We hear the same question a lot: “I want to help, but I don’t know if I’m qualified.” Here’s the good news — you don’t need a background in law, social work, or child development to become a CAJA volunteer advocate. You need to be at least 21, willing to pass a background check, and ready to commit about 10 hours a month for at least a year.
Before you’re matched with a case, you’ll complete a 5-week pre-service training that walks you through everything you need to know — how the court process works, how to communicate with children and families, and how to write the reports judges rely on. You won’t be figuring it out alone.
If you’ve been on the fence, consider this your sign. Kids across Madison County are waiting for someone to simply show up for them, consistently. That’s the whole job.
CAJA of Madison County — I am for the Child®