Apply to Become a CASA LA Volunteer

CASA of Los Angeles volunteer application 2025-2026

Step 1 of 10

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate with CASA of Los Angeles! This application will help us assess your eligibility to serve as a volunteer and is a part of the mutual screening process. The information you provide is for internal use only. Your responses will only be used to determine your suitability to serve as a CASA volunteer.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please complete all sections of the application as thoroughly as possible while keeping to the space allotted for the responses. The application will take approximately 90 minutes to complete. If you haven’t already done so, please review our explanation of the application process, Volunteer Eligibility and Screening FAQs and Frequently Asked Questions.

“Attending an information session is mandatory. If you haven’t attended one, you can register for either our online webinar or sign up to attend a live information session here. (Live information sessions are offered in-person and virtually via Zoom.) Your application will be processed only after you have attended an information session.”

CASA of Los Angeles promotes equal opportunity for all applicants. In doing so, we comply with local, state and federal laws and regulations to ensure an equal opportunity for everyone. CASA/LA prohibits any forms of discrimination and harassment based upon a person’s protected status. “Protected status” means a person’s race, color, national origin, sex, age (40 and over), religion, sexual orientation, disability (mental, physical, or invisible), gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, pregnancy, genetic information (including family medical history), military service, their submission of a complaint, or activity in any Equal Employment Opportunity related activity. Our policies and practices are intended to ensure that all are treated equally, and our decisions are made to further the principle of equal opportunities.

IMPORTANT: Do not use your browser’s back/forward button. To navigate the application form, use the “Previous” and “Next” buttons at the bottom of the page.

You can save your application and continue it later by clicking on the “Save and Continue Later” button. You must input your email address to have a unique link sent to you in order to return to the application within a 30-day period.

If you have any questions, please contact us by emailing volunteer@casala.org or calling 323-859-2888 x6320.

You can view the sample application form here

I have participated in or registered for CASA of Los Angeles' information session (either the webinar or in-person version)(Required)

"We’re excited about your interest in becoming a CASA volunteer! Before moving forward, we kindly ask that you attend an information session — it’s an important first step in the process. If you haven’t attended one yet, you can register for our convenient online webinar or join one of our live information sessions (available both in-person and via Zoom) by clicking here. Once you’ve attended an information session, we’ll be able to begin processing your application. We look forward to connecting with you soon!"

Please contact us at volunteer@casala.org to discuss on how to move forward. Thank you!

BACKGROUND SCREENING
Because of the nature of the CASA volunteer role, CASA of Los Angeles thoroughly screens all applicants. The process of initial and subsequent background screening includes:

Fingerprinting (Live Scan)

Personal interview(s)

Reference checks

Social Security number verification

A local security clearance, which requires a valid CA ID (e.g. driver license)

Criminal records (including, but not limited to the local court, CA Department of Justice (DOJ), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI))

National Sex Offender Registry

Child abuse registries (e.g. Child Abuse Central Index)

DMV records

Any other investigation that CASA deems appropriate

All applicants must submit the required information and authorize a release of information related to the above listed background checks. Refusing to do so will result in a rejection of the application. All applicants accepted for training will be fingerprinted as part of the criminal background check.

Criminal history does not necessarily disqualify you from service. However, any applicant found to have been convicted of, or having charges pending for a felony or misdemeanor involving a sex offense, child abuse or neglect, or related acts that would pose risks to children or the CASA program’s credibility will not be accepted as a CASA volunteer.

All applicants are REQUIRED to have an active CALIFORNIA Driver’s License or ID. Do you currently have an active California Driver’s License or ID?(Required)

Yes

No
"We’re excited about your interest in becoming a CASA volunteer! Before moving forward, we REQUIRE that you apply for or acquire a valid CALIFORNIA Driver's License or ID— it’s a mandated National CASA/ GAL step in the process.
Please contact us at volunteer@casala.org to discuss on how to move forward. Thank you!

