CASA OF BERKS COUNTY
YOU HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
CASA of Berks County trains screened community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children across Berks County, including Reading and surrounding communities. We also support older foster youth through our Youth in Transition counseling program, so young people don’t face adulthood alone.
What does CASA of Berks County do?
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Berks County kids
CASA volunteers are court-appointed advocates who gather child-focused information and help judges make informed decisions that support safety and permanency. We’re part of the national CASA network, with local work rooted in Berks County courts and community partnerships.
How to Become a CASA Volunteer
If you want meaningful volunteer opportunities in Berks County, this is your starting point. You’ll learn the step-by-step process from information session to being sworn in as a CASA.
CASA Volunteer Requirements and Training
You don’t need a legal or social work background—just consistency, empathy, and a willingness to learn. We provide thorough screening, a 30-hour pre-service training, and ongoing support so you feel prepared in the role.
Local advocacy, backed by structure and support
Rooted in Berks County, connected to a national standard
For more than a decade, CASA of Berks County has stood alongside the courts and child welfare professionals to help ensure children’s needs remain at the center of every decision. Our volunteer advocates are carefully screened, thoroughly trained, and supported by professional staff—so they can show up with clarity, consistency, and care.
When a child’s future feels uncertain, details matter. CASA volunteers take the time to understand each child’s unique situation and bring that informed perspective into the courtroom. By working within the Berks County court system, we help ensure every child is seen, heard, and thoughtfully consider, beyond what any case file alone can show.
Support for teens aging out of foster care
Youth in Transition counseling, built for real life
Aging out of foster care can feel like being expected to “have it together” overnight, without a safety net. Youth in Transition connects teens and young adults to free counseling so they can process what they’ve lived through and plan what comes next.
Youth in Transition – For Youth
If you’re preparing to age out of foster care, counseling can help you handle stress, relationships, school, work, and the pressure of big decisions. This page explains what support looks like and how to get connected.
Youth in Transition – For Therapists
If you’re a licensed clinician, you can volunteer your time to provide pro bono counseling to local youth. This page outlines how the program works, who you’ll serve, and how to get involved as a therapist volunteer.
Common questions, answered clearly
What people ask before they volunteer, donate, or refer
What does a CASA volunteer actually do?
A CASA volunteer is a trained, court-appointed advocate who focuses on what’s in a child’s best interest. Volunteers meet with the child, talk with people involved in the child’s life, and review relevant information to understand what’s really going on. They share clear, child-focused recommendations with the court to support safe and timely decisions. CASA volunteers don’t replace attorneys or caseworkers—they provide a consistent, independent perspective centered on the child.
Who can become a CASA volunteer in Berks County?
Most CASA volunteers are adults 21+ from all walks of life who want to make a meaningful difference locally. You don’t need a specific degree or prior child welfare experience to apply. What matters most is consistency, good judgment, and the ability to communicate respectfully with different professionals and caregivers. Screening and training help ensure volunteers are ready for court-approved advocacy.
How much time does volunteering usually take?
Many CASA volunteers contribute around 10–15 hours per month, and the schedule can vary depending on the stage of a case. Some months are lighter, while others include more meetings or court-related work. CASA of Berks County provides guidance so volunteers understand expectations and can plan realistically. If you’re unsure you have enough time, an information session can help you decide what’s workable.
How do donations make an impact locally?
Donations help recruit, screen, and train new CASA volunteers so more children can have a consistent advocate. Gifts also support ongoing volunteer supervision and program operations that keep advocacy strong and accountable. When kids reach safe permanency sooner, the ripple effects can mean less disruption, fewer moves, and better stability for families and the community. Your donation stays focused on serving children and youth connected to Berks County’s foster care system.
How can a child welfare professional or community member request help?
If you’re a professional partner, you can reach out to learn how CASA advocacy fits within court processes and referral pathways. If you’re a community member trying to support a child or family, the safest next step is contacting our team to discuss the situation and appropriate options. We’ll clarify what CASA can and can’t do, and where to direct urgent needs. The goal is to connect the right support without creating confusion or false expectations.