Become a CASA Volunteer!

Introduction

Court Appointed Special Advocates are trained community volunteers appointed by district court Judges to speak for the best interests of children who are brought before the court for reasons of abuse, neglect, or dependency.

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) often referred to as a volunteer Guardian Ad Litem, is an official part of judicial proceedings, working alongside attorneys and social workers. By handling only one or two cases at a time the CASA has time to thoroughly explore the history of each assigned case. The volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, neighbors, school officials, doctors and others involved in the child's background who might have facts about the case. The volunteer reviews all court facts about the case and the volunteer also reviews all court documents pertaining to the case. He or she then is expected to submit formal reports to the Judge at every scheduled hearing/ review. The CASA continues to monitor the case to assure that the judicial and child welfare systems are moving ahead to secure a safe, permanent home for the child, and that court-ordered services are provided to the child and family. The CASA can be an invaluable resource for the attorney for the child and social worker in reaching their goals for permanency.

Program Goals/Program Objectives

• To provide independent, factual information to the court regarding abused and neglected children.
• To provide advocacy for abused and neglected children who are the subject of judicial proceedings.
• To monitor cases involving abused and neglected children until the terms of the court order have been fulfilled.
• To conduct independent and objective analysis concerning abused and neglected children.
• To factually and objectively report findings and observations to the court.
• To insure representation of the child's best interest in all judicial proceedings.
• To monitor cases following a court hearing or decision as designated by the court.

The CASA Volunteer

• Complete an intensive independent review of each case:
  Speak with the child and relevant adults
  Review appropriate records and reports
  Observe the child and significant others
• Report findings to the court:
  Provide a written report containing factual information
  Attend court hearings concerning the child
  Participate in case conferences concerning the child
• Insure representation of the child's best interest:
  Attend all court hearings to see that all relevant facts are presented
• Attend appropriate interagency meetings regarding the child
  Prod public systems in action

• Monitor case following a court hearing or decision as designated by the court.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Ability to keep all client and court information confidential
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds (economic, cultural, educational) and in a variety of settings
• Ability to transport self to a variety of locations
• Ability to maintain objectivity
• Ability to gather and record factual information accurately
• A basic understanding of child development
• A basic understanding of family relationships

Training

• CASA volunteers are required to attend approximately 40 hours of pre-service training.
• CASA volunteers follow guidelines established by the National CASA Association.
• CASA volunteers will attend in-service training and receive direct supervision and guidance from program staff.
  

Time Commitment

• Volunteers are required to commit themselves to program for eighteen months.
• Volunteers are expected to be available for case assignment and to accept cases unless other arrangements have been made.

How Do I Get Started?

You can begin your application process by completing a Volunteer Application and by contacting Jamie Etherton or Maureen Draut.