Court Appointed Special Advocates (casa)

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are trained community volunteers appointed by Judges to speak for the best interests of children who are brought before the court due to abuse or neglect. A CASA is part of judicial proceedings and works alongside attorneys and social workers. 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 facts about the case and all documents pertaining to the case. He or she then submits a formal report to the court at each hearing or review. 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 is an invaluable resource for the attorney for the child (Guardian ad Litem or GAL) and for the social worker in developing goals for permanency for the child and family.

Volunteers are the lifeline in the CASA program. Volunteer are vital to the program. These volunteers are specially trained. There are very stringent qualifications that a volunteer must adhere to for Judge Christy Little to approve the volunteer’s application. A stringent background check is required. Judge Christy Little ensures that the safety of the child is taken into consideration and personally assigns volunteers to children in the program.

A CASA volunteer is required to maintain complete written records about the case, including appointments, interviews, and information gathered about the child. They must report incidents of child abuse or neglect to their CASA supervisor, the child’s social worker, and the Child Abuse Hot Line.

A CASA volunteer will talk with all parties involved with the case, including the child. They will determine if a permanent plan has been created for the child, and whether appropriate services are being provided to the child and family. Along with these responsibilities, the volunteer must assure that the child’s best interests are being represented at every stage of the case by attending court hearings and making written recommendation to the court on what orders are best for the child. But they must also monitor the case by visiting the child as often as necessary to observe whether the child’s essential needs are being met and whether the Judge’s orders are being carried out. These visits are to be made in person at least once a month with some type of contact at least every two weeks. A volunteer will participate in any planning or treatment team meetings involving the child in order to keep themselves informed of the child’s permanent plan. And will remain actively involved in the case until formally discharged by the court.

A CASA volunteer is not allowed to provide direct services such as counseling, legal advice, transportation, etc. to any parties that could lead to a conflict of interest or liability problems, even if the CASA is professionally trained to provide that service. They cannot cause a child or family to become dependent on the CASA volunteer for services that should be provided by other agencies or organizations. They cannot take a child into the CASA's home for any reason whatsoever. They cannot provide transportation to a child or family member. A CASA volunteer cannot make placement arrangements for the child.

To be become a CASA volunteer, a volunteer must be at least 21 years of age, successfully complete screening requirements which include a written application, personal interview, reference checks, and a criminal background investigation. They must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. They must be able to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds in a variety of settings. These volunteers must be able to deal with people who may be very emotional and be able to maintain objectivity. A basic understanding of child development along with a basic understanding of family relationships is required.

Volunteers are required to have respect of every child’s inherent right to grow up with dignity in a safe environment that meets the child’s best interests. They must also ensure that the child’s best