Senior Volunteers:
Stand Up For a Cause
Become a Child Advocate Volunteer

by Wendy
(www.retirement-online.com)


Become a Child Advocate Volunteer in your retirement!

Now that you’ve retired, you finally have all the time in the world to do the things you’ve always dreamed of. But different from typical retirees who simply relax and lounge around, you might be searching for ways to give back to society. If you are fond of children, why don’t you try being a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer?

CASA Volunteers act as guardians of children who are abused or neglected. They ensure that these children have proper guidance and care to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in inappropriate group or foster homes. Volunteers remain in constant contact with the assigned child until such time that they are properly taken care of and placed safely in a permanent home. Thus, for some children, they serve as the only constant adult presence in their lives.

Being a CASA Volunteers does not entail you to have a specialized background or education. However, it does entail a great deal of dedication and investment of time, energy and heart since volunteers must stay until the case is closed. Most cases usually last for one and a half years.

Should you wish to volunteer, expect to undergo a mandatory 30-hour pre-service training. Also expect to spend at least 10 hours a month for each case.

If you feel that you can’t commit to the requirements a CASA Child Advocate volunteer entails, fret not, there are a lot of other opportunities for you to help out these children.

You may browse through the list below and see where your fit lies:

  • Writing/layout/editing/publication/distribution of the program's newsletter

  • Designing a website, or maintaining current information on a program website

  • Recruiting volunteers: public speaking, staffing tables at events, talking to friends

  • Hanging CASA posters in your community

  • Providing data entry on a regular basis

  • Inviting CASA staff to present a program to their community or civic group, recruiting volunteers, requesting a donation, etc.

  • Getting CASA information out in their workplace via e-newsletter, posters, brochures in pay envelopes, etc.

  • Organizing a fundraiser or contacting businesses for in-kind donations: food, prizes in connection with a special event or for volunteer recognition, office supplies, etc.

  • Presenting an in-service training workshop on a topic about which you have professional expertise

  • Making your home, workplace or other facility available to the CASA program for training, volunteer recognition, special events, etc.

  • Serving on governing boards or advisory councils or their committees

    To know more about CASA and volunteering, visit the National CASA website. at And see where your local CASA association is located.

    By volunteering in CASA, you make wise use of your retirement time in enabling children to find safe, permanent homes and thus make a difference in their lives!

    • Comments for Senior Volunteers:
    Stand Up For a Cause
    Become a Child Advocate Volunteer

    Click here to add your own comments

    CASA advocate
    by: Mercedes, San Jose, Ca

    I have been a CASA volunteer for 3 years. I am in my mid 60's. Being an advocate has changed the way I look at life and gives me a feeling of great fulfillment.

    I worked for most of my life and never felt this feeling. The continuing education classes keeps me learning.

    I am often connected with other Advocates and meet new people all the time. I think this is a wonderful activity for retired people.
    Child Advocate Volunteer
    by: Antoinette

    Hi Wendy.

    You are doing a great job, but it seems to me that some of your suggestions are only effective if you are a resident of the U.S.A.

    Are some of these organisations available in Canada? Please advise.

    Wendy: Hi Antoinette! Yes, I live in the U.S. so that's what I write about. If you have suggestions for Canadian Volunteer programs, you can leave a page at the bottom. Then others will learn from you.

    You can also do a Google Search for "Canadian Senior Volunteers" and see what pops up!

    Eventually, I'll get some Canadian programs on the site, but it all takes time.. it's just me here!

    Click here to add your own comments

    Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Volunteers.