Frequently Asked Questions about CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
What is a CASA volunteer?
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
neglect.
What children are assigned CASA volunteers?
Children who are victims of abuse and neglect and become wards of the court are assigned CASA
volunteers. Any party to a case can request a CASA volunteer, but only the judge can appoint one. When
the judge appoints a CASA, he is often looking for a “fresh set of eyes” or is in need of more information to
determine what is in the child’s best interests.
What is the role of a CASA volunteer?
A CASA volunteer is a gatherer of information, a monitor, and an extra set of eyes and ears for the court.
More importantly, a CASA volunteer is a constant adult whom the child can rely on in uncertain times.
Through objective, factual court reports, CASA volunteers provide a judge with carefully researched
background details about the child to help the court make a sound decision about that child’s future. The
CASA volunteer acts in the best interest of the child. The CASA volunteer makes a commitment to remain
with the case until it is permanently resolved.
What is outside of the role of a CASA volunteer?
CASA volunteers cannot provide legal assistance, service referrals, counseling, or transportation. CASA
volunteers also cannot be put in a position of supervision or responsibility for the child at any time.
While it is imperative for a CASA volunteer to have one-on-one time with the child, a responsible adult
needs to be within shouting distance during visits (i.e. a parent/guardian cannot drop the child off and leave
during a visit).
Can a CASA volunteer tell me what is going on in the case?
Absolutely not. CASA volunteers have extremely stringent confidentiality guidelines that prohibit them from sharing any information with anyone who is not a party to the case. CASA volunteers are gatherers of information, not distributors. CASA volunteers are only allowed to share their information with their supervisor, caseworker, and attorneys on the case. You should direct any case-related questions to the caseworker.
How do CASA volunteers investigate a case?
To prepare a court report, 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: school, medical, caseworker reports, and other documents.
How are CASA volunteers different from social service caseworkers?
Social workers generally are employed by state governments and sometimes work on as many as 20 to 30 cases at a time. Because of their high caseloads and the amount of time required to perform their duties, caseworkers are frequently unable to conduct an on- going, comprehensive investigation of each case. The CASA volunteer has more time and a smaller caseload (average of 1-2 cases). The CASA volunteer remains child-focused throughout the case. The CASA volunteer does not replace a social worker on a case; they are an independent appointee of the court. The CASA volunteer thoroughly examines a child’s case, knows about various community resources, and makes recommendations to the court independent of state agency restrictions.
How are CASA volunteers different from attorneys?
The caseloads for attorneys are even higher than a caseworker’s load. State requirements mandate only one contact with the child annually. Attorneys often do not have the time to get to know the children they legally represent. The CASA volunteer does. While the CASA volunteer cannot provide any type of legal representation in the courtroom, the CASA volunteer does provide crucial background information that assists attorneys in presenting their cases.
Are there other agencies or groups providing a similar service?
No. There are other child advocacy organizations, but CASA is the only program where volunteers are appointed by the court to represent a child’s best interests.
How do CASA volunteers advocate for children?
CASA volunteers offer children trust and advocacy during lengthy, complex legal proceedings. They help to explain to the child the events happening involving the case, reasons they are court-involved, and the roles of the judge, lawyers, and caseworkers. While remaining objective observers, CASA volunteers also encourage the child to express his or her own opinion and hopes about the case and their future. 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 a child.
How effective are CASA programs?
Preliminary findings show that children who have been assigned CASA volunteers tend to spend less time in court and less time in the foster care system then those who do not have a CASA volunteer. Judges have observed that CASA advocated children also have better chances of finding permanent homes.
How much time is required to volunteer?
Each case is different. A CASA volunteer usually spends about 10 hours doing research and conducting interviews prior to the first court appearance. More complicated cases take longer. Once initiated into the system, volunteers work about 10 hours a month.
Is there a “typical” CASA volunteer?
CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and possess a variety of professional, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. There are more than 70,000 CASA volunteers nationally. Local programs vary in number of volunteers they utilize. Aside from their CASA volunteer work, 64% are employed in full or part-time jobs. Women make up 82% of the volunteers nationwide.
How long does a CASA volunteer remain involved?
The volunteer makes at least a one year commitment but ultimately it is preferred that the volunteer 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 a child.
What does the National CASA Association provide?
The National CASA Association is a nonprofit organization that represents and serves the local CASA programs. It provides training, technical assistance, research, media and public awareness services to members. How is CASA funded? In McHenry County CASA is funded through private and corporate donations and grants.
How is CASA funded?
In McHenry County CASA is funded through private and corporate donations and grants.
How do I get more information about the CASA program?
Local contact:
CASA of McHenry County
Phone: 815-206-4585
Fax: 815-206-4586
Email: info@casamchenrycounty.org
