?
Is it a big speech or a grand gesture? Or is it something quieter and more consistent?
When it comes to children who have experienced abuse or neglect, real love usually looks like this: Showing up.
Again.
And again.
And again.
If you live in or near Johnson County, Indiana and you have ever felt that tug on your heart to stand up for a child who does not have a steady adult in their corner, I want to talk to you directly for a moment.
You might be exactly who a child is waiting for.
What Showing Up Really Means
When a child enters the court system because of abuse or neglect, their entire world shifts. New home. New rules. New adults. Court hearings they do not fully understand.
In the middle of that, a CASA steps in.
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. A CASA volunteer is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in court. Judges in Johnson County rely on CASA volunteers to provide detailed, independent information so they can make informed decisions about a child’s future.
Here is what makes this role so powerful. Caseworkers can change. Foster placements can change. Even schools can change.
But a CASA volunteer often remains the one consistent adult focused solely on that child.
Consistency is love in action.
What Real Love Looks Like in the Courtroom
Imagine sitting across from a nine year old who has had three placements in six months. They are cautious. Maybe guarded. Maybe trying to act like they do not care.
You do not force conversation. You simply show up.
You listen.
You learn their favorite subject in school.
You notice when they light up talking about art.
You gently ask how they are sleeping in their new home.
Then you gather information from teachers, foster parents, and service providers. You review records. You prepare a thoughtful report for the judge.
You bring that child’s story into the courtroom with clarity and care.
You become their voice.
That is not dramatic.
It is not flashy.
It is real love.
Why Kids in Johnson County Need Champions
Children in our own community are navigating abuse and neglect cases right now without a consistent adult focused only on their needs.
Organizations like Indiana State CASA support local programs across the state and help train volunteers. Still, the need remains urgent.
This is not happening somewhere far away.
It is happening in neighborhoods you drive through. In schools your children attend. In courtrooms just minutes from your home.
When a CASA volunteer is assigned to a case, children are more likely to receive needed services. They are more likely to move toward safe and stable permanency. Judges have clearer insight into what is truly in that child’s best interest.
Sometimes the difference begins with one steady adult who refuses to disappear.
You Do Not Have to Be a Lawyer
You might be thinking, I am not a legal professional. That is completely fine.
CASA volunteers come from all backgrounds. Educators. Nurses. Business owners. Retirees. Parents. Community leaders.
What matters most is not your job title.
Can you listen without judgment?
Can you commit to a few hours each month?
Can you stay consistent even when a case moves slowly?
Do you believe every child deserves a champion?
You will receive thorough training. You will have staff support. You will not walk into a courtroom unprepared.
Judges are not looking for legal experts. They are looking for thoughtful, reliable volunteers who will focus on one child at a time.
The Quiet Power of Consistency
Think about your own life for a moment.
Who was the adult who showed up for you? The one who noticed when you were struggling? The one who followed through on their promises?
Now imagine growing up without that person.
Many children in the child welfare system have experienced adults coming and going. Promises have not always been kept. Trust can feel fragile.
When you consistently show up by visiting monthly, attending hearings, and staying connected with the professionals in that child’s life, you send a clear message.
You matter. I am not going anywhere.
That stability can reshape how a child sees themselves. And that shift can change the trajectory of their future.
This Is What Being a Champion Really Means
Being a champion does not require loud speeches or dramatic moments.
In the CASA world, a champion is steady and prepared.
A champion reads case files carefully because accuracy matters.
A champion asks respectful but important questions in court.
A champion celebrates small victories like improved grades or progress in therapy.
A champion advocates for safe, stable outcomes that serve the child’s long term well being.
Real love does not quit when things get complicated.
Child welfare cases can be complex. They can take time. But they also hold moments of hope. Reunifications. Adoptions. Healing. New beginnings.
As a CASA volunteer in Johnson County, Indiana, you have the opportunity to be part of that story.
What If You Are Exactly Who a Child Is Waiting For
If you have ever felt frustrated by what you see happening to vulnerable children
If you have ever thought someone needs to step in
If you have ever wanted to make a direct and lasting difference
This is that opportunity.
Be the voice a child needs in court.
Advocate for a brighter future.
Help guide a child toward a safe and stable home.
Children in Johnson County are not looking for perfection. They are looking for presence.
They are looking for someone who will say, I see you. I am here. I will speak up for you.
That is real love.
And it begins with showing up.
If you are ready to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, reach out to your local program and attend an information session. You do not have to commit today. Just take the first step.
Because somewhere in our community, a child is waiting for a champion.
It could be you.