CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is in need of volunteers.
What is a CASA volunteer?
According to the CASA website:
“As a C.A.S.A. Volunteer, you speak for the best interest of a child in court. C.A.S.A. volunteers are appointed by a judge to recommend the best possible outcome for an abused or neglected child’s future. Whether this means helping to make a connection with adoptive parents or safely reuniting the child with parents or relatives, the ultimate goal of the C.A.S.A. volunteer is to help ensure that every one of these kids can live in a safe, permanent home.
“C.A.S.A. volunteers review records, research information and talk to everyone involved—social workers, attorneys, judges, parents, teachers, family members and, of course, the children themselves.”
Program Manager Candace Lingo said CASA is always in need of volunteers.
“We have a link for our application, and we can always use volunteers,” she said. “What we do is try and pour into the children we serve. As a volunteer, most of the work you do is done at home, unless you need/want to come to the office. After training, when a case is assigned to a volunteer, it takes an average of 12 hours a month to work a case. We have awesome staff that are here to help in any way. In 2024, we served 188 kids. Every year, that number goes up.”
Lingo shared that judges will assign CASA volunteers to cases of children who are currently in out-of-home care, or at risk being in out-of-home care, due to abuse and neglect.
“We attend meetings at DHR, see the children, contact the family and make sure that all the needs are being met,” she said. “The most important part of what we do is make sure that the child’s wishes are heard by the court.”
To submit an application or get more information email cullmancountycasa@msn.com or call 256-739-1111.
Volunteer requirements include:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Pass a criminal and DHR background check
- Have reliable transportation
- Complete a 30-hour training program
- Be sworn in by the judge
Lingo’s office is located in the Cullman Caring for Kids building space at 402 Arnold St. NE, Suite W-1, in Cullman.
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