Roles And Responsibilities of A Court Appointed Special Advocate

OBJECTIVE

To advocate for children who come to the attention of the court primarily as a result of abuse or neglect.

QUALIFICATIONS

Volunteers shall be at least 21 years of age and shall successfully complete screening requirements that include a written application, personal interview, reference and criminal background investigation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• A CASA volunteer respects a child’s inherent right to grow up with dignity in a safe environment that meets that child’s best interests.
• A CASA volunteer ensures that the child’s best interests are represented at every stage of the case.
• A CASA volunteer reports any new incidents of child abuse or neglect to the CASA supervisor and appropriate authorities.
• A CASA volunteer reviews records and interviews appropriate parties involved in the case to determine if a permanent plan has been created for the child and whether appropriate services, including reasonable efforts, are being provided to the child and family.
• A CASA volunteer meets and/or observes the child at least once per month. These contacts should take place in a variety of settings including but not limited to the current placement, school or daycare, parent/sibling visits and other relevant settings.
• In addition to scheduled visits to the foster home and parent’s home the volunteer makes periodic, brief unannounced visits.
• A CASA volunteer facilitates prompt, thorough reviews of the case.
• A CASA volunteer attends all court hearings, foster care reviews, and all other hearings and meetings which pertain to the child.
• A CASA volunteer maintains complete records and documentation about the case, including appointments, interviews, and information gathered about the child.
• A CASA volunteer submits recommendations concerning the case to the court in a signed, written report.
• A CASA volunteer makes contact with CASA supervisors weekly, and other parties involved in the case, including the child, at least once a month.
• A CASA volunteer maintains complete confidentiality regarding information about the child, as well as information regarding other parties involved in the case.
• A CASA volunteer exhibits professionalism in behavior and appearance.
• A CASA volunteer is not related to any parties involved in a case assigned to him or her or employed in a position and/or agency that might result in a conflict of interest.
• A CASA volunteer does not provide direct services to any parties that could lead to a conflict of interest or potential liability, or cause a child or family to become dependent on the CASA volunteer for services that should be provided by other agencies or organizations.
  

TRAINING

• A CASA volunteer completes a minimum of 40 hours of initial training, which includes: policies and procedures of the CASA program, Department of Human Services, and Juvenile Court; dynamics and human behavior associated with child abuse and neglect; relevant local, state and federal laws; permanency planning and family preservation; cultural diversity; communication and interviewing skills; and the roles and responsibilities of a CASA volunteer. As part of their training, a CASA volunteer also observes courtroom proceedings and attends the Mock Trial and Swearing In Ceremony.
  
• A CASA volunteer completes a minimum of twelve hours of in-services training each year, following their first year of service.
  

TIME COMMITMENT

Once assigned to a case, a CASA volunteer makes a commitment to the case for at least one year, and preferably until a permanent placement is found for the child. We estimate that volunteers spend ten to fifteen hours per month on case related activities.

SUPERVISOR

A CASA Volunteer will be assigned to a CASA program staff member for the duration of the case.