Not entirely sure as I have only worked beside CASA. I don’t know the specifics with a green card, but I would likely think that you could. I would suggest just looking up and talking with your local CASA and asking.

A little bit late to the post, but I have worked in the CPS field for 3 years now. I know plenty about the foster care system, adoption, CASA, other agencies and more. Would love to help with any questions or information regarding all this!

As many comments have said, CASA and respite are great ways to assist kids of the system. Also check out other ways to assist. Get with a local foster/adoption agency and just ask them about options. Any and all help would benefit many kids. Maybe check with local emergency shelters, group homes, or residential treatment centers as these are placements for many children of the system who aren’t in a foster home. They might need assistance, donations, or volunteers for different things.

There are also so many ways which indirectly help the cause. Counseling services, parenting classes, visitation services, etc. These are all being used by families and/or children of the system to help the kids/parents through the cases. Check with your local CPS agency. You can likely volunteer for certain events or other tasks which could indirectly help the agency and system in serving children.

CASA is the organization. Often times a CASA advocate is appointed by the court to be the Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) for the child. Sometimes a child’s attorney or Attorney Ad Litem is appointed as the GAL as well for the child. Maybe it differs depending on area if volunteers can sign up to be GAL, but for my area, you would have to be a CASA or attorney for that.

You could go to any foster/adoption agency. They will likely have to license you in some way through trainings, classes, background checks, etc.

You don’t have to put your life on hold. I’ve worked in the CPS field for the last 3 years. Most of the CASAs I have seen are usually retired/older and enjoy helping the kids out, but I’ve known some other CASAs including my buddies wife who still have a job and do it on the side. Sure, you might have to take off work to attend court once every couple months, but a lot of it can be done on the side of your current job/life through weekends, evenings, or whenever.

I don’t think you need any specific experience either, as CASA advocates are volunteers. There is a shortage of advocates in my area, and I know CASA would love to have more people.