GETTING STARTED

YourJourney Begins Here

Becoming a Piedmont CASA Advocate is a straightforward process, and our staff will support you every step of the way. From the Information Session through your first court hearing, you'll have the training, resources, and professional guidance needed to become a confident advocate for children in foster care.

Step One: Attend an Information Session

Step Two: Complete Your Application

Step Three: Complete Your Training

Step Four: Be Sworn In

Step Five: Begin Advocating

Step One: Attend an Information Session

Your journey begins with a one-hour Information Session offered both in person and online. During the session, you'll learn about Piedmont CASA, the role of a Court Appointed Special Advocate, the Advocate commitment, and the impact Advocates have on children experiencing abuse and neglect.

You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions, meet members of our team, and determine whether becoming a CASA Advocate is the right fit for you.

Schedule Your Own Information Session:
To schedule an in-person information session with Kari Lamb at our Charlottesville office, contact:
‍
Kari Lamb
klamb@pcasa.org
(434) 971-7515, ext. 119

Registration Link for Thursday 12pm Info Sessions:
‍Dates: January 7, 14, 21, 28
February 4, 11, 18, 25
March 4, 11

Registration Link for January 11th 6pm Info Session
‍
Registration Link for February 8th 6pm Info Session
‍
Registration Link for February 22nd 6pm Info Session
‍

Spring Application Deadline: March 12th!
‍
Spring 2027 Training Dates (on Zoom unless indicated in-person; in-person classes to take place at the PCASA office):
1. Monday, April 12th - 5:30pm-8:30pm (in-person)
2. Thursday, April 15th - 5:30pm-8:30pm (in-person)
3. Monday, April 20th - 5:30pm-8:30pm
4. Thursday, April 22nd - 5:30pm-8:30pm
5. Monday, April 26th - 5:30pm-8:30pm
6. Thursday, April 29th - 5:30pm-8:30pm
7. Monday, May 3rd - 5:30pm-8:30pm
8. Thursday, May 6th - 5:30pm-8:30pm (in-person)
9. Monday, May 10th - 5:30pm-8:30pm
10. Thursday, May 13th - 5:30pm-8:30pm (in-person)
11. Monday, May 17th - 5:30pm-8:30pm

Induction - TBD (will take place on a Tuesday after last training class at 3pm)

Step Two: Complete Your Application

If you decide to move forward, you'll complete an application and participate in the screening process. This includes interviews, background checks, and reference checks designed to ensure every Advocate is prepared to serve children safely, professionally, and responsibly.

Our staff is available throughout the process to answer questions and help guide you through each requirement.

If you prefer the fillable PDF, click here and email when completed to klamb@pcasa.org

Step Three: Complete Your Training

Every CASA Advocate participates in a comprehensive 33 hour pre-service training before being assigned to a case.

Training combines classroom instruction, discussion, case studies, and practical learning experiences that prepare our Advocates to work effectively within the child welfare and court systems.

Topics include:

Understanding the child welfare system
Court procedures and legal processes
Trauma-informed advocacy
Child and adolescent development
Educational advocacy
Mental health and community resources
Cultural awareness and effective communication
Professional ethics and confidentiality
Report writing and courtroom expectations

Step Four: Be Sworn In

After successfully completing training, you'll be officially sworn in by the court as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

This important milestone recognizes your commitment to serving children and authorizes you to begin advocating on behalf of children assigned by the court.

Following your swearing-in ceremony, Piedmont CASA staff carefully match you with a child or sibling group whose needs align with your strengths and availability.

Step Five: Begin Advocating

Once assigned to a case, you'll begin building a relationship with your child while gathering information from everyone involved in their life.

Throughout your service, you'll:

Visit monthly with your assigned child
Communicate with caregivers and professionals
Monitor educational, medical, and emotional needs
Attend court hearings
Submit written reports to the court
Help ensure the child's best interests remain the priority throughout the case

Although you'll serve as an independent Advocate, you'll always have the support of your CASA Supervisor, who will provide ongoing guidance and assistance.

Pages

Ultra

Buy

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time does volunteering require?

Most CASA Advocates dedicate approximately 10 to 15 hours each month. Time is spent visiting with the child, communicating with professionals, reviewing information, preparing reports, and attending court hearings.

Do I need previous experience working with children?

No. Advocates come from a wide variety of professional and personal backgrounds. Comprehensive training prepares you for your role, and you'll receive ongoing support from Piedmont CASA staff.

Will I work alone?

No. Every CASA Advocate is supported by an experienced CASA Supervisor who provides guidance, answers questions, and helps you navigate your case from beginning to end.

How long do CASA Advocates stay with a case?

Whenever possible, Advocates stay with their assigned child for the duration of their time in foster care. This consistency is one of the most valuable aspects of the CASA program, allowing children to build a trusted relationship with someone who remains focused on their well-being. The average length of a case is 18 months.

Can I become an Advocate if I work full time?

Yes. Many CASA Advocates balance their volunteer service with full-time careers, parenting, and other responsibilities. Our staff works with Advocates to help them manage their advocacy responsibilities while maintaining flexibility whenever possible.

Every Child Deserves Someone in Their Corner.

Donate

Learn More