Volunteers Needed to Help Local Foster Kids

BELLEVILLE - CASA of Southwestern Illinois is looking for volunteers, and they emphasized that anyone can join their work and be a hero for local kids.

CASAs, or Court-Appointed Special Advocates, work with kids who have experienced abuse or neglect, most of whom are in the foster care system. These volunteers spend time with the kids and speak on their behalf in court to help the judge make decisions in the best interest of the child.

“A CASA volunteer, in simplest terms, is a professional friend. You’re just there for the child to confide in, to count on, to look to for support when they’re going through a rough time in their lives,” explained Lynda Elizabeth, a spokesperson for CASA Southwestern Illinois. “If you really love kids and you want to make a difference in their lives and help local children in the community, this is a great way to do it.”

CASA SWI asks volunteers to commit to a child for the duration of the case. This translates to about five hours a month, and volunteers make their own hours. Volunteers will work closely with the child’s social worker and attend court proceedings and related meetings.

They also meet with the child. Most volunteers will color or play a game with their assigned child and “talk to them to check in and see how they’re doing and see what they need to make sure that they’re able to thrive,” Lynda Elizabeth explained. The volunteer provides updates and works to make sure the child is supported throughout the court case.

The CASA volunteer is sometimes the one consistent adult presence in a child’s life during this tumultuous time. CASA SWI serves St. Clair, Madison, Monroe, Randolph and Bond counties, or about 900 kids. They are looking for at least 40 new volunteers to help them.

“That’s the one thing that I’ve learned while working here, is that it really takes a passionate person to be able to do this kind of work,” Lynda Elizabeth said. “We serve 900 kids, and so there really is a need for those volunteers to step up and be there for them, because there are just so many without CASAs. They’re trying to navigate the court system based on their situation. Having that volunteer there is just someone that they can trust.”

Lynda Elizabeth explained that interested volunteers can apply on their website. Once you fill out the form, someone will be in touch with you within 24 hours to talk about next steps.

You’ll need to complete a background check and training. An in-person volunteer training is planned for Monday, May 11 through Friday, May 15, 2026, in Belleville. There are several online training options available, too.

You must be at least 21 years old to volunteer, but Lynda Elizabeth emphasized that volunteers come from all different backgrounds and don’t need any legal experience. The flexible schedule and five-hours-a-month commitment means even those working full-time jobs can still make a major difference.

Additionally, volunteers regularly work together and with the volunteer coordinators to discuss different situations and celebrate their work with kids. Lynda Elizabeth encourages people to sign up if they want to help young people and join a community of people who believe in child welfare.

“When you volunteer with CASA, you find yourself in a whole community of people who are like you,” she added. “I’ve never met a volunteer who was not kind, who was not compassionate. You get a sense of belonging and a community that wants to help and really cares about children.”

To read a firsthand account of a CASA volunteer, click here. For more information about CASA SWI, including how to volunteer, visit their official website at CASAofSWIL.org.

This Featured Article is sponsored by CASA of Southwestern Illinois. To get your business or organization featured on www.Riverbender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.

More like this:

CASA to Hold Fundraiser to Support Kids in Foster Care

Apr 9, 2026

Volunteers Needed: CASA Volunteer Shares How to Help Kids Navigate the Judicial System

Apr 2, 2026

Local CASA Organization Recruits Volunteers to Advocate for Kids in Judicial System

Jan 13, 2026

Pop-Up Clothing Swap to Be Held in Alton This Weekend

Apr 20, 2026

Reach the Riverbend: Local Volunteer Opportunities

Dec 10, 2025