PERSONAL INFORMATION
I am a member of:(Required)
Junior League of Los Angeles
She Ready Foundation
None of the above
Email Address(Required)

Please double check to make sure that your email address is correct. This is the email address we will be using for all future correspondence, including your ‘Save and Continue Later’ application link.
Full Legal Name(Required)
As appears on CA driver's license or ID.
First Middle Last
Nickname/Preferred Name
Pronouns
Click here to learn more about pronouns: Gender Pronouns
Gender
If "Let me type" selected- please type below
Race/Ethnicity
I identify as LGBTQIA+
Languages Spoken
Date of Birth(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY

Do you live in LA COUNTY?(Required)
San Bernandino and Orange County have their own CASA programs, and we will refer any applicants outside of LA COUNTY to the appropriate programs.
"We’re excited about your interest in becoming a CASA volunteer! Unfortunately , due to your residence being outside of Los Angeles County we will not be able to process your application. Find your nearest CASA program by clicking here.
Which CASA office would you prefer as your home base?
Current Address(Required)
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Have you lived in any other state(s)/country in the past 7 years?(Required)
Address(Required)
Please provide your address from other state/country below.

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Main Phone Number(Required)
Please provide your primary phone number.
Phone Type(Required)
Alternative Phone Number
Alternative Phone Number Type
Preferred Method of Contact

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Emergency Contact Full Name(Required)
Relationship to Applicant(Required)
Emergency Contact Phone Number(Required)
Emergency Contact Phone Number Type(Required)
Emergency Contact Address(Required)
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
What is your current employment status?(Required)

EMPLOYMENT
CASA utilizes employment to verify background screening as a national CASA requirement.
Self-Employment Information(Required)
Please list your self-employment information. (Press + symbol to add more entries)
Company Name
Type of Work/Industry
Role/Job Title
Dates of self-employment

Please provide a brief description of typical work schedule (days/times):(Required)
As part of our process, it helps us to understand your general availability during the workday (9am-5pm).
Employment History(Required)
Please list your current and previous employers from the last 7 years (if applicable), the dates you worked and the position you held. (Press + symbol to add more entries)
Employer/Company Name
Dates of Employment (month and year)
Job Title
Location (City, State)

EDUCATION
Are you currently attending school?(Required)

Yes

No

Currently Applying

Awaiting Acceptance
High School Information(Required)
Please provide your high school information.
High School Name
City, State
Graduation Date

College/University/Technical School Information
Please provide your highest education completed. (Press + symbol to add more entries)
College/University/Technical School Name
City, State
Degree/Current Program
Graduation Date

Please provide your anticipated/typical class schedule (days/times):(Required)
As part of our process, it helps us to understand your general availability during the academic year.
If you are currently applying to or awaiting acceptance to college, please share any relevant details about your timeline and how you plan to fit CASA responsibilities into your new schedule if accepted.(Required)
As part of our process, it helps us to understand your general availability during the academic year.
References
References(Required)
Please submit 3 references (one of which must be a professional reference). All references must have known the applicant for at least 2 years or more. (Press + symbol to add more entries)
Reference Name
Relationship to applicant
Email Address
Years Known

CASA Training
CASA training occurs in five sessions. Each training contains five sessions of approximately four hours of self‐guided work online and 4‐hours in person. Because approximately half of the learning time is self‐guided and requires a computer, the brief assessment below was designed to help you determine if you are a good candidate to participate in this type of training experience. Please check the following statements that apply to you:
Computer Access(Required)
I have access to a computer with a high-speed internet connection and a current web browser.
YES
NO
How would you describe your comfort with technology?(Required)
Check all that apply
Use of Technology(Required)
I am comfortable with navigating the following (check all that apply):
Computer/Laptop/Tablet
Google Suite (Gmail, Google Docs etc)
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Outlook email
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Word
Text Message
Uploading documents electronically
Training Schedule(Required)
I understand that during training I will have to complete weekly online work, attend all five hybrid (in-person and virtual) sessions, including graduation day (1:00 pm-2:30 pm), court observation (8:30 am-11:30 am), and a virtual judge presentation (45 minutes).
YES
NO
CASA/Youth Pairing(Required)
I understand I must be available to be paired with a child within 60 days of completing training.
YES
NO

