Marion County Needs 50 Volunteers for Foster Kids

While foster children in Marion County face constant turnover in their lives, changing caseworkers, homes, and schools, one organization offers them something rare: consistency.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is recruiting volunteers to serve as dedicated advocates for children navigating the foster care system. Program Director Tavan Hiestand oversees Clay, Marion, and Clinton counties, where the need far outpaces available help.

The numbers tell a stark story. Marion County has roughly 240 to 300 children in foster care at any given time among a population of 30,000 people. Only 16 CASA volunteers currently serve them, and Hiestand hopes to recruit 50.

The role requires surprisingly little time. Volunteers typically invest five to ten hours monthly, though some months need only three hours. The flexibility makes it manageable even for busy schedules.

"Over 70% of our volunteers work full time jobs," says Zoey Bridges, volunteer and outreach coordinator. The organization works around schedules, making advocacy accessible to people who thought they needed to wait until retirement.

What volunteers provide is irreplaceable. As everyone else in a foster child's life rotates out, the CASA volunteer remains constant. They know the child's history, advocate for their needs, and help new caseworkers understand the full picture.

Volunteers visit children in their foster placements, ensuring safety and that basic needs get met. They collaborate with schools, foster parents, and service providers to keep everyone coordinated. Most importantly, they prevent cases from stalling in the system.

Why This Inspires

In a system built on constant change, CASA volunteers offer something children desperately need: a familiar face who shows up month after month. They become the one adult who truly knows a child's story and fights for their future.

The commitment is manageable, but the impact lasts a lifetime. For a child who has lost so much stability, having one person who stays makes all the difference.

Getting started is straightforward. Interested volunteers can apply at CASA4change.org, complete a background check, and take online training before getting matched with a case. Support continues throughout, with experienced staff always available to guide new advocates.

Marion County's foster children are waiting for champions who can spare a few hours each month to stand beside them.