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Court Appointed Special Advocate
Volunteer Job Description |
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a screened, trained community volunteer who is appointed by a Juvenile Court Judge to advocate for an abused and/or neglected child in juvenile court deprivation proceedings. The CASA makes independent recommendations to the court for services that focus on meeting the needs of each individual child. The CASA also advocates for each child to be placed in a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible. |
Activities:
• Visit and interview the child
• Gather independent information about the child to make recommendations to the court in the child’s best interest
• Interview the parents, guardians or caretakers of the child
• Interview the social worker and other service providers and review any records relating to the family
• Prepare written reports for the court and submit them to the Program Director prior to court
• Seek cooperative solutions with other participants in the child’s case if possible
• Attend and participate in court hearings and other related meetings such as the Citizens Panel Review
• Testify, if needed, to inform the court of changes in the child’s situation
• Identify potential resources within the family and community to meet the child’s needs
• Keep all records and information confidential
• Document case activity accurately and in a timely manner and forward copy to the Program Director
• Monitor provisions of service plans and court orders
• Have monthly contact with the child
• Explain the role of CASA to the family and the child
• Consult with Program Director for support/guidance
• Inform the Program Director monthly on the status of the case
• Advocate for the child in the community
• Maintain focus on the child until permanency is achieved
• Inform the court of the child’s wishes
• Attend CASA Volunteer support meetings |
Qualifications:
The main qualification is a sincere concern for children. The volunteer must be a mature adult with good verbal and written communication skills. A CASA Volunteer must be available to attend all court hearings and panel reviews. The volunteer must be able to commit to the program for at least one year or, preferably until permanency is achieved. Essential qualities include the ability to be objective and non-judgmental. |
Requirements:
The process of becoming a CASA Volunteer requires a written application, three references, a child protective services check, a criminal records check and a federal fingerprint check. The minimum age for becoming a CASA is 21 years of age. A personal interview will be conducted by the Program Director. The volunteer must complete 40 hours of required training that includes courtroom observation. The fully trained and screened volunteer will be sworn in by the juvenile court judge prior to the assignment of their first case. Case assignment continues until the child is in a permanent home. |
Training and Supervision:
The initial training offered by Lookout Mountain CASA has been developed by National CASA and adapted by Georgia CASA. Ongoing training is required and will be offered by the Program Director. CASA Volunteers are supervised by the Lookout Mountain CASA staff. Approval as a CASA Volunteer is at the discretion of Lookout Mountain CASA. |
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