Volunteer
Change a Child’s Story™
Make a difference in the life of a child in need.
Become a CASA Volunteer
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children in need? Do you believe that every child deserves a safe and loving home? 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 have experienced abuse, neglect, and/or truancy.
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 been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for a child’s best interests. They stay with the child until their case is closed and they reach a safe, permanent home. Volunteers work with legal and child welfare professionals, educators and others to ensure that judges have all the information they need to make potentially life-changing decisions for each child.
Why Volunteer
Make a Meaningful Difference
As a CASA volunteer, you will be directly involved in shaping the future of a child who has experienced adversity. Your advocacy can help them find a safe and permanent home, ensuring a brighter future.
Empower a Child’s Voice
In courtrooms and during legal processes, a CASA volunteer can act as the voice of the child. You will work closely with the child, getting to know their unique needs and wishes, ensuring that judges and decision-makers hear their perspective.
Create Lasting Relationships
The bond between a CASA volunteer and the child they advocate for can be life-changing. Your presence and advocacy can have a profound impact on their self-esteem, trust, and overall well-being.
Getting Started
To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, please select one of the following options:
Attend an upcoming CASA 101 Information Session
Learn more about VFC, the role of a volunteer, and the impact you can make. Click to sign up for CASA 101.
Upcoming CASA 101 sessions:
Tuesday, October 22 | 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. (Zoom)
Thursday, October 31 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Zoom)
Thursday, November 7 | 5:00 – 6:00 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 CASA 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 CASA volunteer. Pre-service training is approximately 30 hours between classroom work and homework. The training covers the legal system, child welfare, and advocacy skills.
2024 Training Schedule
We are taking new CASA applications for our next pre-service trainings! CASA Academy is a hybrid class that consists of self-paced work in a virtual classroom and in-person sessions at our office.
November
Session 1: Saturday, November 2 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Session 2: Saturday, November 16 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
February
Session 1: Saturday, February 8 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Session 2: Saturday, February 22 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
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
What is a CASA volunteer?
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a volunteer over 21 years of age and is a trained community member who advocates for the best interest of a child who has experienced abuse or neglect. They help ensure a child’s voice is heard in court and work to ensure that the child’s needs and wishes are being met while navigating through the legal process.
Do I need any special skills to become a CASA volunteer?
No, you don’t need any specific skills to become a CASA 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 volunteer require?
As a CASA 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?
CASA volunteers 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.
Please contact Program Officer, Jenny Cassin, at jenny@bouldervfc.org or (303) 495-5025 with additional questions.
Boulder Voices For Children is an equal opportunity organization that provides opportunities of service that are inclusive of all clients. Our CASA program does not and shall not discriminate or deny partnerships on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression (SOGIE), age, national origin (ancestry), disability, victimization of domestic violence, national origin, socio-economic status, health status, HIV status, employment status, immigration status, disability, physical, or cognitive ability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, the selection of volunteers and vendors, provision of services, and working collaborations. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in the selection and working relationships with our clients.
"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!"