Overview

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Their best-interest advocacy helps ensure children are safe and have the opportunity to thrive. Best-interest considerations include health, safety, day-to-day care and emotional ties. CASA volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is in a safe, permanent home. We serve children from birth through the age defined by state statute as the limit to youth remaining in care.

Volunteers are supported by CASA staff and meet with children weekly. They also work with legal and child welfare professionals, educators and service providers to ensure that judges have all the information they need to make the most well-informed decisions for each child. 

Research shows the #1 factor for children who develop resilience is to have at least one stable and committed relationship with a caring adult.

We need you! 

Qualifications: 

• Must be 21 years or older.
• Must pass screening, including: written application with personal/professional references, personal interview, and review of applicant’s criminal, traffic and child protection records (background check).
• Must have sufficient time available to complete initial training (30 hours); and be able to commit to a minimum of one year of service (10-15 hours per month). Case length and time per month average varies by case.

Apply to be a CASA Volunteer.

Canopy Center is the sole provider of CASA services in Dane and Columbia County, representing two of the 15 counties in Wisconsin with a CASA program. 

If you have any questions or would like any additional information about CASA before filling out the volunteer application, please contact: info@canopycenter.org. 

Funding for CASA of 

Dane & Columbia Counties 

provided by:

CASA is grateful to receive support from the Psi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta at the University of Wisconsin Madison. Thetas have supported CASA organizations across the United States since 1989. Thetas donate through their foundation, by hosting philanthropic events, and as volunteers.