Let’s picture something together. You’re sitting in a classroom in Johnson County. The teacher is explaining fractions. Most students are following along. But one child keeps staring out the window. Or putting their head down. Or acting out. It’s easy to label that child as distracted. Disruptive. Unmotivated. But what if the real issue is something much deeper? And what if you could be the person who notices?

When Focus Problems Are Really Stress Signals

When a child involved in the court system struggles to focus, it is rarely about laziness.

It can be connected to:

• Hunger
• Poor sleep
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Frequent placement changes
• Fear about what will happen next

Think about it this way.

If you did not know where you would be living in two months, would fractions feel urgent to you?

Children in foster care often carry adult sized worries into classrooms. Their nervous systems are on high alert. That makes learning incredibly difficult.

Teachers see the behavior.

But they do not always see the full picture.

That is where a Court Appointed Special Advocate comes in.

What a Lack of Focus Can Lead To

When attention issues are not addressed, the ripple effects can be serious.

A child may experience: Falling behind academically, Repeating grades, Increased behavioral referrals, Suspensions, Lower self esteem, Disconnection from school. Over time, school can start to feel like another place where they are failing. And here is something important.

Children in the foster care system already face instability. Education is one of the strongest protective factors for long term success. When school starts slipping, their future options can narrow. That’s not dramatic. It is reality.

What a CASA Volunteer Actually Does in This Situation

As a CASA volunteer in Johnson County, your role is not to tutor or discipline. Your role is to connect the dots.

You would:

• Visit the child regularly
• Talk with teachers about classroom behavior and academic progress
• Ask whether the child has been evaluated for learning or emotional support needs
• Ensure appropriate services are in place
• Document concerns in court reports
• Advocate for resources that support stability

For example, if you learn a child is constantly exhausted, you might discover they are not sleeping well in their current placement. That information matters in court.

Judges rely on CASA volunteers because no one else is assigned to focus solely on one child’s best interests. You become the steady voice that says, “Here is what is really happening.”

A Realistic Example

Let’s imagine a child in Johnson County who has changed schools three times in one year due to placement moves.

Each time, records are delayed. Curriculum does not match. Friendships reset.

By the time they sit in their fourth classroom, they are overwhelmed and far behind.

Without a CASA, that pattern may continue quietly.

With a CASA, someone notices the academic disruption and raises it in court. Services are requested. Stability becomes part of the conversation.

That is how you advocate for a brighter future.

Why This Matters in Johnson County

Our community values education. We care about our schools. We want children to succeed.

But children in the child welfare system need more than good schools. They need someone ensuring they can actually benefit from those schools.

Caseworkers manage large caseloads. Teachers manage full classrooms. Attorneys focus on legal issues.

A CASA volunteer focuses on one case.

You commit a few hours a month. You receive thorough training. You are supported by professional staff. And you help make sure a child’s struggles in school are not dismissed as behavior problems when they are really cries for stability.

You Do Not Need to Be an Educator

Many potential volunteers hesitate because they are not teachers. You don’t have to be. You need to be observant. Consistent. Compassionate. You ask thoughtful questions. You gather information. You help the court see the full picture. When a child cannot focus, it is often a signal. With a CASA, that signal does not go unheard. Every child deserves a champion.

And in Johnson County, that champion could be you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a background in education to help with school related issues?

No. CASA volunteers receive training on how to gather information and advocate effectively. You are not expected to diagnose or tutor, only to observe and report.

How much time does a CASA case require?

Most volunteers spend 8-10 hours per month visiting the child, communicating with key adults, and preparing court reports.

What if I feel unprepared to speak in court?

You are trained before taking a case and supported by staff throughout the process. You will know exactly what to expect.

Can I volunteer if I work full time?

Yes. Many CASA volunteers in Johnson County balance full time careers with their advocacy role.

Does having a CASA really improve outcomes for children?

Children with CASA volunteers often experience better advocacy in court and greater stability because a dedicated adult is focused solely on their best interests.

How do I get started?

Start by attending an information session with your local CASA program in Johnson County. From there, you will complete an application, background check, and training. Also reach out to the local offices.

Call Us At: 317.346.4561

Email Us At: thickman@johnsoncounty.in.gov

Visit Us At: 18 West Jefferson Street, Franklin, IN 46131