Summit County Court Appointed Special Advocate Volunteer

PROGRAM GOALS/PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

• To provide independent, factual information to the court regarding abused and neglected children
• To provide advocacy for abused and neglected children who are subject of judicial proceedings
• To monitor cases involving abused and neglected children until the terms of the court order have been fulfilled
• To conduct independent and objective analysis concerning abused and neglected children
• To factually and objectively report findings and observations to the court
• To ensure representation of the child’s best interest in all judicial proceedings
• To monitor cases following a court hearing or decision as designated by the court

THE CASA VOLUNTEER

Completes an intensive independent review of each case:

• Speaks with the child and relevant adults
• Reviews appropriate records and reports
• Observes the child and significant others

Reports findings to the court:

• Provides a written report containing factual information
• Attends court hearings concerning the child
• Participates in case conferences concerning the child

Ensures representation of the child’s best interest:

• Attends all court hearings to see that all relevant facts are presented
• Attends appropriate interagency meetings regarding the child
• Prods public systems into action

Monitors cases following a court hearing or decision as designated by the court and consults regularly with the volunteer coordinator concerning assigned cases.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Ability to keep all client and court information confidential
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds (economic, cultural, educational) in a variety of settings
• Ability to transport self to a variety of settings
• Proof of valid Ohio drivers license and vehicle insurance
• Ability to deal with hostility, anger and other emotional attitudes
• Ability to maintain objectivity
• Ability to gather and record factual information accurately
• A basic understanding of child development
• A basic understanding of family relationships
• Must be 21 years of age
• Must be able to successfully pass a criminal and child welfare background check

TRAINING

• CASA volunteers are required to attend approximately 40 hours of pre-serve training
• CASA volunteers follow guidelines established by the National CASA Association
• CASA volunteers will attend 12 hours of in-service training annually
• CASA volunteers will receive direct supervision and guidance from program staff

TIME COMMITMENT

• Volunteers are required to commit themselves to the program for 24 months
• Volunteers are expected to be available for case assignment and to accept cases unless other arrangements have been made