Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CASA Volunteer?A Court Appointed Special Advocate is a trained volunteer appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of an abused, neglected, or abandoned child. What is the role of a CASA volunteer?A CASA volunteer is a child’s voice in court and represents the child’s best interest during the life of a child protection case. CASA volunteers provide the presiding judge with a carefully researched report about the child they have been appointed to represent. This report offers an independent view of the child’s life strictly focused on the circumstances affecting the child. How does a CASA volunteer investigate a case?CASA volunteers will speak with anyone who knows the child; family members, teachers, day care providers, physicians, and social workers. In addition to these interviews, CASA volunteers will review all records and information pertaining to the child. How does a CASA volunteer differ from an attorney?CASA volunteers do not provide legal representation in the court system. That is the role of the attorney appointed to the case. |
However, a CASA volunteer does provide crucial background information that assists attorneys in presenting their cases. It is important to remember CASA volunteers do not represent the child’s wishes, rather, they speak for a child’s best interests. How does a CASA volunteer differ from a social worker?CASA volunteers are child advocates who are charged with representing only a child’s best interests. In comparison, social workers are professionals who are employed by the state. They follow administrative directives and state statute. Social workers provide services to keep families together, support families in times of crisis, and reunify children with their families, placing children back into their homes of origin whenever it is reasonably certain the child(ren)’s family is capable of meeting their needs. |
This is a primary goal of the social workers who work for the state. How long does a CASA volunteer remain involved in a case?A CASA volunteer continues to advocate for a child until the case is permanently resolved– at the end of a child protection case, it is the ultimate mission of CASA volunteers to see a child in a safe, stable, permanent home. As child advocates, CASA volunteers have three very important objectives:1) To serve as fact finders for the judge by thoroughly researching why a child protection case was opened, 2) To make recommendations to the court representing the best interests of the children who they are appointed to serve, and 3) To monitor case compliance with the orders of the court. CASA volunteers report whether parents have or haven’t participated in court ordered services. CASA volunteers will report on the progress made by the parents and their ability to create a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for their children. CASAs will look at all sides of the issue—the good and the bad—in an attempt to give the judge a full picture of what is going on in the lives of the children they serve. If you would like further information about CASA please call 746-3378. |
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CASA Staff Members: |
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