Why become a C.A.S.A. volunteer advocate?
WHAT DOES A C.A.S.A. DO?
C.A.S.A. (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteer advocates are trained community members who are appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of abused or neglected children in the foster care system.
They work closely with the child, gathering information from the child's family, caregivers, teachers, and other professionals involved in the child's life.
The volunteer then provides the court with a detailed report and recommendations, advocating for the child's needs and ensuring that they receive the necessary services and a safe, permanent home.
C.A.S.A. Volunteer Advocate Info:
Qualifications of a C.A.S.A. Volunteer Advocate:
Interest in children, their rights, and special needs.
Time to devote to training sessions, investigation and follow-up of a case assigned (usually a one-year commitment averaging 2 to 4 hours a week.)
Ability to work with a child, family members, and professionals using tact, concern and basic human relations skills.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing - making verbal and written reports to the court, to the program director, and to other persons as needed.
Requirements of a C.A.S.A. Volunteer Advocate:
Attend basic training sessions, approximately 30 hours in length.
Maintain strict confidentiality.
Attend in-service training sessions on an on-going basis, 8 to 10 per year.
After basic training, serve at least one child until a permanent plan has been implemented, often a period of one year.
Keep the staff informed of all activities and confer with them periodically.
Maintain an up-to-date and complete file on each case assigned.
Attend CASA group meetings to share ideas and concerns with other CASAs.
Specific Duties of a C.A.S.A. Volunteer Advocate:
Upon assignment to a case, interview the child, family members, foster family, teachers, social worker, and other interested parties to determine the facts. (Many interviews are by phone. By necessity, some must be in person. In addition any home suggested as a permanent or temporary placement for the child must be visited.) Volunteers are assigned to a maximum of two cases at a time to assure quality advocacy.
The volunteer will seek cooperative solutions by acting as a facilitator.
Advocate for the child’s best interests in the community by interfacing with mental health, educational and other community systems to assure that the child’s needs in these areas are met.
Prepare a written report stating findings and a recommendation for a permanent disposition of the case, and submit the report no less than one week prior to the court hearing.
Appear in court as needed for review hearings and provide testimony when necessary.
Continue follow-up contacts, submit supplementary reports, and make new recommendations as needed, until a final disposition is made.
Participate in scheduled case conferencing with supervisory staff.
Bring any significant changes in the family situation to the attention of the court. Ensure that reviews by the court are done on schedule.
Return files upon case closure.