When a child enters the child welfare system, it often comes after months, or even years, of instability. They’ve experienced things most adults would struggle to process: separation from their family, unfamiliar homes, changing caseworkers, courtrooms full of strangers. In the middle of all that, it’s common for a child to ask: Who here actually knows me?
That’s why CASA volunteers matter so much. For a child who’s lost their sense of safety and routine, having one consistent adult, someone who shows up regularly and sticks around, is often the turning point. It’s where healing begins.
The kids we serve at CASA of Johnson County are often surrounded by professionals—case managers, attorneys, foster parents, teachers—but those roles can change. It’s not uncommon for a child to move homes multiple times during a case. They might cycle through different placements, schools, or social workers.
And in the midst of all that change, the CASA remains the same.
When a CASA volunteer visits regularly, learns the child’s story, and advocates for their needs in court, it sends the message: You matter. I see you. I’m here for you.
That kind of emotional consistency can be transformative for a child going through a traumatic part of their life.
You might wonder, “Can just one person really make that big of a difference?”
We see the answer every day: Yes.
A CASA volunteer is often the only person on the case who’s with the child from start to finish. That continuity means they can spot when something’s off, celebrate when things improve, and advocate with clarity because they’ve taken the time to understand the child’s full experience.
Here’s what consistency looks like in action:
It doesn’t take heroic actions. It takes showing up, paying attention, and speaking up when it matters.
If you're wondering what kinds of children CASA volunteers advocate for, visit our Who We Serve page to learn more.
People sometimes assume that CASA volunteers need a background in law or social work. The truth is, what matters most isn’t your professional experience, it’s your commitment to being there. Over time, you build a relationship that helps a child begin to trust again.
Our volunteers come from all over Indiana. Some are retired. Some work full-time. Some have never stepped into a courtroom before they train with us. What they all have in common is the willingness to show up and stick with it.
If you’re curious about what the role involves, our Volunteer Page breaks it down clearly. You can also explore stories from current advocates on our blog to get a better feel for what it’s really like.
Children and teens in the child welfare system don’t need you to fix everything. They don’t expect miracles. What they need is someone who will walk alongside them and speak up when it counts.
Being that steady person often leads to better outcomes. Judges rely on the insights of CASA volunteers when making decisions about a child’s future. And when a child knows that someone has their back, it gives them the confidence to move forward.
If you’ve been searching for a way to make a real impact in both your community and your own life, this could be it.
Submit an application or give us a call if you’d like to talk it through. Whether you’re ready to take the leap or just exploring the idea, we’re here to help you take the next step.
Children in foster care often experience multiple moves, changing caregivers, and rotating professionals. Having one stable adult, like a CASA, can restore a sense of trust and help them feel safe. It can also give them something to look forward to each month while everything around them feels uncertain.
Unlike caseworkers or attorneys, a CASA volunteer stays on the case from beginning to end. This allows them to build a deeper understanding of the child’s needs and provide truly informed recommendations to the court. CASA’s are also only there to help the child. Yes, we always want family reunification when possible and appropriate, but as a CASA you are serving the best interests of the child.
No. CASA volunteers receive comprehensive training and ongoing support. What matters most is your commitment to consistency and your ability to communicate clearly and compassionately.
Yes. While our program serves children whose cases are filed in Johnson County, those children often live in other parts of Indiana. We welcome volunteers from across the state.
If you care about kids, want to make a difference, and can commit to staying involved, you’re probably a great candidate. If you're not sure, just reach out, we’d love to talk it through.