The Keepers of Children’s Stories: CASA of Jefferson County
Some stories are hard to hear. They carry the weight of experiences no child should ever endure—stories of abuse, neglect, and instability. Yet these stories must be told because within them are children who deserve safety, support, and a future shaped by hope rather than harm. There is a remarkable group of individuals who serve as the keepers of these stories: CASA volunteers.
“Without a CASA volunteer, a child’s voice—their daily reality, their needs, and their experiences—often would not exist in the courtroom.”
CASA—Court Appointed Special Advocates—steps forward when a child enters the court system due to abuse or neglect. At a time when a child’s life can feel confusing and fragmented, a CASA volunteer becomes a consistent, caring presence. They are not social workers or attorneys. They are trained community members who commit to standing beside a child and making sure that the child is seen, heard, and understood.
CASA volunteers show up—again and again.
They attend meetings where critical decisions are made.
They visit children at school, in their homes, and in foster placements.
They listen carefully, observe thoughtfully, and take the time to understand what a child is truly experiencing.
In a courtroom filled with legal language and busy schedules, it is easy for a child’s individual needs to get lost. CASA volunteers change that. They provide judges with detailed, firsthand information about the child’s well-being, progress, challenges, and the services they need to be safe and supported. They bring forward facts, observations, and insights that might otherwise never be shared.
“This role is not always easy. Listening to these stories requires strength, compassion, and commitment. Yet CASA volunteers continue to show up because they understand what is at stake. Their presence can influence decisions that shape a child’s life, helping ensure access to services, stability, individualized healthcare, and permanency. Without a CASA volunteer, a child’s voice—their daily reality, their needs, and their experiences—often would not exist in the courtroom.”
Because of them, CASA of Jefferson County stands as a powerful reminder that meaningful change does not always begin with grand gestures. Often, it starts with one dedicated individual willing to listen, to care, and to speak up when a child cannot. Through advocacy, compassion, and commitment, CASA volunteers help ensure that every child’s voice is heard and their best interests are represented—one case, one child, and one life at a time.
