FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS CASA?
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a trained citizen who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in court. Children helped by CASA volunteers include those for whom home placement is being determined in juvenile court. Most of the children are victims of abuse and/or neglect
A CASA volunteer provides a judge with a carefully researched background of the child to help the court make a sound decision about that child’s future. Each home placement case is as unique as the child involved.
The CASA volunteer must determine if it is in a child’s best interest to stay with his or her parents or guardians, be placed in foster care, or be freed for permanent
The CASA volunteer makes recommendations on placement to the judge and follows through on the case until it is permanently resolved.
HOW DOES A CASA VOLUNTEER INVESTIGATE A CASE?
To prepare a recommendation, the CASA volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, social workers, school officials, health providers, and others who are knowledgeable about the child’s history. The CASA volunteer also reviews all records pertaining to the child such as school, medical and case worker reports.
HOW DOES A CASA DIFFER FROM A SOCIAL SERVICE CASEWORKER?
Social workers generally are employed by state governments.Sometimes work on as many as 30 cases at a time. The CASA worker is a volunteer with more time and a smaller caseload (an average of 1 to 2 cases
HOW DOES THE ROLE OF A CASA DIFFER FROM AN ATTORNEY?
The CASA volunteer does not provide legal representation in the courtroom. That is the role of the attorney. However, the CASA volunteer does provide crucial background information that assists attorneys in presenting their
CAN ANYONE VOLUNTEER TO BE A CASA WORKER?
CASA volunteers are ordinary citizens. No special or legal background is required. However, volunteers are screened closely for objectivity, competence, and commitment. CASA volunteers must be at least 21 years of age. WHAT TRAINING DOES A CASA VOLUNTEER RECEIVE? CASA volunteers undergo a thorough training course conducted by the CASA Program.Training requirements average about 30 hours for classroom training plus 4 hours observing court. CASA volunteers learn effective advocacy techniques for children, and are educated about specific topics on child development, behavior, and child abuse.
HOW DOES THE CASA RELATE TO THE CHILD HE OR SHE REPRESENTS?
CASA volunteers offer children trust and advocacy during complex legal proceedings. They explain to the child the events that are happening, the reasons they all are in court, and the roles the judge, lawyers, and social workers play. CASA volunteers also encourage the child to express his or her own opinion and hopes.
HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT REQUIRE?
Each case is different. A CASA volunteer typically spends about 10 hours doing research and conducting interviews prior to the first court appearance. More complicated cases take longer. Some time is spent traveling to the child or family for visits.
HOW LONG DOES A CASA REMAIN INVOLVED WITH A CASE?
The volunteer advocate continues until the case is permanently resolved. One of the primary benefits of the CASA program is that, unlike other court principals who often rotate cases, the CASA volunteer is a consistent figure in the proceedings and provides continuity for the child.
