Indiana GAL/CASA Network Expands Volunteer Training to Every Month

Oct 9

A statewide approach to training is opening new doors for local CASA programs—and for community members ready to advocate for children.

For years, becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate has required more than simply deciding to volunteer. It requires time, education, preparation, and a commitment to understanding a child welfare system that can be incredibly complex.

Beginning this fall, the Indiana GAL/CASA network is making that path more accessible.

Through the work and coordination of the Indiana State Office of GAL/CASA and programs across the state, new CASA volunteer pre-service training will now be offered every month, with a new class beginning on the first of each month.

“For CASA of Jefferson County, this is more than a change to a training calendar. It changes the way we can recruit, train, and welcome community members into this work all year long.”

— Whitney Pennington

From Three Training Opportunities a Year to Twelve

Historically, CASA of Jefferson County has hosted approximately three new-volunteer training classes each year. This wasn't because interest in becoming a CASA volunteer was limited to three times a year. It was because offering a complete training program locally required a significant amount of time, planning, and staff resources.

Before a volunteer could be appointed to a case, we needed to make sure they understood what the role involved and were prepared to take on the responsibility. Advocating for a child is important work, and it requires more than a desire to help. Volunteers need to understand the court system, the child welfare process, confidentiality, and the needs of children who have experienced difficult circumstances.

CASA volunteers are appointed by the court to advocate for children who are involved in the court system through no fault of their own. They review case records, meet with children, communicate with parents and caregivers, work with social workers and other professionals, attend meetings and court hearings, and make recommendations based on the child's best interests. They also document their work and help ensure that the child's needs and concerns are heard throughout the process.

Preparing volunteers for these responsibilities takes time. Training must cover a wide range of topics and give volunteers a clear understanding of what is expected of them. Staff must also be available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help volunteers feel ready to step into their roles.

For many CASA volunteers, the commitment can feel like taking on a part-time job, and at times, the demands can approach those of a full-time job. Between reviewing records, meeting with children and other involved parties, attending court hearings and meetings, writing reports, and staying in communication with everyone involved in a case, the hours add up quickly. The work doesn't always fit neatly into a set schedule, especially when a child's needs or court deadlines require additional attention.

That level of commitment is important to recognize, both when preparing volunteers and when considering how to recruit and train them. It also helps explain why training has historically been offered only a few times each year. Preparing someone to take on this role requires a meaningful investment of time and resources, but that investment is essential to ensuring that every volunteer is ready to serve the children who need them.

With limited staff and resources, offering three classes a year was a way to manage that process while ensuring volunteers received the preparation they needed. The schedule reflected the amount of work involved in training volunteers, not a lack of people who wanted to serve.

At the heart of it all was the same goal: to make sure every volunteer who stepped into a child's life was ready to listen, learn, and speak up for that child's best interests.

A Statewide Network Committed to Excellence in Child Advocacy

The Indiana GAL/CASA Network has built a strong reputation for its commitment to children and the standards it maintains for volunteer advocacy. Indiana has one of the largest GAL/CASA networks in the nation, with programs operating across the state. The network follows nationally recognized training requirements, and volunteers must complete at least 30 hours of initial training, along with ongoing education each year. Indiana Office of Court Services (n.d.)

That reputation is built on the understanding that advocating for a child is a serious responsibility. CASA of Jefferson County is part of that statewide effort, and preparing volunteers properly is an important part of maintaining the quality and consistency of the work. Training is not simply a step to get through before a volunteer is assigned a case. It is the foundation for the work they will do on behalf of children who need someone to speak up for them.