Absolutely not! Most of our 410 advocates have no formal legal training whatsoever. We often get asked, “Who makes the best advocate?” This is such a hard question to answer. Is it a therapist, lawyer, nurse, retired teacher? While people with these backgrounds are often fantastic advocates, we find that a person with a heart for children is the best place to start. People who are willing to be open-minded, flexible, and committed are the very best advocates we have. You must be able to have hope and the belief that people can change their lives for the better. So, there is no need for you to go to law school! We promise to give you all the tools you need to navigate the court system, and we will be with you every step of the way.
Answered by Program Director Shelley Hart
Every child in foster care will have a fierce and skilled CASA champion by their side. That’s our vision. But what does it take to support a community volunteer on their journey to becoming skilled?
Anticipating that we would meet our 2020 goal, we created a concurrent goal of ensuring our volunteers are highly trained to fiercely advocate for children in foster care. We have highly trained and specialized staff who are providing support and training to our amazing volunteers. Serving every child in need in 2020 doesn’t mean more children will not enter the foster care system, nor will we stop recruiting and training new volunteers! We have two new volunteer training classes starting in August and several more scheduled after that.
Despite the hardships they’ve faced, 9 CASA teens overcame the odds and earned their diplomas or GED this year! One inspiring young woman even graduated a year early while being a single mom. CASA Older Youth Specialist Amanda Wilkerson shared, “I think these teens are all so impressive. Most of them came into care later in their lives and attended multiple schools. They’ve had to overcome a lot of hurdles.” Thanks to the support of their CASA volunteers and foster families, each of these young people is on their way to living the life they want to lead. Three of the graduates plan to attend community college or technical college in the fall. The graduate mentioned above intends to join the military. Others will be heading into the workforce.
Answered by Team Lead & Advocate Supervisor Victoria Boyd
Answered by Team Lead Kristen Smith
What’s it like to 
When looking for adaptable, caring, and supportive volunteers, CASA won the lottery with Susan Hantz. A retired nursing professor, Susan has volunteered with CASA for three and a half years, serving six children across three different cases. Susan has served these children relentlessly as is exhibited by her time, attention to little details, and use of trauma focused care.
The relationship between an advocate and a teenager differs greatly from a relationship between an advocate and a young child. As the signs and effects of persistent trauma and neglect manifest differently in older youth, it’s an advocate’s role to recognize these signs and respond appropriately. On a day-to-day basis, how a CASA volunteer communicates with their child differs based on age, emotional intelligence, and level of independence. While young children may need a hand to hold while they walk, teenagers often just want someone to walk beside them and ask them how their day was.
Though he says some moments are more challenging than others, Joe knows being a CASA is worth it when he sees both of the boys succeed in school or in their jobs. With each twist and turn, Joe is not scared of the process, but takes life as it comes and does what he can to be a mentor and helper to his teens. When asked to give advice to prospective CASA volunteers, Joe simply said: “Prepare yourself for frustration. Be patient, hold your judgment, keep your compassion, and try to understand a child’s background.”