Volunteers

Volunteers are everyday citizens whom courts appoint to advocate for the safety and well-being of children who are victims of parental abuse and neglect. They stand up for these children and change their lives.

Becoming a CASA volunteer is an investment of time, energy, and heart. But as many volunteers have said, they are doing it to make a difference in a child's life during a period that might not be the best. On average, you can expect to spend a minimum of 4-6 hours per month advocating for your CASA child. 

Lincoln County CASA volunteers have three training programs to choose from to undergo a total of 30 hours of flexible training— 20 hours in-person and 10 hours of homework.

No special background or education is required to become a CASA volunteer. We encourage people from all cultures, professions, all ethnic, and educational backgrounds. Once accepted into the program, you will receive all necessary training in courtroom procedures, social services, the juvenile justice system and the special needs of abused and neglected children. You are asked to dedicate yourself to a case until it is closed. The average case lasts 12 to 18 months.

CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court and other settings.

a CASA volunteer must adhere to specific guidelines that we have established.

• Make a commitment to serve as a Lincoln County CASA volunteer for a minimum of one year.
• Be willing to donate 4-6 hours of your time each month.
• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Complete a thorough background check
• Participate in an in-depth training program.
• Act in a professional manner with all parties involved in the case.
• Respect the confidentiality of all parties.

The primary responsibilities of a CASA volunteer are to:

• Gather information: Review documents, interview the children, family members and professionals involved.
• Advocate the wishes of the child to the courts.
• Document findings: Provide written reports at certain court hearings.
• Provide recommendations to benefit the child
• Explain what is going on: Help the child feel informed.
• Help buffer disputes between children and caregivers
• Keep the team informed of the child's wishes. Every child deserves to have interests, activities and the opportunity to be a kid. Even those in foster care.
• Maintain contact with CASA staff. We are here to support, guide and help you navigate through the entire case! Plus we can fill in for any meetings or hearings you cannot attend.

You, as a Lincoln County CASA volunteer advocate, will be supported by Lincoln County CASA staff and board members. They will be there to assist you and provide you with opportunities for continuing education, advice and to encourage you to have a valued voice in our organization. In addition to your local organization, both our state and national CASA offer support to volunteers. 

If you feel compelled to make a difference, please take the time to tell us a little about yourself with our CASA Volunteer Application.

Kids Closet

Often children in foster care are transferred at short notice and are unable to bring their clothes, blankets, stuffed animals, and toys and toiletries. Kids may "shop" for clothing and other items in the Kids Closet.

Items that cannot be provided through Kids Closet are purchased through retail stores to ensure that every child has what they need to be physically comfortable in their new setting. 

We rely heavily on donated goods, both new and secondhand. If you'd like to contribute any gently used children's clothing,  playpens, high chairs, baby tubs, cribs, walkers,  partial boxes of diapers, shoes, or toys, please call our office at 308-520-0577 and we will arrange for pick up.