Apply to be a CASA Volunteer

VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION
INTRODUCTION
Court Appointed Special Advocates are trained community volunteers appointed by circuit court Judges to speak for the best interests of children who are brought before the court for reasons of abuse or neglect.

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a party to the judicial proceedings, working alongside attorneys and social workers.  By handling only two or three 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.  After adjudication, he or she then is expected to submit formal reports to the Judge at every disposition and review hearings.  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 researching their goals for permanency.

HISTORY 
The CASA concept was first implemented by Judge David Soukup of Seattle, Washington in 1977.  As a Judge, he felt a compelling need to have more information available to him on which he could base his decisions, most of which had lifetime ramifications for children.  Since the concept of the CASA program in 1977, CASA has grown to include over 900 member programs now in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands.  In 2005, an estimated 53,000 volunteers were “Speaking Up” for approximately 226,000 abused and neglected children nationwide.  The National CASA Association has been established to provide leadership and lend technical support to new and existing programs.  Wabash County CASA adheres to all program guidelines and standards established by the State Office of GAL/CASA.

PROGRAM GOAL / 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.

THE CASA PROGRAM
Will adhere to the following :

• All volunteers must be 21 years of age, and have passed screening requirements which include

      a written application, personal interview, reference and CPS and criminal records check.

• Does not accept applicants for staff or volunteers if they have been convicted of, or have charges pending for, a felony or misdemeanor involving a sex offense, child abuse or neglect,

      or related acts that would pose risks to children or      
      the program’s credibility
   
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
• Have regular, in-person contact with child sufficient to have in-depth knowledge of the case and make fact based recommendations to the court

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 interests:
• Attend all court hearings to see that all relevant facts are presented
• Attend appropriate interagency meetings regarding the child
• Prod public systems into action
• Monitor case following a court hearing or decision as designated by the court.
• Consult regularly with the director concerning assigned case and develop a CASA case plan and review progress and reports.
• Turn in Time Logs monthly.

 
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) in a variety of settings
• Ability to transport self to a variety of locations
• Ability to deal with frustration, anger, and other emotional attitudes
• 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 35 hours of pre-service training
• CASA volunteers are required to have 12 hours of continued in-service training per year
• CASA volunteers follow guidelines established by the State Office of GAL/CASA and National CASA Association
• CASA volunteers will attend in-service training and receive direct supervision and guidance from program staff

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TIME COMMITMENT

• Volunteers are required to commit themselves to a child until the dismissal of that child’s case
• Volunteers are expected to be available for case assignment and to accept cases unless other arrangements have been made

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