What does a CASA volunteer do?
CASA volunteers help safeguard the best interests of children who are in state custody because of abuse or neglect by: • Interviewing the child, parents, family members, school officials, health providers and others who know the childs history; • Reviewing all records concerning the case, including school, medical, psychological, and caseworker reports; • Making written reports to the court, testifying at hearings, and attending planning meetings outside of court with the other professionals involved.
RESEARCH: CASA volunteers thoroughly research the case they are assigned by reading documents and speaking to everyone involved, including the child. FACILITATE: The CASA volunteer works with the other parties in the case to ensure that the case is progressing and that the Court’s recommendations are being followed. The CASA volunteer also facilitates visits among the siblings and/or family members. The CASA volunteer attends meetings to represent the best interests of the child. ADVOCATE: The CASA volunteer writes reports to the judge, providing information that will help him/her make an informed decision about the child’s future. CASA volunteers can be instrumental in assuring that a child or family receives needed services that the court has ordered – things such as substance abuse counseling or special education testing. MONITOR: During the life of a case, the CASA volunteer monitors the child’s situation to make sure the child’s needs are being addressed and that a permanency plan
