Apply to be a CASA VolunteerVOLUNTEER 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
THE CASA PROGRAM Will adhere to the following :
the program’s credibility THE CASA VOLUNTEER Complete an intensive independent review of each case:
REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES
TIME COMMITMENT
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