CASA JOB DESCRIPTION


A CASA is a volunteer appointed by the Children's Court of The Fifth Judicial District to ensure that the needs of a child who may have been neglected or abused are met. In order to do this, the CASA must investigate the facts of the case, recommend a course of action to the court, facilitate the resolution of the presenting problems, and monitor progress toward established goals.
I. Qualifications of a CASA Volunteer

  • 1. Interest in children, their rights, and special needs.
  • 2. 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.)
  • 3. Ability to work with a child, family members, and professionals using tact, concern and basic human relations skills.
  • 4. 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.
II. Requirements of a CASA Volunteer

  • 1. Attend basic training sessions, approximately 30 hours in length
  • 2. Maintain strict confidentiality.
  • 3. Attend in-service training sessions on an on-going basis, 8 to 10 per year.)
  • 4. After basic training, serve at least one child until a permanent plan has been implemented, often a period of one year.
  • 5. Keep the staff informed of all activities and confer with them periodically.
  • 6. Maintain an up-to-date and complete file on each case assigned.
  • 7. Attend CASA group meetings to share ideas and concerns with other CASAs.

III. Specific Duties of a CASA Volunteer

  • 1. 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.
  • 2. The volunteer will seek cooperative solutions by acting as a facilitator.
  • 3. 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.
  • 4. 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.
  • 5. Appear in court as needed for review hearings and provide testimony when necessary.
  • 6. Continue follow-up contacts, submit supplementary reports, and make new recommendations as needed, until a final disposition is made.
  • 7. Participate in scheduled case conferencing with supervisory staff.
  • 8. Bring any significant changes in the family situation to the attention of the court. Ensure that reviews by the court are done on schedule.
  • 9. Return files upon case closure.
 

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION




This volunteer application form is designed to serve the same purpose as that of an employment application. The CASA Program reserves the right to make any reference checks or inquiries deemed appropriate and necessary to the suitability of any new volunteer (just as reference checks are made on new employees). We trust that you will understand this in the spirit intended. Any checks or inquiries will be kept in strict confidence. Please be aware that our standards for volunteers are high and not all people who apply will necessarily be accepted. Work with abused and neglected children as a CASA volunteer is extremely rewarding. We are looking forward to talking to you about becoming part of out dedicated corps of volunteers.

    PERSONAL INFORMATION
    Full Name
    Occupation
    Date of Birth Place of Birth
    Street Address
    In what cities have you resided in the last 10 years?
    Email
    Telephone
    Home Work
    Cell
    May you be called at work?
    Family
    Marital Status Previously Married?
    Spouses' Name
    Children
    Name Birthdate Sex
    Name Birthdate Sex
    Name Birthdate Sex
    Name Birthdate Sex
    Other members of household
    Name Relationship
    Name Relationship
    Name Relationship
    Name Relationship
    Driving
    Do You Drive? Do you have an automobile available to you?
    What is the current status of your health?
    Education
    Highest Level of Education Completed
    Major Degree
    Name of School & Course of Study
    Work/Volunteer History
    Previous Employer 1 Previous Employer 1 Address
    Start Date End Date
    Supervisor
    Description of Work
    Previous Employer 2 Previous Employer 2 Address
    Start Date End Date
    Supervisor
    Description of Work
    Previous Employer 3 Previous Employer 3 Address
    Start Date End Date
    Supervisor
    Description of Work
    List other current community activities and membership in clubs, church, and other organization:
    Criminal History
    Have you ever been arrested for a crime?
    What Charge? Date Where
    Have you ever been accused of a crime against a child under the age of 18?
    If yes, please explain
    Other Info
    Languages Spoken
    Hobbies & Special Interest
    When would you be available for volunteer service?
    Approximately how much time can you contribute weekly as a CASA volunteer?
    Do you have any training or experience in any of the following?
    If you answered yes, please describe
    How did you learn about the CASA Program?
    References
    Reference 1 Name Reference 1 Address
    Phone Email
    Relationship
    Reference 2 Name Reference 2 Address
    Phone Email
    Relationship
    Reference 3 Name Reference 3 Address
    Phone Email
    Relationship
    Emergency Contact
    Name Phone
    AFFIRMATION AND RELEASE
    By clicking submit you agree to the following statement.

    I hereby affirm that all of the answers provided on this volunteer application are true. I hereby authorize the Chaves County CASA Program to investigate my background to determine my fitness as a potential volunteer. I authorize the CASA program and other appropriate agencies to secure a state and local criminal records check, as well as a national criminal records check, if available child protective services check and sex offender registry, as appropriate and permissible by state law. I understand that the information requested in this application will be used only for the purpose of determining suitability as a CASA volunteer. I understand that CASA reserves the right to reject this application if the applicant not deemed appropriate for any reason.

    Further, I understand that after the successful completion of my training, I will be expected to serve a minimum of one year in the CASA program. If unforeseen circumstances prevent me from fulfilling this obligation, I will submit my written resignation to the program director with as much advance notice as possible. I am aware of the sensitive and confidential nature of the official documents, reports and other material I will examine in my capacity as a volunteer guardian ad litem. I will discuss these matters only with those directly involved in the case or who will be consulted for their professional knowledge and expertise.


    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    WHO ARE THE VOLUNTEERS?

    CASA is an acronym for Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA volunteers are ordinary people who care about kids. They come from all backgrounds. Many work full time. Some are students or retired people. Most CASA volunteers work on one case at a time. No legal expertise is required.


    WHAT EXACTLY DOES A CASA VOLUNTEER DO?

    CASA volunteers are assigned an abuse or neglect case by a judge. They thoroughly research the case, reviewing documents and interviewing everyone involved, including the child. They submit reports at the court’s request and make recommendations in the child’s best interest, providing the judge with information that will help him make an informed decision.

    CASA volunteers can be instrumental in assuring that a child or family receives services which the court has ordered—things like substance abuse counseling or special education testing. During the life of a case, the CASA volunteer monitors a child's situation to make sure he or she remains safe. CASA volunteers may be the only constant the child knows as she moves through the labyrinth of the child welfare system.


    WHAT ABOUT TRAINING?

    CASA programs provide 30 hours of in-depth training on the court process, child development, abuse and neglect, cultural competency, advocacy and interviewing techniques, HIV and other public health topics. You will hear from judges, attorneys, social workers and other professionals in the field. In-service training is offered throughout the year.

    A CASA is a volunteer appointed by the Children's Court of The Fifth Judicial District to ensure that the needs of a child who may have been neglected or abused are met. In order to do this, the CASA must investigate the facts of the case, recommend a course of action to the court, facilitate the resolution of the presenting problems, and monitor progress toward established goals.


    WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A CASA VOLUNTEER?