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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q: Do I need to have any special training or
educational background? |
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A: No. CASA provides the necessary training to become a CASA
Volunteer. |
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Q: Is there an age requirement? |
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A: Yes. You must be at least 21 to become a CASA
Volunteer |
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Q: What commitments would I
be making? |
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A: When you become a CASA you agree to work with a child for at least
the length of your first case, to meet with them on a weekly basis, to maintain confidentiality and
to abide by the protocol that CASA has established. |
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Q: What hours would I be volunteering? |
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A: You set your own hours based on your schedule, and the schedule of the
child and their caregivers. Expect to spend at least 2 hours a week
visiting the child and making phone calls. During times when there is a
report due, or a change is occurring, more time may be required to gather
information. Our volunteers provide an average of 6-10 hours a month. |
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Q: What are
the duties of a CASA volunteer? |
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Click here for the CASA Volunteer Job Description. |
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Attend
all court hearings except that the CASA volunteer may be excused by
the court or the program director if emergency circumstances arise;
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Submit
a written report and recommendation to the judge for consideration in
determining the best interest of the child at the dispositional
hearing, dispositional review hearings, other hearings as requested by
the court, and at least one (1) report every six (6) months for as
long as the case is assigned to a CASA volunteer;
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Monitor
the case by visiting the child as often as necessary to observe
whether the child's essential needs are being met, and whether court
orders are actually being carried out;
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Participate
in any treatment planning conferences and reviews involving the child
to assess whether reasonable efforts are being made to provide
services to the child and family and determine the appropriateness and
progress of the child's permanent plan;
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Advocate
a prompt, thorough review of the case if the child's circumstances
warrant the attention of the court;
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Interview
parties involved in the case, including interviewing and observing the
child;
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Maintain
complete written records about the case;
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Report
any incidents of child or adult abuse or neglect to the appropriate
authorities and to the program director;
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Remain
actively involved in the case until dismissed from the case by the
program director or judge with competent jurisdiction, or when an
adoption proceeding is finalized.
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Return
all case-related materials including, but not limited to, written
notes, court reports, and agency documents, to the program director
upon the request of the program director, and
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Work
with team members to advocate for the best interest of the child.
Although
CASA volunteers work with others involved in the case, they remain
independent.
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Q: What kind of support would I have from the CASA staff? |
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A: The CASA Director provides direct support. The Director attends court,
assists in preparing reports and is available to provide advice and
guidance to the volunteer. The Director also provides training and locates
resources for volunteers. |
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Q: What if I can't be an Advocate but still want to help? |
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A: There are many other ways that you can help CASA, including simply
spreading the word to others. We often need help with special events,
mailings, clerical duties and fundraising activities. |
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