POSITION DUTIES
CASA volunteers play an important role in supporting children and families, which can sometimes be both meaningful and emotionally challenging. We’re looking for volunteers who bring compassion, emotional steadiness, and the ability to handle stress with care. Flexibility, good judgment, and clear communication are also key. In this role, you’ll be interviewing and observing, listening deeply, reading and writing reports, and making thoughtful recommendations. You’ll also connect with others through phone calls, emails, meetings, and court visits. With or without reasonable accommodation, do you feel ready and able to take on these responsibilities?(Required)
CASA volunteers play an important role in supporting children and families, which can sometimes be both meaningful and emotionally challenging. We’re looking for volunteers who bring compassion, emotional steadiness, and the ability to handle stress with care. Flexibility, good judgment, and clear communication are also key. In this role, you’ll be interviewing and observing, listening deeply, reading and writing reports, and making thoughtful recommendations. You’ll also connect with others through phone calls, emails, meetings, and court visits. With or without reasonable accommodation, do you feel ready and able to take on these responsibilities?

Yes

No
CASA of Los Angeles’ core values include deep love for the children and families we serve and a commitment to justice, authenticity, integrity, accountability and respect. Are you able to perform the activities mentioned above in accordance with our core values? *(Required)

CASA of Los Angeles’ core values include deep love for the children and families we serve and a commitment to justice, authenticity, integrity, accountability and respect.

Are you able to perform the activities mentioned above in accordance with our core values? *

Yes

No
INFORMATIONAL QUESTIONS
Time Availability
Being a CASA is a meaningful long-term commitment. We ask volunteers to serve for at least 18 months, with an average of about 15–20 hours per month dedicated to their case. Your time may include phone calls, in-person visits, online documentation, and occasional court appearances. Some activities will take place during regular weekday hours, like connecting with coordinators, social workers, teachers, or therapists. Court hearings are usually scheduled in advance, so you’ll have notice. With this in mind, are you able to make this commitment? *(Required)
Being a CASA is a meaningful long-term commitment. We ask volunteers to serve for at least 18 months, with an average of about 15–20 hours per month dedicated to their case. Your time may include phone calls, in-person visits, online documentation, and occasional court appearances. Some activities will take place during regular weekday hours, like connecting with coordinators, social workers, teachers, or therapists. Court hearings are usually scheduled in advance, so you’ll have notice.

With this in mind, are you able to make this commitment? *

Yes

No
Training
CASA of Los Angeles’ pre-service training is about 35–40 hours and includes a mix of in-person or virtual sessions along with some online work. You’ll be able to choose a training schedule that fits best for you during the application process. Successful completion of all training sessions is required to join the CASA program, and attendance is mandatory. Can you commit to this training with advance notice? *(Required)
CASA of Los Angeles’ pre-service training is about 35–40 hours and includes a mix of in-person or virtual sessions along with some online work. You’ll be able to choose a training schedule that fits best for you during the application process. Successful completion of all training sessions is required to join the CASA program, and attendance is mandatory.

Can you commit to this training with advance notice? *

Yes

No
Travel
CASA of Los Angeles serves children all across one of the largest counties in the nation—spanning from the Antelope Valley in the north to Long Beach in the south, and from the beaches to the inland valleys. As a CASA, you’ll need to meet with your child in person at least once a month wherever they are living, and you may also travel to connect with others involved in the case or attend scheduled meetings and court hearings. Are you willing to travel throughout Los Angeles County, including longer distances such as to the Antelope Valley, as part of your advocacy work?(Required)
CASA of Los Angeles serves children all across one of the largest counties in the nation—spanning from the Antelope Valley in the north to Long Beach in the south, and from the beaches to the inland valleys. As a CASA, you’ll need to meet with your child in person at least once a month wherever they are living, and you may also travel to connect with others involved in the case or attend scheduled meetings and court hearings.

Are you willing to travel throughout Los Angeles County, including longer distances such as to the Antelope Valley, as part of your advocacy work?

