Change the trajectory of a child’s life.
CASA volunteers get to know one child, gather the full picture from everyone in their daily life, and become the consistent adult who speaks up for them — in court, at school, and in our community.
Five steps. One promise.
Complete a volunteer inquiry form
Tell us you’re interested — that’s it. No commitment yet.
Talk it through with our staff
A CASA-EP staff member will contact you to discuss your interest and answer questions.
Complete a formal application
The paperwork part. We promise it’s painless.
Screening interview
A conversation with CASA-EP staff so we can get to know you.
Background check
Successfully complete a criminal background check and provide documentation of a safe driving record.
No law degree required.
Our advocates come from every walk of life. Here’s what we actually ask for:
- Be 21 years of age or older.
- Be committed to improving the lives of vulnerable children.
- Bring passion, positivity, and professionalism.
- Communicate effectively, both out loud and in writing.
- Be comfortable with word processing and database technology.
- Have time for 35 hours of training, then 10–15 hours per month of child engagement and advocacy.
- Bring a willingness to learn and an open mind toward life experiences different from your own.
I liked being the one that never gave up on her. Sometimes the threads that tether children to caring adults aren’t always there.
Volunteers on their best days.
“As a retiree it gives me a sense of purpose. Some cases don’t end as I would want — but others have endings where I know the children have an opportunity for a bright future, and that CASA made the difference.”
“My case lasted two years. By the end, I was the only person the little girl recognized from the beginning. I liked being the one that never gave up on her.”
“The best day was the adoption celebration for a sweet three-year-old whose case we had followed for over a year — from squalid and neglectful circumstances to a home that was nurturing and happy.”
Nationally accredited. Locally supported.
CASA-EP volunteers complete 35 hours of pre-service training, followed by 12 hours of in-service training each year. Training cycles run throughout the year — contact us for the next cohort’s dates.
You’re never on your own. Dedicated Volunteer Supervisors support every advocate, there’s a peer mentoring program and Chat & Chew discussion groups — and you can even volunteer with a friend or partner and share the casework.
Other ways to support the mission
Become a CASA Champion on a project basis · Donate professional services or in-kind goods · Educate your networks about our work · Invite a CASA-EP speaker · Serve as a board member.
See all the ways to help →Let a volunteer tell you more
Anne Mortensen, a CASA-EP volunteer, on what the work is actually like — in her own words.
Watch on YouTube →Out in the community.
Their voices need yours.
As a volunteer advocate, you ensure that the voices of children in the Eastern Panhandle are heard — and that their needs stay a priority in an overburdened child welfare system.