A CASA volunteer knows their kiddos favorite colors (no pink please!) or whether they like cats. It seems like a small thing, but it helps the child feel seen. That awareness becomes tangible when they request a stuffed animal for Valentines or looking for a particular backpack.

But it is the information they learn and carry about the child – from conversations in the car to court reports, or visits at school – that drive the actions of an advocate. CASA volunteers take these details and equip themselves with training on trauma to better understand their child’s outburst or strategies for those who withdraw.

Their focus on staying beside a child trying to navigate scary times is strengthened by a shared CASA community and connections to a community of resources. It’s a unique role for a unique time in a child’s life – one that will not be forgotten by either the CASA volunteer or child. At VOICES, we exist to support this journey with one trauma class, one superman backpack, one stuffed bear and one child at a time.