Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children
A voice for children when they need it most
As part of a nationwide organization, Alexandria/Arlington CASA follows the national model in which CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for foster children’s best interests. Volunteers work with legal and child welfare professionals, educators, and service providers to ensure that judges have all the information they need to make the most well-informed decisions for each child. Our goal is to ensure each of these children can have a safe, loving, permanent home.
Our best-interest advocacy is driven by the guiding principle that children grow and develop best with their family of origin, if that can be safely achieved.
What is a CASA?
When children are removed from their home due to neglect, abuse, or abandonment, they suddenly find themselves in a confusing world of professionals they do not know. CASAs are often the only adults foster children can trust to remain with them for the entirety of their time in the system. These long-lasting relationships help increase our children’s confidence and self-esteem, so they feel worthy of love. Our CASAs are committed volunteers who work diligently to make sure these children receive the services they need for the duration of their time in foster care.
CASA Advocate volunteers work one-on-one with children in foster care, and give these vulnerable children a voice by advocating for their best interests. CASA volunteers collaborate with parents, foster parents, and professionals from different fields to ensure judges have the facts they need to make informed decisions that impact the child’s life.
Next steps
Looking to become a CASA volunteer? Before you submit a volunteer application, you must attend one of our Information Sessions. Be prepared to spend 60 minutes learning about the role of a CASA Volunteer, the requirements of the position, details of the 39-hour training, and more. This session will help you determine if becoming a CASA Advocate is for you.
Register for an Information Session here.
Eligibility to be a CASA
Your desire to help change a child’s story is the most important quality we look for when we screen prospective volunteers. You must have:
- Valid driver’s license
- Be at least 21
- Clear a criminal background check
- Have computer skills, and strong written and oral skills
Being a CASA means being flexible in terms of your work and personal schedule. You must be willing to make an 18-month commitment to the program and to your foster child.
Note: The CASA program joined NVFS as part of a January 2025 merger with SCAN.
