The CASA Commitment
Being a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children is not like many other volunteer opportunities. It involves your time and energy, of course. But it also taps into your compassion, intelligence, curiosity, patience, humility, and so many parts of the whole person. The commitment you make is not just a commitment to the organization—it is a commitment to a very vulnerable child or children during the worst events in their lives.
This might seem daunting. And scary.
But at its core, the commitment is simple: I will try to make it better.
A CASA sits with a child, plays a game, and lets them know that they are the most important thing in that moment. Every child deserves this. But to do this well, you must first be prepared—and that’s where training comes in.
The CASA Training Journey
The training required to become a CASA is intensive and thorough. It is designed to prepare you for the real-life challenges faced by the children you will serve, equipping you with knowledge, tools, and confidence to advocate effectively. Here's what to expect:
1. A Group Learning Experience
CASA training takes place in a group setting with your peers. You’ll be surrounded by others who share your passion for advocacy, creating a supportive learning environment where you can discuss, reflect, and grow together. This sense of camaraderie continues beyond training, forming a network of advocates who support each other in the field.
The in-person training gives an advocate the opportunity to look to their left and their right and see other volunteers engaged in the same passion of wanting to make a difference. It introduces the idea that the volunteer isn’t alone in this work and sets a foundation that we are all in this together. It begins an understanding that there is support and lessens the doubt, fear, or insecurities a volunteer might have about whether they can do this.
2. Understanding the Realities of Foster Care
Before stepping into advocacy, CASA volunteers need to understand the child welfare system. Training will cover:
The legal process of child protection cases
The roles of various professionals (judges, attorneys, caseworkers, foster parents, etc.)
The impact of trauma on children in foster care
3. Learning About Trauma and Its Effects
Children in the system have experienced deep trauma—abuse, neglect, abandonment. CASA training dives into:
The science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
How trauma affects brain development, behavior, and relationships
Strategies to build resilience in children
4. Recognizing Key Issues
To be an effective advocate, you need to recognize and understand the challenges children and families face. Training will explore:
Child abuse and neglect
Substance abuse and its impact on families
Mental health concerns
Domestic violence
Poverty and systemic barriers
5. Developing Advocacy Skills
CASAs are the eyes and ears of the court, and they need strong advocacy skills. Training includes:
How to gather and document information
How to communicate effectively with children, families, and professionals
How to make recommendations in a child’s best interest
Report writing and courtroom procedures
6. Gaining Hands-On Experience
Most CASA programs include hands-on training, such as:
Guest speakers from the child welfare system
Case studies and group discussions
Role-playing exercises to practice interactions
Court Observation: One court observation is required prior to your swear-in. You will be escorted to the Tarrant County Family Law Center to attend an actual child welfare hearing. This experience allows you to see the system in action and better understand your role as an advocate.
7. Meeting Your CASA Mentor
Toward the end of your pre-service training, you will be matched with a child welfare professional who will act as your confidant, assistant, and supervisor. They will provide the guidance and support you need to be successful in your advocacy journey.
The Final Steps: Swearing In and Becoming an Advocate
On your first day of training, you will receive a binder with training materials approved by Texas CASA, which will serve as a valuable reference throughout your advocacy work.
Upon completion of your training, you will return to the same courthouse for your official swear-in ceremony, standing alongside your peers as you take an oath to advocate for children in foster care. This marks the beginning of your role as a CASA, a dedicated voice for a child in need.
The Heart of CASA: Playing UNO and Listening
After all this training, you might wonder: What does it all come down to?
It comes down to showing up. To sitting with a child, playing a game of UNO, and making them feel important. It’s about listening—really listening—to their fears, dreams, and worries. It’s about being the one constant in a time of upheaval.
The training prepares you for the difficult realities, but the heart of the work is simple: I will try to make it better.
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a CASA, know that the training will give you everything you need to be a strong advocate. And the child who needs you? They’ll give you everything you need to know about why it matters.
Are you ready to take the first step? Sign up for an information session today.