General Requirements of All CASA Volunteers

 

 

• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.

• Must complete the required volunteer training course & interview with CASA staff.

• Consent to a background check of felony records & child abuse registry.

• Must provide a driving record (dated within the last 30 days), if planning on providing transportation.  All transportation must be approved by the Executive Director prior to transporting.

• Commit to serve for a minimum of one year.

• Complete the volunteer application & related forms including Pledge of Confidentiality.

• Attend a minimum of 12 hours of in-service training per year (offered throughout the year by CASA for Kids).

 

Qualifications of CASA Volunteers

 

• Willingness to work within the guidelines, policies, and standards of CASA.

• Good human relations skills and the willingness & ability to be objective.

• Commitment of time, interest, and energy necessary to fulfill responsibilities of volunteer position.

• Willingness to accept guidance and direction.

• Sensitivity towards cultural / ethnic / religious / etc. differences.

• Ability to formulate and maintain an independent position throughout the assignment.

• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.

• Understanding of confidentiality and the personal commitment to maintain that confidentiality at all times.

• Able to provide your own (licensed & insured) transportation.

 

Volunteer Job Description

 

Basic Function:  A CASA volunteer is a trained community volunteer appointed by a Family Court Judge to speak for the best interests of an abused and/or neglected child.  A CASA works as an official part of the judicial proceedings, working alongside attorneys and social workers.  By handling only one (or occasionally two) cases at a time, the CASA has time to thoroughly explore the history and circumstances of each assigned case.

Supervision:  Direct supervision and guidance is provided by the Coordinator of Volunteer Advocates and the Senior Coordinator. These individuals will be available to volunteers to discuss case plans, progress, or problems, as well as provide other information needed by the volunteer to fulfill his/her role as a CASA. Volunteers will periodically be asked for feedback regarding supervision and overall satisfaction with the program.

 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

 

• Complete an extensive, independent review of each case:
  • Meet face-to-face with child monthly;
  • Meet with social worker to discuss case history, obtain pertinent case information, and to ensure development of a permanency plan;
  • Speak with the child and relevant adults (parents, family members, school officials, doctors, and others involved in the child’s life who might have facts about the case);
  • Review appropriate records and reports;
  • Observe the child and significant others;
  • Report immediately, any incident of suspected child abuse/neglect to the assigned social worker or the Child Abuse Hotline if the case worker is not available;
• Report findings to the court by submitting formal reports to the Judge at every scheduled hearing/review:
  • Provide a written report containing factual information to the CASA office 5 business days prior to every hearing;
  • Attend court hearings concerning the child.
• Ensure representation of the child’s best interest:
  • Be certain that all relevant facts are presented at the court hearings;
  • Attend appropriate meetings regarding the child;
  • Participate in all planning conferences concerning the child.
• Monitor case following a court hearing or decision as designated by the court:
  • Ensure that the judicial and child welfare systems are moving ahead to secure a safe, permanent home for the child;
  • Ensure that court-ordered services are provided to the child and family.
• Consult biweekly with the volunteer coordinator concerning assigned case:   
  • Develop a CASA case plan;
  • Review progress and reports;
  • Arrange with the coordinator for coverage of any conferences or court proceedings if unable to attend.

 

Training/Support Plan:

 

• CASA volunteers are required to attend approximately 30 hours of pre-service training and 12 hours of in-service training annually.
• CASA volunteers will appear before a judge upon completion of training to be sworn as a court appointee.
• CASA volunteers follow guidelines outlined in the Volunteer Policies and Procedures.
• CASA volunteers have access to additional training opportunities offered by other agencies.
• CASA volunteers receive direct supervision and guidance from program staff.
• CASA volunteers are encouraged to call their volunteer coordinator at any time with any questions/concerns.

 

Time Commitment:

 

• Volunteers are required to make a twelve-month minimum commitment to the program.
• Volunteers are expected to attend all court hearings on their cases – approximately 5 per year.
• Volunteers are expected to be available for case assignment and to accept cases immediately upon completion of pre-service training, unless other arrangements have been made.
• CASA volunteers, on the average, spend 10 – 15 hours a month on each case.

 

Necessary Knowledge and Skills:

 

• 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.
• Ability to transport self.
• Ability to maintain objectivity.
• A basic understanding of child development and family relationships.
• Good common sense.
• Does not require specific educational training beyond a high school diploma or GED.
• Must be 21 years of age.

 

Benefits:  Although we cannot provide you with monetary rewards, there are many benefits to volunteering as a CASA.  These include the opportunity to:

• Make a difference in the life and future of a child who has been a victim of abuse and/or neglect;
• Help a child/children find permanency in a safe, loving home;
• Assist judges in obtaining a clear picture of a child’s life and needs;
• Gain an understanding of the Family courts, legal proceedings, and social service agencies;
• Develop/utilize communication skills;
• Develop/utilize assertiveness;
• Utilize your past experience/skills;
• Form friendships with like-minded people in your community;
• Have access to training via local, state and national CASA.