Volunteer Job Description

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained volunteer appointed by the juvenile court judge to provide objective, factual information in the best interests of a child who is involved in an abuse or neglect case in the court system.

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must have interests in the rights and individual needs of children.
• Must have the ability to work respectfully, objectively, and non-judgmentally with people of varied socio-economic, racial, religious, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Must have a flexible schedule with time available to visit children regularly, gather information, and attend court hearings and other meetings while the case is active in Juvenile Court.
• Must be committed to the mission of the CASA program.
• Must successfully pass a criminal and DCFS background check.
• Must successfully complete a 40 hour volunteer training program.
• Must be in a stable period in your life in order to commit fully to the children you will serve and maintain the consistency and reliability needed for this volunteer experience.

Required Skills and Abilities

• A natural rapport with children.
• Empathetic nature.
• Basic understanding of the trauma abused and neglected children experience.
• Patience with the child welfare and court system.
• Non-judgmental and objective view of your case and parties involved in the case.
• Communicate effectively and objectively with the Court, program staff, clients, and other involved professionals (both verbally and in writing).
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information and court records.
• Adhere to deadlines and timetables involving an assigned case and turn in all reports on time.
• Basic writing and computer skills (email and word processing).
• Access to private email account and computer files to maintain casework.
• Provide own transportation.

Specific Duties of a CASA Volunteer

• To be the eyes and ears of the Court, and the voice for the child.
• Establish a relationship with the child that builds rapport but maintains enough distance to objectively report findings to the Court (CASA is not a mentor program).
• Maintain objectivity throughout the case. 
• Visit the child, at least twice a month, for the duration of Juvenile Court involvement.
• Interview appropriate parties involved in the case.  Review available records regarding the child.
• Gather and record factual information regarding the child’s welfare and needs and maintain thorough case records.
• Identify and explore potential resources that will facilitate a permanent plan for the child.
• Timely preparation of written reports to the Court for each court hearing; providing factual, objective information and recommendations that are in the best interests of the child.  Reports are to be turned in to your supervisor two weeks prior to your hearing for editing and court filing.
• Attend scheduled court hearings, school meetings, and other inter-agency meetings regarding the child.
• Monitor that the court orders and approved plans for the child are being implemented.
• Monitor all those involved in the child’s life to ensure the child is safe and his needs are being met in a timely and consistent manner.
• Accept supervision from CASA staff and provide regular updates to your supervisor regarding case activities.

Time Commitments

• Participate in an initial interview which lasts 30-60 minutes.
• Attend 40 hours of pre-service volunteer training.
• Spend approximately 10 hours every month on active casework, including twice a month visitation with the child.
• Accumulate 12 hours per year of continuing education credit.
• Commit to remaining with the case until permanency has been established and the Juvenile Court case has been closed (minimum of one year).

Equal Opportunity

CASA of McHenry County is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in accepting, training and assigning applicants.  CASA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era.  CASA will act in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

CASA of McHenry County volunteers follow guidelines established by the
National CASA Association.