Volunteer
Change a Child’s Story™
Make a difference in the life of a child in need.
Become a Volunteer
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children in need? Our mission relies on the dedication of caring individuals from our community to make a positive and life-changing impact in advocating for children who need it most.
What is CASA?
Voices for Children, CASA of Boulder County, a part of the national CASA network of volunteers, supports volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. These children are often caught in complicated legal proceedings and need a dedicated and caring advocate to speak up for their needs and rights. Click here to learn more about VFC’s CASA program.
What is an Educational Advocate?
In 2025, Voices for Children, CASA of Boulder County expanded its scope to serve children who struggle with school attendance and engagement in the Boulder Valley School District and St. Vrain Valley School District. Educational Advocates are trained volunteers who work directly with students and families to mitigate barriers to school attendance, connect families to resources, and encourage prosocial connection for students. Click here to learn more about VFC’s Truancy and Truancy Prevention programs.
Why Volunteer
Make a Meaningful Difference
As a volunteer, you will be directly involved in shaping the future of a child who has experienced adversity. Your advocacy can help them find stability, encouragement, and brighter opportunities for the future .
Empower a Child’s Voice
In courtrooms, in schools, and in the community, volunteers help to amplify the voice of the child. You will work closely with the child, getting to know their unique needs and wishes, and ensure professionals and decision-makers hear their perspective.
Create Lasting Relationships
The bond between a volunteer and the child they advocate for can be life-changing. Your presence and advocacy can profoundly impact their self-esteem, trust, and overall well-being.
Getting Started
To learn more about becoming a volunteer, please select one of the following options:
Attend an upcoming Volunteer Information Session
Learn more about VFC, the role of a volunteer, and the impact you can make. Click to sign up for Volunteer 101.
Upcoming Volunteer 101 sessions:
- Tuesday, September 16 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Zoom)
Wednesday, October 1 | 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. (Zoom)
Tuesday, October 21 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Zoom)
Please click here to join via Zoom. Meeting passcode: X3p9V5
Set up a phone call or one-on-one meeting
Connect with one of our Advocate Supervisors to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Email casa@bouldervfc.org or call 303-495-5091.
What’s Next?
Volunteer Application
Fill out and submit your completed application online. Once you submit your application, our team will review it within 48 business hours.
In-Person Interview
After reviewing your application, one of our Program Staff will contact you to schedule an interview.
Volunteer Background Check
Should you be a good fit as a volunteer, you will receive instructions to complete background check paperwork and set up an appointment to complete your fingerprinting.
Training
Once accepted into the program, you will undergo comprehensive training to prepare you for your role as a volunteer. Pre-service training is approximately 30 hours between classroom work and homework. The training covers the legal system, child welfare, understanding trauma and brain development, and advocacy skills.
2025 Training Schedule
October
- Virtual Classroom Opens: Saturday, September 20
- Week 1: Saturday, October 4 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Week 2: Saturday, October 18 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
2026 Training Schedule
January
- Virtual Classroom Opens: Saturday, January 10
- Week 1: Saturday, January 24 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Week 2: Saturday, February 7 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
March
- Virtual Classroom Opens: Tuesday, March 17
- Week 1: Tuesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 26 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Week 2: Tuesday, March 31 and Thursday, April 2 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Week 3: Tuesday, April 7 and Thursday, April 9 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
May
- Virtual Classroom Opens: Saturday, May 16
- Week 1: Saturday, May 30 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Week 2: Saturday, June 13 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
September
- Virtual Classroom Opens: Tuesday, September 8
- Week 1: Tuesday, September 15 and Thursday, September 17 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Week 2: Tuesday, September 22 and Thursday, September 24 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Week 3: Tuesday, September 29 and Thursday, October 1 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
November
- Virtual Classroom Opens: Saturday, October 24
- Week 1: Saturday, November 7 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Week 2: Saturday, November 21 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
We are taking new applications for our next pre-service training. This training is a hybrid class that consists of self-paced work in a virtual classroom and in-person sessions at our office. Online options are available.
Swearing-In
After you have successfully completed your training, you will be sworn in as an officer of the court by one of the Judicial Officers in the 20th Judicial District.
Case Assignment
You will be assigned an Advocate Supervisor who will carefully match you with a child who can benefit from your support and advocacy. This Advocate Supervisor will be there to support you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any special skills to become a CASA or Educational Advocate?
No, you don’t need any specific skills to become a volunteer. We provide comprehensive training to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for the role. All you need is dedication, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference in a child’s life.
How much time does being a CASA or Educational Advocate require?
As a volunteer, the time commitment can vary depending on the case, but on average, volunteers spend around 10-15 hours per month on their advocacy work. This includes visits with the child, meetings with those involved in the case, and court appearances.
How long does a typical case last?
The duration of a case varies widely, depending on the complexity of the situation and the progress of the legal proceedings. However, cases average around 12-18 months.
What kind of support do you give to your volunteers?
CASAs and Educational Advocates are provided training and assigned to an Advocate Supervisor to help answer questions, troubleshoot, and provide guidance. We also provide continuing education opportunities and a hub of online resources so that no volunteer is ever on their own.
VFC offers mileage reimbursement to volunteers for any case-related travel or transportation of CASA youth. Please reach out to staff if you have any questions about reimbursement.
Please contact Program Officer, Jenny Cassin, at jenny@bouldervfc.org or (303) 495-5025 with additional questions.
Voices for Children is an equal opportunity organization in compliance with all state and federal laws.
"As a CASA, you make a meaningful difference in a child's life - a child that doesn't have many people looking out for them."
"Every child deserves a safe environment to grow up in, including a roof over their head, nutritious food in the belly, and an opportunity for education. I'm happy to be a part of the process by being a caring adult who can help a child receive those things."
"There is nothing like the feeling of earning a hug from a child who is generally suspicious of everybody. It's amazing what your calm, regular, and reliable presence can do for a child in need. This is one of the most rewarding volunteer opportunities out there!"