​Are you passionate about our mission, but unable to get directly involved at this time? 
​Please consider making a monetary donation. Your donations will go directly to volunteers and staff. With your donations we can work towards hire more staff members and provide more trainings and more material to volunteers directly advocating for children. Your dollars go a long way to helping us serve the children of Clarke and Oconee counties. Just click on the Donate button and you will be taken to our umbrella organization Children First, Inc. ​​
Athens Oconee CASA is part of the umbrella organization Children First Inc. Children First, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Athens, Ga. dedicated to promoting safe homes for children in times of family crisis. Children First administers three programs: Athens-Oconee CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Safe Care, and SPARC (Supportive Parenting and Access Resource Center).

Check out our 2020 Annual Report to find out more about what Children First, Inc has been doing and where we are headed!

Are you interested in being on our Board of Directors? 

​Children First, Inc. Board of Directors
Are you a passionate, community-minded family advocate who wants to see our organization become even better? Children First is governed by our amazing Board of Directors, who serve three-year terms.
​We are accepting applications for new Board Members today 
​ find out more here!

How to Get Started on Becoming a CASA Volunteer

What does a CASA do?


​A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of an abused or neglected child who is in foster care. The CASA volunteer gathers information about the child's situation, attends court proceedings and makes a written recommendation to the judge so that the judge has the information to make a decision about the child's future.  

How to become a CASA:
  • Sincerely care for the well-being of children
  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Complete an application, including references, interview and a brief autobiography
  • Undergo a criminal background check
  • Complete 40 hours of training
  • Have good verbal and written communication skills
  • Have the ability to be objective and non-judgmental
  • Be available to attend court hearings
  • Commit to CASA program for at least one year or until case is resolved
  • Be sworn-in by the judge
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​Are you ready for the next steps?

1. Download and complete our Volunteer Application
2. Email the completed form to info@athensoconeecasa.org or mail it to Athens-Oconee CASA, 693 N. Pope St. Athens GA 30601. 
3. Give us a call at 706-613-1922 ex 4 or 6 to set up an interview!

    If you would like more information on requirements to be a CASA or would like to have a staff member reach out to you about the training process, please enter your contact information below.
     You can also email us at info@athensoconeecasa.org.