together we will
You can help abused, neglected and abandoned children across the state by getting involved with CASA of Jefferson County.
Contribute
by making a charitable donation
Support
local CASA activities
and events
and events
Share
information about
our mission and work
our mission and work
When a child enters the child welfare system because his or her home is no longer safe, a judge may appoint a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or a CASA volunteer, to speak up for the best interests of the child in family court and other settings.
As a CASA volunteer, you will make a real difference for abused and neglected children by giving them a voice and providing a stable influence in their lives. You will serve as the eyes and ears of the court to promote the safety and well-being of children in the protective services system. To ensure you understand your role, special training and supervision will be provided before you are assigned a case.
Data shows that children who are assigned a CASA volunteer advocate are more likely to:
Find a safe, permanent home
Spend less time in foster care
Have fewer moves between foster placements
Do better in school
Receive the services they need
Avoid re-entry into foster care
CASA advocates are positively impacting the lives of abused and neglected children.
What Do CASA Volunteer Advocates Do?
Volunteer responsibilities include:
- Spending a significant amount of time with a child to build a relationship and gain his or her trust
- Exploring all aspects of the child’s life and gather information from everyone involved, including family members, foster parents, teachers, daycare providers, doctors, lawyers, social workers and other relevant persons
- Ensuring the child has access to needed services, i.e. medical, education and housing
- Accompanying the child to court to advocate for their needs and rights
- Providing a comprehensive picture of the child’s life to the judge when the case goes to court
- Promoting safety and bringing a sense of urgency to the child’s needs
- Committing to advocate for the child’s best interest until he or she reaches a safe, permanent home
CASA volunteer advocates must:
- Be willing to commit several hours of your time each month for at least one year
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Participate in an in-depth training program
- Participate in an in-service training
- Pass criminal and DHR history background checks
- Be over age 21
Other Opportunities
If you’re looking for ways to support CASA and the vulnerable children we serve, but aren’t in a position to become a volunteer advocate—don’t worry. There are several other ways you can help:
Become a non-advocate volunteer:
Creative ways to help your local CASA programs are endless and very welcome. Please contact our office if you are interested in volunteering as a non-advocate.
- Help with administrative tasks in your local CASA office
- Set up an office supply drive
- Assist with filing or data entry
- Donate office space for volunteer training
- Volunteer to be on our events team
- Organize a dress down/up day at your office where employees pay $5 to wear jeans; proceeds go to CASA
Make a financial contribution:
Your tax-deductible donation enables us to advocate for more children in need. There are several ways and opportunities to give:
- Make an individual donation
- Supplement your contribution with a matching gift from your employer
- Donate in memory or honor of a family member or friend
- Give a donation to commemorate a special event
- Sponsor an Event
- Make a recurring donation of $10/month
Spread the word:
- Share our website with family, friends and co-workers
- Follow us on social media, and like and share our postings:
- Host a CASA Fundraiser for your company, community organization or school
Every day, we’re reminded of what makes our CASA volunteers extraordinary. Take Vickie, who recently connected a mother with a community resource that supplied furniture for the family’s new apartment — a step that allowed her children to be reunited with her. That’s not in any job description. That’s an advocate who saw a barrier and found a way around it.
And Vickie is just one of many. The advocates we’re recognizing here represent only a small slice of our incredible volunteer community. Every single one of them shows up with the same heart, dedication, and willingness to fight for the children they serve. We simply couldn’t highlight them all, but please know that each of our volunteers is making a real difference.
Stories like Vickie’s happen because our volunteers care deeply about the children they serve. They show up, they listen, and they keep pushing until something changes.
Here’s the thing though: you don’t have to move mountains to make a difference.
The actual commitment is more manageable than most people expect — about 5 to 10 hours a month, including one visit with your assigned child. That’s it. In that time, you become the consistent adult who knows that child’s story and speaks up for their best interests in court.
Some volunteers find opportunities to go further, and we’re grateful for them. Every advocate makes an impact!
If you’ve been thinking about it, now is a good time to start. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer today. Email Lauren at lbell@casaofjeffco.org.
#casaofjeffersoncounty #differencemakers #volunteer #VolunteerBham
🎉 Thank you to Little Happies for your generous donation of these sweet handmade birthday hats to CASA! 🎂
Little Happies saw a post about CASA of Jefferson County and were moved to reach out and donate. It means so much. Every child deserves fanfare on their birthday. A hat, a song, a moment where everyone in the room is celebrating them. For the kids we serve, that fanfare doesn’t always come easy, so this really fills our hearts.
Thank you Little Happies for celebrating our kids!
💛 💛 💛
You've made it to Wednesday! Don't cook tonight. Dine at Taziki's and support CASA! Taziki's will donate a portion of tonight's sales to CASA of Jefferson County!
#DineForACause
#bham
Change A Child’s Story!
