Becoming a CASA volunteer with Lookout Mountain is a meaningful way to support children in foster care and help ensure their voices are heard in court. Your work can make a lasting difference, as your advocacy can help children in foster care find stability, access essential services, and reach safe, permanent homes.
CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. Our volunteers have diverse backgrounds, careers, education, life experiences, and perspectives—but they share one important thing: a commitment to making a difference in the life of a child. You don’t have to be a social worker, attorney, teacher, or child welfare professional to become a CASA volunteer. What matters most is your willingness to learn, listen, advocate, and be a consistent voice for a child. The initial program requirements include:
- Must be at least 21 years old (by swearing-in date)
- Complete a personal interview with a member of the CASA staff.
- Undergo a criminal background investigation, including fingerprinting.
- Provide three character references for CASA staff to contact
- Successful completion of the 40-hour pre-service training and court observation program.
- Commitment of at least 18 months to the CASA program as an “Active Volunteer”
- Earn 12 hours of in-service training credit annually.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Before You Apply
Becoming a CASA volunteer is meaningful, but it is also a serious commitment. Before you apply, take a few minutes to honestly consider whether this is the right time for you and your family.
Do you have the time?
CASA volunteers typically spend 10-15 hours a month on their case, including visits with the child, communication with parents and professionals, court hearings, and reports. Some weeks will require more flexibility. Can you commit to being a consistent presence for a child for approximately 18 months?
Is your life stable enough for the commitment?
Life changes happen, but consider whether you are currently navigating major changes, loss, health concerns, a new job, a growing family, or other circumstances that may make a long-term commitment difficult.
What about work, school, and family?
Think about upcoming changes in your schedule and talk with your family about the time and emotional energy this role requires. CASA service should complement your life—not leave you overwhelmed.
Are you ready to be an advocate?
A CASA volunteer is a child’s advocate, not a therapist, parent, investigator, or “rescuer.” You’ll work with children, families, attorneys, caseworkers, teachers, and judges—even when situations are difficult or opinions differ. You’ll need to listen, maintain confidentiality, remain respectful of different perspectives, and speak up for what is in the child’s best interest.
Why do you want to become a CASA?
If you’re looking for a way to make a difference, CASA may be a great fit. But this role isn’t about fixing families or changing the system overnight. It’s about building trust, gathering information, advocating objectively, and being a consistent adult a child can count on.
Can you be patient and open-minded?
Progress in child welfare can be slow. You may not always agree with decisions or understand why things take time. CASA volunteers must be willing to gather facts, consider perspectives different from their own, and remember that the judge makes the final decisions.
Can you care for yourself, too?
CASA work can be emotionally challenging. You won’t do it alone—CASA staff, fellow volunteers, and your own support system are important resources. Being able to recognize your limits and practice healthy boundaries helps you remain effective for the children you serve.
And eventually, can you let go?
CASA advocacy is about helping children reach a safe, permanent outcome—not becoming their permanent parent. When your case ends, you may have to step back and allow the child and family to move forward. Your role is to be the adult who helps children be children while you are part of their journey.
This is the world of CASA—a world of difficult questions and hard decisions. We hope that rather than being overwhelmed, you found this material an honest and helpful tool to guide you through your first big decision – “Should I really do this?” We promise it’s worth it!
