The Second Judicial District CASA Program, Inc.,
serving children in the Idaho Counties of Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce and the Washington Counties of Asotin and Garfield.
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a volunteer appointed by the court to represent the best interests of abandoned, abused, or neglected children. CASAs investigate a child’s history, facilitate communication between concerned adults, advocate for services, seek appropriate placement, and ultimately make recommendations to the judge in the child’s best interests. A concern for children in your community and the belief that all children deserve a safe, permanent home are the qualities shared by CASA volunteers.
1) Qualifications of a CASA
- An interest in children, their rights, and special needs.
- Time to devote to conducting independent investigations, monitoring of court orders and case plans.
- The ability to work with children, their families, and other professionals using tact and empathy.
- The ability to communicate in verbal and written forms.
2) Requirements of a CASA
- Successful completion of thirty hours of pre-service training.
- Complete 12 hours of in-service training a year to remain a certified CASA volunteer.
- Confer with CASA staff once a month (at the minimum).
- Submit the volunteer activities form on a monthly basis.
- Consistently update case notes.
- Maintain a strict level of confidentiality.
- Submit court reports in a timely manner.
- Attend court hearings.
3) Specific Duties of a CASA
- Upon assignment to a case complete an independent investigation.
- Review case materials and devise with CASA staff a list of interviews to conduct, relevant records to request, and schedule time to meet with parent(s) and child(ren).
- Meet with the child – no matter how young or old – at least once a month to determine how the child feels about what is going on in his or her life in order to determine what is in the best interests of the child.
- Meet with the parent(s).
- Contact the assigned social worker and speak with her/him about relevant details of the case, ask to be invited to staffings concerning your case.
- Explore placement alternatives available to the child: with an absent parent, living with relatives, foster homes, or group homes.
- If the child is Native American, make sure the child’s tribal enrollment rights are protected.
- Prepare a written report stating findings and recommendations for the court’s benefit.
- Continually monitor the case to ensure orders of the court are being followed by all parties and the current needs of the child(ren) are being met.
- Make a determination as to whether the parent/parents are complying with the case plan.
- Bring any significant changes in the family situation to the attention of CASA staff as soon as possible.
- Attend court review hearings.
- Continue to follow up with established contacts (such as foster parents, teachers, social workers, service providers, family members, day care providers, or others who have substantial contact with the child on a frequent basis. Submit supplementary reports and make recommendations as needed until the case closes.
- If parental rights have been terminated, review plans for permanent placement, requesting information and consulting with department personnel so that appropriate placement occurs with a limited amount of delay.
- Keep in touch with CASA staff for guidance and support.
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Why CASA Works
- CASA volunteers are advocates
- CASA volunteers are independent bservers and reporters
- CASA volunteers are supported by a program and its staff at all times
- CASA volunteers are focused—representing a child’s best interests
- CASA volunteers bring the voice of the community to the child protection proceeding
- CASA volunteers make a difference: more timely permanency planning, targeted services, & significantly fewer cases come back into the system