CASA - Advocate for an abused child today!

The Office of Guardian ad Litem and CASA is looking for more volunteers. CASA is the only volunteer organization that empowers everyday citizens as officers of the court. Being a CASA volunteer does not require any special education or background. We are simply looking for people who care about children and have common sense. As a volunteer, you will be thoroughly trained and well supported by professional staff to help you through each case. A Guardian ad Litem is an attorney that represents the best interest of children who are involved Juvenile Court because they were abused, neglected or are dependent through no fault of their own.

The Court Appointed Advocates (CASA) are community members who volunteer their time to be a second set of eyes and ears for these children--to make sure their needs are being met while in foster care. The attorneys' have high case loads in our county. On difficult cases, they sometimes need extra help. They ask support staff for a CASA to help them with their case. After training, our volunteers average about 5-10 hours a month working on their case. We really value our advocates and the difference they make in the life of a child!

CASA volunteers are appointed by the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) attorney to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children. 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.
• "Be the Glue": 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 GAL they are working with. During the assignment process clear instruction is given by the GAL to the CASA as to what information the attorney is seeking. It then becomes the responsibility of the advocate to obtain the information and provide it to the GAL.