Boston Needs Volunteers to Support Foster Kids

Foster children in Boston are getting a powerful ally in the courtroom, and it doesn't require a law degree or social work background.

Boston CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) trains everyday volunteers to stand up for kids in the foster system. These volunteers become sworn advocates who check in with teachers, doctors, and caregivers, then report directly to judges about what children actually need.

Marlowe Farrar jumped in after retiring from information technology in 2014. He's worked with eight kids over the years, always one at a time, building trust through paintball games, trampoline parks, and simple dinners out.

"Initially, they're very skeptical," Farrar admits. But once kids learn he's not another social worker or court official, just a volunteer who wants to know them, walls start coming down.

The impact goes beyond fun outings. Suffolk Juvenile Court Judge Joseph Johnston has watched CASA volunteers change trajectories for 25 years on the bench.

The Ripple Effect

Children with a CASA volunteer simply do better. They're more likely to succeed in school, get resources they need, and find permanent homes.

Without support, the statistics sting. Only about 50% of foster children graduate high school. Roughly 70% will experience homelessness by age 26.

Executive Director Nicole Stewart knows these numbers personally. When Boston CASA developed their growth plan in 2023, they only had enough volunteers to serve 15% of eligible children. Their goal is 50% by 2028.

Judge Johnston sees the prevention angle clearly. His court has 33 youth charged with firearms next week alone. Early intervention through volunteers like Farrar could mean one less weapon case, one more graduation, one more stable home.

The commitment is manageable. Volunteers take 35 hours of training, get assigned one child, and receive ongoing support from professional supervisors. They visit regularly and file reports every three months when court hearings happen.

No special background required, just time and heart. It starts with an information session.

Boston's foster children are waiting for someone who'll show up consistently, advocate fiercely, and maybe jump on a trampoline or two along the way.