​Since 1991, Savannah Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) has trained and supported volunteers who advocate for children experiencing abuse and neglect in the Chatham County Juvenile Court system.

Our Purpose

Savannah Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) recruits, trains, and supports volunteer advocates who stand up for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse and neglect.

CASA volunteers are appointed by Chatham County Juvenile Court judges to advocate for each child’s safety, permanency, and well-being.

They remain with a case until it is closed—providing consistency during some of the most uncertain moments in a child’s life.

“Every child deserves someone who shows up, listens, and stays.”

How CASA Advocates Support Children

Court Advocacy

CASA volunteers provide fact-based recommendations to judges so courts can make informed decisions rooted in each child’s best interests.

Collaboration

CASA volunteers work alongside attorneys, educators, caregivers, and service providers to support each child’s well-being.

​Consistency

Volunteers remain involved throughout the life of the case, often becoming the one stable adult presence for a child.

Family Connection

Whenever safe and possible, CASA supports children remaining with or reunifying with their families.

Becoming a CASA Volunteer

Every child deserves someone who shows up, listens, and stays.

Becoming a CASA volunteer means stepping into that role for a child who has experienced abuse or neglect—and making sure their voice is heard in court and in life-changing decisions.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate, then our informational sessions are for you!

​At this session, the staff of Savannah/Chatham CASA will:

• Provide an overview of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA);
• Provide an overview of training requirements;
• Review the requirements of a CASA volunteer;
• Explain the time commitment of a CASA volunteer; and 
• Answer any questions that you might have. ​

Upcoming Virtual Informational Sessions

      Zoom Links

Tuesday, June 16 | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Friday, July 10 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Monday, August 10 | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Thursday, September 10 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Friday, October 2 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Wednesday, November 18 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Tuesday, December 1 | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

June Session
July Session
August Session
September Session
October Session
November Session
December Session

The 5 Steps to Becoming a CASA Volunteer

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1. Attend an Informational Session

​2. Submit an Application

CASA Volunteer Application

​3. Complete an Interview

We will call you to get it scheduled.

4. Complete 40 Hours of Training

Upcoming Pre-Service Trainings

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July 23, 2026 - August 27, 2026 | Thursdays 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
October 14, 2026 - November 18, 2026 | Wednesdays 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

5. Be Sworn In by a Judge

The Difference You Make

CASA volunteers help ensure children are safe, supported, and given the chance to thrive.

From helping siblings stay together, to identifying safe relatives, to supporting reunification with parents, volunteers play a critical role in shaping a child’s future.

Once assigned to a case, volunteers:

• Get to know the child and their support system
• Speak with caregivers, teachers, and providers
• Gather important information
• Advocate for the child’s best interests in court

What Makes a Great CASA Volunteer?

​Objective

They listen to all perspectives and base recommendations on facts and observations.

Passionate

They care deeply about improving outcomes for children impacted by trauma.

​Strong Listeners

They build trust and truly hear children.

​Consistent

They remain committed throughout the case.

Time Commitment

CASA volunteers typically dedicate around 10 hours per month to their case.

The beginning of a case is the intensive, fact-finding stage, which may require more time. The majority of cases require presenting recommendations to the judge several times over the course of a year. 

Support

Each volunteer is supported by an Advocacy Coordinator who provides:

• Guidance
• Ongoing support
• Court preparation
• Case consultation