Opportunities From: City of Bloomington Volunteer Network

Monroe County CASA needs Child Visit Monitors, a position created in 2018 to help observe the situation of children on CASA’s waitlist. A Child Visit Monitor will help to monitor the children through monthly visits until a CASA advocate is available. The Child Visit Monitor will visit a child or sibling group each month in the current placement location and then report back to CASA staff. Child Visit Monitors also help transition a case to a CASA advocate, allowing a smoother transition for the child(ren) involved.

Community members interested in becoming a Child Visit Monitor must be 21 years of age or older, have access to the internet for visit reporting, and be willing to travel outside Monroe County for visits if needed. This volunteer position requires approximately three hours per month of volunteer time and at least one year of service. A CVM does not go to court or participate in other case-related meetings. This is a great volunteer opportunity for someone interested in the CASA program but cannot commit the time to be an advocate.

CASA's waitlist of children in need of an advocate is growing. The Child Visit Monitor position is vital in helping us monitor these cases while waiting for an available advocate.

To apply for the Child Visit Monitor training position, please visit www.monroecountycasa.org/volunteer or call 812-333-2272 for more information. Child Visit Monitor trainings are scheduled on an as-needed basis and last approximately 6 hours, typically spread over two days.

Our next Child Visit Monitor training is scheduled for November 5th and 12th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Please apply on our website by October 15th.

Are you ready to change a child's story?

CASA is the only volunteer organization that empowers everyday citizens as officers of the court. As a CASA you establish and maintain contact with a child. CASA advocates are community volunteers who are professionally trained to gather information about the child and his/her family, identify needs and possible services, and speak on behalf of the child in court. They also monitor court orders and case plans to help keep the case moving forward. Responsibilities include meeting with the child monthly, communicating with case managers, parents, and foster parents, writing reports, and attending court hearings.

Our waitlist is growing, and our list of available volunteers is at its lowest level in years. CASA needs caring, compassionate adult volunteers ready to be a consistent figure in a child's life and speak on their behalf in court.

Monroe County CASA advocates for over 300 children each year. Often, the number of children waiting for a CASA is over 40. 

Requirements to become a CASA Volunteer

Volunteers must be 21 or older Volunteers need to commit one to two years of service after completing training Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license, access to transportation, and be able to travel to surrounding counties if needed Volunteers need some daytime flexibility to attend court hearings and case-related meetings Volunteers must submit to a criminal background check Volunteers must attend a 30-hour training before becoming a volunteer advocate College students will need to live in or be near Bloomington during the summer and winter breaks.

Upcoming 2025 training class dates are:

October 9-November 3, 2025
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
*Applications due by September 25th

All trainings are in person unless otherwise noted.

To apply online please visit https://in-monroe.evintosolutions.com/VolunteerApplication. 

WHY DONATE? CASA needs your help!

WHO WILL BENEFIT? The donated items will directly benefit CASA volunteers and the children they advocate for.

DONATION DELIVERY ADDRESS: 320 W. 8th St. Suite 201 Bloomington IN 47404

CONTACT: Amber Shride, (812) 333-2272, amber.shride@monroecountycasa.org

 

OUR IN-KIND DONATION WISH LIST:

gas cards restaurant gift cards (especially for places within walking distance of the Justice Building) Starbucks/coffee shop gift cards  coloring books and crayons journals and colored pens for writing puzzles for all ages puzzle books for youth/teens (crosswords, word searches, etc.)  card games such as Uno, Go Fish, etc. (preferably new)board games for all ages (preferably new)new books for children ages 0-18 that can be taken to a first visit by the volunteer advocate

HOLIDAY & SEASONAL NEEDS: new unwrapped toys and gifts for children ages 0-18

OUR 1 BIG WISH: Gift cards to stores in denominations of $25 or more to shop for teens or provide needed food and supplies for families during the holiday season (Wal-Mart, Target, Aldi, Amazon are preferred).