Single Dad Helps Children in Family Court by Serving as a CASA Volunteer

CASA Volunteer Brian Collins

When Brian Collins went through a divorce, he saw firsthand how confusing and overwhelming the court system can be — especially for children. Collins decided he wanted to make things easier for others, so he went back to school to study law. He also signed up as a CASA volunteer.

“The term ‘best interests of the child’ is thrown around a lot, but you have a heap of people with a bunch of initials after their names who do not know the child, and they’re making the decisions,” Collins said. “I found CASA because I was trying to find a way to actually include the child in those decisions.

“The courts, attorneys and social workers do what they can. But CASA provides a chance to get to know the families and make recommendations that help advance their real best interests.”

Collins went through CASA volunteer training in the spring of 2023 and was assigned to be the advocate for a pair of young girls. His Volunteer Manager Liz Noffsinger has supported him throughout the case, which is now wrapping up. Noffsinger nominated Collins to be a CASA Volunteer of the month because of the difference he has made on the case.

“He forged a relationship with the parents and was really one of the only parties they would communicate with. His court reports were excellent,” Noffsinger said. “Brian’s sense of humor also can diffuse some uncomfortable situations. And he speaks up in court with confidence.”

Collins has worked as a standup comic and had jobs around the country working with animals, including sea lions, dolphins, whales, monkeys and giant pandas. If you ask him about it all, he’ll open with a joke.

“I am a semi-pro line dancer and underground bunker enthusiast,” he said. “Neither of which is remotely true.”

Collins said he plans to take another CASA case once his current one closes. He said serving as a CASA volunteer has given him a chance to make a meaningful impact on children’s futures.

“The overwhelming majority of these kids are not in their situation by their own making,” he said. “I had an awesome childhood, so I reckon paying it forward is a decent way to spend some time.”

CASA volunteers are matched with abused or neglected children in the family court system. Each CASA volunteer visits their child monthly, talks to adults in the child’s life and writes reports for the judge.

CASA volunteers provide a level of detail about children’s lives that no one else in the courtroom has the time to provide. That helps better inform judges’ decisions, and in many cases leads to more services and better outcomes for children.

It takes about 5-10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer.

Collins said he was worried initially about whether he had the time, but found it was actually easier to do the work than he thought.

“You have the time. When you get into a case and learn about the circumstances, you will find yourself making time,” he said. “When you meet the kids, you will find even more time. A lot of what you will experience is heartbreaking, but you will make a difference. Give it a whirl — I dare you.”