Who We Are

CASA — Court Appointed Special Advocates — is a nonprofit organization operating across the state of Tennessee, with hundreds of dedicated volunteers. Our mission is to advocate for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect, ensuring their voices are heard in the court system.

As the CASA Supervisor for Bedford County, I can tell you firsthand: the need in our community is real, it is urgent, and it is growing. DCS caseworkers are overwhelmed, and the children navigating the court system deserve someone in their corner who is focused entirely on their best interest.

The Need in Bedford County

Every unassigned case is a child without an advocate. We are asking our community to step up and help change that.

What Does a CASA Volunteer Do?

Once trained and assigned, you will be matched with a case involving one or more children currently in DCS custody in Bedford County. Your role is to:

1.     Make contact with the child or children at least once per month.

2.     Form an independent, unbiased opinion on what is truly in that child's best interest.

3.     Document your findings and share them with the CASA supervisor, who can bring them to court in a formal report (you will be trained on this).

4.     Optionally attend court hearings — but this is not required. The CASA supervisor is present at Bedford County court every Monday and can represent your findings.

This role is flexible. You work on your own schedule and your own time — this is something you can do alongside your existing commitments.

Volunteer Requirements

To become a CASA volunteer, you must:

5.     Be 21 years of age or older

6.     Pass a background check and drug screening

7.     Complete an in-person interview and application

8.     Complete 30+ hours of online training

9.     Attend a full-day, in-office training session to complete certification

10.Pass a reference check before being assigned a case