Speak up for a child who has been abused or neglected. Follow the steps to become a CASA volunteer advocate today.
Step 1: Information Session
Attendance is required before you apply. These are offered twice monthly, with options for in-person and virtual attendance. Check our events page to sign up for an upcoming information session.
Step 2: Online Application
Once you have attended an information session and feel like this is the right volunteer opportunity for you, fill out our volunteer application. Please have three non-family references and their email addresses ready as well as a short (3-4 paragraph) bio about yourself.
Step 3: Screening Process
Part of the screening process is a 20-30 minute phone interview and then a 1-1.5 hour in-person interview. Because we work with children, we conduct a thorough background check on all of our volunteers initially as well as every four years. The fee is $15 which should be paid during your fingerprinting appointment.
Step 4: Training Classes
Pre-service training consists of 9 classes. Click here to learn more about our upcoming training start/end dates, topics covered in the course, and the application deadlines. We also require you to attend a court hearing with our staff as an observer at least twice during the training period.
Step 5: Induction Ceremony
After successful completion of steps 1-4, you will be sworn in by one of our local judges at an induction ceremony, assigned to one of our supervisors (advocate managers), and ready to accept your first case. Our trained staff will be on hand to assist you every step of the way.
Do you have questions about the volunteer advocate role?
Read our Frequently Asked Questions or download the Volunteer Advocate Job Description.
Do you want to volunteer in another way?
Read more about other volunteer opportunities with our program.
“When I saw CASA needed volunteers, I realized I could be that role model that I was lucky to have.” “If I could put it into words-it’s a feeling of somebody walking up and putting their arm around you and saying, ‘You’re going to be just fine’- every child deserves that feeling.”
Video: Become a CASA Volunteer. Credit: CASA of Travis County
Questions about volunteering? Contact us:
At CASA of Central Virginia, we believe that all children regardless of age, race, ethnicity, national origin (ancestry), color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability or physical challenge should be safe, have a permanent home, and an opportunity to thrive.