A Look at a Month in the Life of a CASA Volunteer

Some names in the following account have been changed to maintain confidentiality. 

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Aarionna Hook is a lifelong Kansan who was adopted into a large, close-knit extended family and cherishes the memories she creates with them. Now, as a 27-year-old mother of two (with another on the way), Aarionna volunteers as a CASA assigned to Axel, a kindergartener who was in foster care who has recently reintegrated with his mother. 

It’s a role that builds on Aarionna’s background and education — in May 2024, she graduated from the University of Kansas with a Master’s in Social Work. "When I met Aarionna, she was in the midst of earning her bachelor's degree in social work,” says volunteer supervisor, Scharla Paryzek. “Aarionna is such an active and engaged learner, and this quality serves the child for whom she advocates tremendously.” Aarionna is committed to advocating for children who lack a voice. Currently a stay-at-home mother, she often says to her family, “Balancing life and volunteering isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.” 

As the case has shifted goals and placements, Aarionna’s active time has also fluctuated between spending time with the child, communicating with professionals involved in the case, and documenting interactions so they are accurately communicated in court reports that the judge will read and use to make decisions impacting the child’s future. "When people agree with your recommendations and the judge puts certain orders that go along with that makes you feel good and is probably the most rewarding part,” says Aarionna.

To provide a look at the activities of a CASA volunteer advocate, Aarionna kept notes from a month of her schedule and how she interacted with others involved in Axel’s life, including parents, educators, and the KVC Kansas aftercare worker. 

October 3 | 30 minutes

Checked in with my CASA volunteer supervisor, Scharla, via text asking for an update regarding Axel’s case. As a court hearing is approaching, there are some things that would be helpful to clarify as I begin to write my report. We both expressed concerns and identified questions we wanted answers to. My supervisor made a plan to help me gain missing information. My court report is due on October 28.  

October 21-23 | 3 hours

Axel has been in school for approximately two months. Reintegration took place during the summer, and we wanted to evaluate Axel’s adjustment to school since returning home. Due to my personal schedule, I cannot visit his school as often as I would like, so I created a School Behavior Update document that I sent to his teacher. The document includes rating-scale questions that cover overall adjustment. There are also short narrative questions, where the teacher can give specific examples illustrating areas of strength and growth.  

October 24 | 1 hour

Today was the first time I got to see Axel all month. Since reintegration, we’ve had fewer in-person visits. Unfortunately, I was not aware that Axel was not feeling well — so he was sleeping when I arrived, but at least I got to see him. He stayed asleep while I visited with his mom and the KVC aftercare worker. 

During this visit, I learned that there are additional concerns with Axel and the home, and that other outside services will be involved with the family. I also sent a request for the classroom teacher to fill out the form I created.

October 25 | 1 hour 

I emailed Axel’s therapist, school nurse, and KVC aftercare worker asking various questions to complete my court report. Each person has unique information about the progress in the case. In some instances, their input has an effect on what and how I say something in my report. There are also times when I don’t agree with their perspective. I do my best to incorporate their perspective while making recommendations based on all of the information I collect. 

October 27 | 1 hour 

Over the weekend Axel’s teacher responded to my email with the completed document, including a detailed narrative. This thorough response gave me a lot of context on the concerns at school, and I provided quoted information in my report. 

October 28 | 2 hours

Today my court report is due. I completed it during breaks while on the road to St. Louis. I contacted the KVC aftercare worker and Axel’s school therapist for additional information. Once the report is submitted to my supervisor, it’s a waiting game until court unless something drastic happens.  

November 4 | 30 minutes 

Today is court day. I usually spend time getting mentally and emotionally prepared for the hearing. It’s a great experience representing myself, Axel, and CASA. However, it can be nerve-racking when the outcome is unknown. The next court date is several months out. In the meantime, I will continue to work with Axel and figure out what services he needs. 

November 5-8 | 3 hours

The court order that directly involves me is getting Axel into an after-school program. I spent the week creating a list of activities he could participate in. I also received updates from the school nurse on Axel’s physical conditions that are concerning and need to be addressed. I took this information to the others assigned to the case for further guidance as we continue working together to ensure Axel’s best interests are met.

Learn More About Being a CASA Volunteer

Aarionna’s record of events demonstrates some of the varied tasks and events involved with volunteering as a CASA. All CASA cases are different, and children need and benefit from different things throughout a case. Throughout, CASA volunteers like Aarionna provide needed advocacy and support for children in foster care in collaboration with others. "The more positive adult eyes that are on the child the better,” she says. “My involvement ultimately can help make things easier for the family."

Because of the nature of their work, CASA volunteers undergo extensive screening and training. Learn more about this opportunity to provide care and stability to a child in need.