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.
Why CASA Works
- CASA volunteers are advocates
- CASA volunteers are independent observers 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