Volunteers Needed to Support Foster Children in Boston

Boston CASA seeks dedicated individuals to serve as court-appointed special advocates for vulnerable youth

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Boston CASA, a nonprofit organization, is seeking volunteers to support foster children in the Boston area. The organization provides training and support for court-appointed special advocates (CASAs) who work one-on-one with children in the foster care system. CASAs are responsible for checking in with teachers, doctors, caregivers, and others to ensure the children's needs are being met and that they are getting the resources they need to thrive.

Why it matters

Children in foster care often face significant challenges, including higher rates of homelessness and lower high school graduation rates compared to the general population. CASAs play a crucial role in advocating for these vulnerable youth and helping them access the support and services they need to succeed.

The details

Boston CASA currently has enough volunteers to serve only 15% of eligible children, but the organization aims to increase that number to 50% by 2028. Volunteers do not need any special professional background, but they must complete 35 hours of training before being appointed to a case. Each CASA is supported by a professional supervisor from Boston CASA.

  • Boston CASA developed a growth plan in 2023 to increase the number of children served.
  • The organization's goal is to serve 50% of eligible children by 2028.

The players

Boston CASA

A nonprofit organization that recruits, trains, and supports court-appointed special advocates (CASAs) to work with children in the foster care system.

Joseph F. Johnston

The First Justice of the Suffolk Juvenile Court, who has seen the positive impact that CASAs can have on the lives of vulnerable children.

Marlowe Farrar

A retired information technology worker who has been a CASA volunteer since 2014, working with eight children over the years.

Nicole Stewart

The Executive Director of Boston CASA, who is leading the organization's efforts to expand its volunteer base and serve more children in the foster care system.

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What they’re saying

“We're dealing with some pretty tough stuff. More than half of what we do involves care and protection cases, children who are at risk of abuse and neglect.”

— Joseph F. Johnston, First Justice, Suffolk Juvenile Court

“Your role is really to find out what's going on in that kid's life, and every three months when there's a court hearing, provide a report to the judge.”

— Marlowe Farrar, CASA Volunteer

“Children who have a CASA, they simply do better in school. They are more likely to get the resources that they need to help them thrive. They're more likely to find a safe and stable and permanent home.”

— Nicole Stewart, Executive Director, Boston CASA

What’s next

Boston CASA is actively recruiting volunteers to serve as CASAs. Interested individuals can attend an information session and apply to the program, which includes 35 hours of training before being appointed to a case.

The takeaway

By volunteering as a CASA, individuals can make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable children in the Boston area, helping them access the support and resources they need to thrive and succeed.