PARACHUTE: Butler County Casa

PARACHUTE is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing trained community volunteers to children who are in the Juvenile Court system due to abuse, neglect or abandonment; these volunteers are willing to take a stand for the county's most vulnerable children. The CASA concept is based on the belief that every child has the right to a safe, permanent home, as soon as possible.

What Does a CASA Volunteer Do?
(CASA stands for *Court Appointed Special Advocate*)

Imagine being the one person a child in foster care can count on—someone who listens, shows up, and speaks up for them when it matters most. That’s what a CASA volunteer does.

When a child has to leave their home because it isn’t safe, a judge assigns them a CASA volunteer. The volunteer gets to know the child, talks with the adults in their life (such as foster parents, teachers, and caseworkers), and then provides the judge with a clear picture of what the child needs to be safe and thrive. The volunteer’s job is to advocate, meaning they ensure the child’s voice is heard and their best interests are at the forefront of every decision.

You don’t need to be a lawyer or social worker to do this. CASA volunteers come from diverse backgrounds. We train you, support you, and guide you through the process. Most volunteers dedicate approximately 10–15 hours a month and remain committed to their assigned child or sibling group throughout the case, which can last over a year. That consistency is enormous for a child who may have seen adults come and go.

As a CASA volunteer, you’ll learn about the child welfare system, how court decisions are made, and how to be a powerful voice for kids who often feel invisible. But most importantly, you’ll be the one steady adult in a child’s corner during one of the most challenging times in their life.

You don’t need a special background—just a big heart, common sense, and a willingness to show up.

It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly worth it. One child. One voice. You can be the difference.