About CASA of Berks County
Local child advocacy, trusted by the courts
CASA of Berks County recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers who serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care across Berks County, PA. Our volunteers are sworn in by a judge and supported by a professional team so every child’s needs stay visible in court.
Our story in Berks County
A decade of advocacy, built one child at a time
Founded in 2015, CASA of Berks County was created so abused and neglected children in our community could have a consistent, informed voice in court. What started as a local effort has grown into an established program serving children and families connected to Berks County courts, including Reading and surrounding communities.
As community needs evolved, so did our work—expanding beyond court advocacy to include Youth in Transition counseling support for older foster youth preparing for adulthood. Today, we continue to grow with Berks County through partnerships, volunteer leadership, and a commitment to transparent, measurable impact year after year.
Our mission
Ensuring every child has a voice
The mission of CASA of Berks County is to provide a competent, responsible, and compassionate court-appointed community volunteer to advocate for each child who faces abuse, neglect, and/or abandonment; our goal, to restore their well-being and ensure the eminent right to a safe, nurturing, and permanent home. We envision a safe and positive future for all children facing abuse and neglect to break the cycle through the provision of support to become healthy, empowered adults.
Our values
How we show up for children and for our community
Our values guide how we recruit, train, and support volunteers, our engagement and focus on the children, and how we partner with the courts, child welfare professionals, and the Berks County community.
Child Focus and Engagment
Everything we do begins with the child. We listen carefully, stay curious about each child’s story, and advocate for what helps them feel safe, supported, and stable—now and into the future.
Integrity and accountability
Being a CASA volunteer is a serious responsibility, and we honor that trust. Volunteers are carefully screened, trained, and supported, and we are thoughtful stewards of the time, relationships, and resources entrusted to us by the court, families, and community.
Collaboration and Professionalism
Children’s cases bring together many caring adults. We work respectfully and professionally with judges, attorneys, caseworkers, families, and service providers, knowing that strong collaboration leads to better outcomes for children.
Consistency and compassion
Many children in foster care experience frequent change. CASA volunteers provide something powerful and rare: consistency. Through steady, compassionate advocacy, we help children feel seen and supported across court hearings, placements, schools, and life transitions—often for months or even years.
Boldness and Creativity
We encourage volunteers to think beyond the obvious and speak up when something isn’t working for a child. With persistence, creativity, and courage, we help remove barriers—whether they involve systems, resources, or assumptions—so children have the chance to thrive.