Advocate for an Abused or Neglected Child- CASA

Exactly What Does a CASA Volunteer Do?

CASA volunteers are appointed by the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) attorney to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children. The advocates visit children twice a month and report back to the attorney that represents the child.

The primary responsibilities of a CASA volunteer are to:

Gather Information : Review documents and records, interview the children, family members and professionals in their lives.

• Document Findings: Provide written reports to the GAL attorney in preparation for all court proceedings.
• Appear in/Attend Court: Advocate for the child's best interests and provide testimony when necessary.
• Explain What is Going On: Help the child understand the court proceedings. Seek cooperative solutions among individuals and organizations involved in the children's lives. As one volunteer said: Be the glue that connects the pieces in a complicated child welfare system.
• Recommend Services: Ensure that the children are receiving appropriate services by keeping the guardian informed of any needs currently not being addressed. Bring concerns about the child's health, education, mental health, etc. to the guardian's immediate attention.
• Monitor Case Plans and Court Orders: Assist the Guardian by reporting any deviation from what the court has ordered for the life of the case.
• Keep the Guardian Informed: Update the Guardian on developments with all participating agencies and family members.
• Visit with the Child: maintain a consistent and regular visiting schedule with the child.

The CASA Program is not a mentoring program. CASA volunteers gather information for the attorney they are working with. During the assignment process clear instruction is given by the GAL to the advocate as to what information the Guardian is seeking. It then becomes the responsibility of the CASA advocate to obtain the information and provide it to the GAL.

Special Requirements:

• Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older
• Pass a BCI (background check) and Child Abuse Registry screening
• Complete 30 hours of training
• Make a one year minimum commitment. A CASA advocate visits with their assigned child once a week with a total time investment of 4-8 hrs. a month.

Please contact your local CASA Program Coordinator Natalie Winzenried, nataliew@utcourts.gov, for more training information.