http://www.nationalcasa.org/
A Court Appointed Special
Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer appointed by a judge to speak
up for the best interests of an abused or neglected child involved in a juvenile
court deprivation proceeding.
Court Appointed Special Advocates is a nonprofit organization which establishes and supports programs that screen, train, and supervise community volunteers. These volunteers are then appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children involved in juvenile court deprivation proceedings.
CASA Volunteer Job Description CASA Frequently Asked Questions
CASA Volunteer Job Description
JOB TITLE- Volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (VCASA)
QUALIFICATIONS-
Desire to help abused and neglected children maintain stability and permanency.
Ability to maintain objectivity when gathering information. Effective
communication and writing skills essential for the preparation of Court reports.
Ability to work independently.
SUPERVISORS-
Responsible to Staff Attorney and Staff Social Caseworker.
DUTIES-
Gather facts, including review of all records related to an assigned case.
Interview the parties; establish and maintain contact with the child, family,
social workers, attorneys, and other individuals involved in planning for the
child when appropriate.
Submit written reports to the Court summarizing relevant information and making
specific recommendations in the childs best interest.
Appear at scheduled Court hearings whenever possible.
Monitor Court Orders to ensure compliance by all parties.
TIME COMMITMENT-
Time necessary to complete duties on an individual case may vary, usually 12-15
hours in the first month following appointment to a case, then 8-10 hours per
month thereafter.
Although most scheduling is flexible and arranged by the CASA at his or her
convenience, the CASA must be available to confer with the Department of
Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and other professionals involved with the
case during workday hours. The CASA should attend daytime Family Court hearings
approximately every six months, or arrange to have the Staff Attorney cover the
hearing.
TRAINING-
Each prospective CASA volunteer is required to attend 18 hours of training which
includes 3 hours of court observation. In addition, several in-service training
workshops are held throughout the year.
CASA Frequently Asked Questions
What Is CASA?-
The Family Court needs concerned citizens to volunteer their time as advocates
for the hundreds of abused and neglected children who are removed from their
homes each year. The volunteers are called
What will I do as a CASA?-
1. Meet with the child, natural parents, foster parents, social worker, school,
and any others who have information which would help in understanding the family
situation.
2. Present to Family Court a written report of findings and recommendations as
to how best to help the child, and appear at court hearings to explain and/or
elaborate on the report.
3. Remain involved to insure that the child and family receive necessary
services.
What are the goals of a CASA?- The paramount goal of CASA is to see that the childs best interests are served.
Among other things this means that the child is placed in a warm, secure and
stable living situation; that each child and family receive needed services;
that each childs placement is reviewed regularly.
What type of a child will I encounter as a CASA?- The child can be of any age, from newborn to 18 years; of any race, religion,
socioeconomic background. He or she will be involved with Family Court for a
variety of reasons, often because of neglect or abuse. The child may be warm and
attractive, or hostile and unattractive. Only one characteristic is certain the
child will need help.
How much of my time will this take?-
Generally a CASA will have responsibility for only one family at a time. The
amount of time required of an advocate varies from a few to many hours,
depending on the childs situation. No one is asked to spend a specified number
of hours per day or week on a case, and the time given to the program is at the
convenience of the CASA.
How will I be matched with a child?- Factors such as personality characteristics, skills, ethnic background, and
geographic location are used to select an appropriate CASA for each child. The
selected CASA is briefed on the situation and has the opportunity to accept or
refuse the case. Once accepted the CASA is expected to remain involved as long
as necessary. Only in exceptional circumstances should it be necessary for a
CASA to withdraw.
What kind of training will I receive?- Before being assigned to a child each CASA participates in a formal training
program, which includes observation of Family Court proceedings. Training
continues throughout his or her involvement through on-going consultation with
program staff and monthly seminars on topics of value and interest. Program
staff will always be available to provide guidance, advice, or simply to act as
a sounding board. In addition, program legal counsel will be available to
provide legal advice and assistance, and if necessary to appear in court with
the CASA.
Who can be a CASA?- Anyone can submit an application to become a CASA. No special background is
required. The primary qualifications are concern for children; desire to help;
maturity to understand and deal with complex emotional situations; ability to
remain objective; dedication to the premise that all children have certain basic
rights; willingness to cooperate with other participants in the system.
How Important is the CASA?- Very important. The CASA has a direct and significant impact on the child and
family. His or her involvement will help to shape the child's future. The
responsibilities and obligations of a CASA are to be taken very seriously, and
should not be accepted lightly.
How can I get more information or volunteer?
Google Search for CASA Resources