NO SPECIAL SKILLS REQUIRED TO MAKE AN IMPACT
If you care, you’re qualified.
Each year, nearly 1,800 children are in foster care due to abuse or neglect in the Jackson County Family Court system. Without a CASA volunteer in their corner, most navigate that system alone.
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer who gets to know a child’s situation and advocates for their best interest in court. The people doing this work are administrative professionals, business owners, retirees, parents, neighbors. Ordinary Kansas City residents making an extraordinary commitment. And you’re never doing it alone: every CASA volunteer works as part of a three-person advocacy team with staff support at every step.
No special background required.
More volunteers means more children supported. It’s that simple.
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REAL VOICES FROM REAL VOLUNTEERS
Invest in a child’s life, and change yours.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
You can help change their story.
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Volunteer advocates are a consistent adult who shows up for a child every single month. As their advocate, you’re the person who knows their favorite food, who asks how school went, who writes a report to the court explaining what they saw and heard.
The court process moves slowly. There will be delays, continuances, and frustrating stretches of waiting. Your job isn’t to speed it up. Your job is to make sure the child isn’t forgotten in the shuffle.
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SIMPLE STEPS TO BEGIN
Get started as a Volunteer
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Attend an info session (optional)Virtual 30-minute sessions where you can ask questions and decide if this feels right before committing to anything. Already sure? Skip to step two.
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Schedule a conversationA casual 1:1 with our Manager of Training, Lisa Martin, so you can get to know us, and we can get to know you. This is not a formal interview, just a chance to connect.
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Complete the volunteer applicationThe application takes approximately 30 minutes and requires four references.
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Complete pre-service training30 hours over approximately three weeks: 12 hours of independent online study and 18 hours of in-class training. Sessions are offered monthly, with options that fit your schedule.
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Meet your childAfter training is complete, you’ll be matched with a child and your CASA supervisor. Then your work begins!
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LEARN MORE
Not ready to apply? Meet us at an info session to learn more.
Our info sessions are virtual, 30 minutes, no commitment. They’re a chance to ask every question you have before you fill out a single form.
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FAQS
Still have some questions?
How old are the children CASA serves?
Birth through age 21. You may be matched with a toddler, a teenager, or anyone in between. We try our best to match you with your age range preference.
Do I have to go to court?
You’ll attend hearings when your case is scheduled, but attendance at every session isn’t required. CASA staff will walk you through what to expect before your first appearance.
Are background checks part of the process?
You must be a minimum of 21 years of age, and cannot be convicted of – or have charges pending for – crimes that are violent, sexual, or that demonstrate character not appropriate for a CASA Volunteer. A background check is part of the process. But don’t self-select out. If you have questions about your specific situation, reach out and ask us directly.
Is there a “typical” CASA Volunteer?
We’re proud to have a wealth of CASA Volunteers from different personal, educational, and cultural backgrounds. More than half of our CASAs are employed in regular, full-time jobs. All of them share the same passion and determination to ensure that a child who has experienced abuse or neglect will grow up in a safe, permanent home.
We provide training and support to Volunteers of any race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, faith, and socioeconomic background.
How many cases would I work on at one time?
Typically, CASAs work on one case at a time, allowing them to focus on one sibling group’s particular needs.
BROWSE ALL FAQs →
REAL VOICES FROM REAL VOLUNTEERS
Your voice ensures theirs is heard.
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HELP US SUPPORT CHILDREN IN JACKSON COUNTY
Make an impact as a CASA.
If you’re ready to begin, the application takes about 30 minutes. Gather your references and sit down when you have a quiet window. Have questions first? Attend an info session or email us directly.
Please note: the application is not savable. Begin when you’re able to complete it fully.