Yes

No
Volunteers are not required to transport children as part of their CASA role. However, if you do choose to drive on behalf of the organization, California law requires you to have automobile liability coverage. CASA of Los Angeles also requires that you provide verification of your insurance and hold a valid California driver’s license.

What inspired you to explore becoming a CASA volunteer? (Please write at least one paragraph)(Required)
Maybe it’s a personal experience, someone who influenced you, or simply a passion for supporting kids. We’d love to hear your story in at least one paragraph—what drew you to this role, what keeps you motivated, and how you imagine making a difference in the lives of children and youth in foster care.
What strengths, skills, and life experiences will you bring to your work as a CASA volunteer?(Required)
We’d love to hear, in at least one paragraph, how your unique qualities have prepared you for this role, what inspires you to step into service, and how you see yourself making a positive impact in the lives of children and youth in foster care.
How do you see the CASA volunteer role fitting into your current life?(Required)
Please consider your regular commitments—such as work, school, family time, social activities, other volunteer roles, or hobbies—and how you plan to balance those with the responsibilities of advocating for a child or youth.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/EXPECTATIONS
(Required)
1. I am over 21 years of age.
(Required)
2. I am not an approved resource family (foster parent license holder).
(Required)
3. Upon successful completion of the screening and volunteer training, I will be expected to serve approximately 15 hours a month for at least 18 months as a CASA volunteer.
(Required)
4. I will submit to a background investigation to determine my suitability to serve as a CASA volunteer, including but not limited to, a criminal background check with fingerprinting.
(Required)
5. I will participate in on-going supervision and continuing education training classes, cooperating fully with staff and adhering to all agency-approved report-writing criteria.
(Required)
6. As an applicant of CASA of Los Angeles, I understand and acknowledge that CASA of Los Angeles is not obligated in any way to accept me into the volunteer training program by submission of this application.
(Required)
7. I understand and agree that CASA of Los Angeles retains the right to refuse any individual, if it feels it would not serve the best interests of the child or the program. CASA of Los Angeles is not required to state the reason for declining an applicant into the program if they so choose.
(Required)
8. I understand that Rule 5.655 in the 2018 California Rules of Court requires CASA of Los Angeles to inform me that any applicant found to have been convicted of or to have charges pending for a felony or misdemeanor involving a sex offense, child abuse or child neglect must not be accepted as a CASA volunteer.

Sign and Certify
Please read the statement below and enter your name, today’s date, and signature.

I understand that I am applying to be a CASA of Los Angeles volunteer, to serve without promise, expectation or receipt of any compensation for the service performed.

I hereby agree to a complete background check, and that CASA of Los Angeles may do whatever is necessary to verify the validity of my statements. Further, I fully consent to the communication and sharing of any information learned about me during the screening process and subsequent service, including with outside people and organizations, regardless of the nature of the information, as necessary to ensure a complete background investigation and protect children and the integrity of the CASA Network.

I certify that I understand that volunteer placement is a selection process and that not all applicants are accepted into the program. I understand that volunteers are selected based on individual ability to meet the responsibilities of the CASA Program.

I also understand that because of the nature of the screening process, CASA of Los Angeles is not obligated to disclose to me reason(s) for any decision concerning my acceptance or non-acceptance into the program. Furthermore, I understand that CASA of Los Angeles has to consider the best interests of the children first when matching them with CASA volunteers. Thus, I understand that the agency is not obligated to assign to me a child and that submission of this application in no way obligates me to perform volunteer services.

I hereby certify, under the penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of California, that the information provided by me in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Type full legal name(Required)
Date(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY

Signature(Required)

Apply to Become a CASA LA Volunteer

CASA of Los Angeles volunteer application 2025-2026

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

BACKGROUND SCREENING

PERSONAL INFORMATION

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

EMPLOYMENT

EDUCATION

References

CASA Training

POSITION DUTIES

INFORMATIONAL QUESTIONS

Time Availability

Training

Travel

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/EXPECTATIONS

Sign and Certify

Who We Are

What We Do

Join Us