How do I become a volunteer?

 Court-appointed special advocate (CASA) and guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteers make a life-changing difference for children who have experienced abuse or neglect or who are involved in court proceedings (such as guardianship, paternity, divorce, adoption, and juvenile delinquency).  Each volunteer is appointed by a judge to advocate for a child’s best interest in court.  Our volunteers help judges develop a fuller picture of each child’s life.   Their advocacy enables judges to make the most well-informed decision for each child.  

Volunteer Requirements

Becoming a GAL/CASA Volunteer requires a commitment on your part to serve children.
In order to volunteer with our program, you must do the following:
 - Complete a 32-hour training course, consisting of lectures and a variety of homework
- Complete a criminal and DCS background check
- Complete 12 hours of continuing education each year
- ​Be able to travel to homes and facilities
- Have the time available to make contact with families and children and to review documentation in order to interview and investigate a case assigned to you
- Attend court hearings if required during your case
- See your case from start to finish
The children deserve committed volunteers!

Training Schedule

We are always looking for new volunteers! If you or a friend are interested in becoming a GAL/CASA Volunteer for Hamilton County, please contact us to attend one of our upcoming trainings.  Our next 2021 training dates are as follows:
February 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25
June 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, and July 14
October 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14
 The training is three nights per week for two weeks from 5:30 - 9:00 PM each night (plus you will be expected to do 10 hours of at-home training by reading through our Manual and doing homework activities and 1 hour of court observation).  Please contact our office a couple weeks before the training session you plan to attend, so that we can order manuals and other training materials for you. We look forward to meeting you!

Ready to join us?  Fill out an application.

If you would like to join us at one of our upcoming trainings,
​please fill out one of our online applications, which can be found by clicking below.