What We Do

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of a child who has experienced abuse or neglect. In Marion County, CASA volunteers get to know the child, monitor their safety and well-being, gather information about their circumstances, and provide the court with an independent perspective focused on the child's needs and best interests.

A CASA volunteer gets to know the child, gathers information about their circumstances, monitors their safety and well-being, and advocates for their best interests throughout the court case. Volunteers communicate with caregivers, caseworkers, attorneys, educators, service providers, and others involved in the child's life. They attend meetings and court hearings and provide the court with independent observations and recommendations focused on helping the child reach a safe, permanent home.

Both CASA volunteers and Guardians ad Litem (GALs) are appointed by the court and focus on a child's best interests, but their roles are different. A Guardian ad Litem is a licensed attorney who provides legal advocacy for the child. A CASA volunteer is a trained community volunteer who gets to know the child, gathers information, monitors the child's well-being, and provides independent recommendations to the court. CASA volunteers and GALs work together, each bringing a different perspective to help the court understand the child's needs and circumstances.

CASA volunteers gather information by regularly visiting the child and communicating with the people involved in the child's life and case. This may include parents, foster or kinship caregivers, caseworkers, attorneys, educators, medical and mental health providers, and other service professionals. Volunteers may also review relevant records, attend meetings and court hearings, and observe visits when appropriate. The information they gather helps them provide the court with an independent perspective focused on the child's best interests.

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. They include teachers, retirees, healthcare professionals, veterans, business owners, college graduates, parents, and community members who simply want to make a difference. No legal or social work experience is required, just compassion, commitment, and a desire to advocate for children.

A CASA volunteer provides consistency during a difficult and often confusing time in a child's life. They spend time getting to know the child, explaining the court process in age-appropriate ways, listening to the child's concerns, and ensuring their voice is heard throughout the case. For many children, their CASA volunteer becomes the one consistent adult who remains with them from the beginning of the case until it reaches permanency.

The time commitment varies depending on the needs and circumstances of each case. CASA volunteers visit their assigned child regularly, communicate with people involved in the case, attend relevant meetings and court hearings, and prepare information for the court. During the first few weeks of a case, volunteers typically spend 5–10 hours per week gathering information and meeting with everyone involved. Once the case is established, most volunteers spend 5–15 hours each month maintaining contact, monitoring progress, and attending court hearings. Volunteers are asked to remain with the child until the case reaches permanency whenever possible, providing the consistency every child deserves.

The safety of the children we serve is our highest priority. Every prospective volunteer completes a comprehensive screening process that includes:Personal interviewsReference checksState and federal criminal background checksChild Abuse and Neglect Registry checksAdditional screenings required by the courtOnly applicants who demonstrate the commitment, integrity, and ability to advocate effectively are selected.

CASA of Marion County provides a comprehensive 30-hour pre-service training program that prepares volunteers for the courtroom and the child welfare system. Training covers topics including:Child abuse and neglectTrauma-informed advocacyChild developmentCourt proceduresEffective communicationReport writingCultural awarenessEthics and confidentialityUpon successful completion of training, volunteers are sworn in by a Marion County Circuit Court judge. Volunteers also complete 12 hours of continuing education each year to stay informed on current issues affecting children and families.

CASA volunteers typically advocate for one child or sibling group at a time. This focused approach allows volunteers to spend meaningful time getting to know the child, understanding their circumstances, and following their case closely. The goal is to provide consistent, individualized advocacy throughout the child's court case while working with CASA of Marion County staff for guidance and support.

No. You don't need legal, social work, or child welfare experience to become a CASA volunteer. CASA of Marion County provides the training and ongoing support you'll need to advocate effectively for a child. Volunteers come from many different backgrounds and bring a variety of life experiences and skills. What matters most is a commitment to children, the ability to remain objective, and a willingness to learn and advocate for a child's best interests.

No. There is no cost to become a CASA volunteer with CASA of Marion County. Required training and ongoing support are provided to volunteers. Your investment is your time, commitment, and willingness to advocate for a child who needs a consistent voice throughout their court case.

To become a CASA volunteer in Marion County, West Virginia, start by completing the CASA of Marion County Advocate Application. After we receive your application, CASA staff will meet with you for an interview. If selected, you'll complete the required pre-service training and screening process. Once those requirements are complete, you'll be sworn in by a Marion County Circuit Court judge and can be assigned your first case.