Saturday, September 04, 2010
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Saturday, September 04, 2010 |
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 POWERLESS CHILDREN NEED POWERFUL FRIENDS
Please read Terry's letter here
A CHILD NEEDS YOUR VOICE...
What is a CASA volunteer?
CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge to recommend the best possible outcome for an abused or neglected child's future. Whether this means helping to make a connection with adoptive parents or safely reuniting the child with parents or relatives, the ultimate goal of the CASA volunteer is to help ensure that every one of these kids can live in a safe, permanent home.
The CASA volunteer is assigned for the duration of each case, performing three main functions:
1) To serve as a fact-finder for the court by thoroughly researching the background of each case through interviews and records investigation. 2) To speak for the best interests of the child in court, both orally and through written reports.
3) To act as a monitor for the child to help ensure that court orders are honored and that he or she receives the services needed, thus promoting a swift and appropriate conclusion to the case.
BECOME A POWERFUL VOICE IN A CHILD'S LIFE...
The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program of Delaware County trains citizens from all backgrounds to become CASA volunteers. You don't need to be a lawyer or a social worker to be a volunteer. We are simply looking for people with the desire to help abused and neglected children.
FAQ's
Q: What are the requirements for becoming a CASA volunteer?
A: These are the qualifications for volunteers:
Q: What commitments would I be making?
A: When you become a CASA volunteer, you agree to commit to the program for a minimum of one year, to meet with each child no less than once each month, to maintain confidentiality and to follow the protocol established by our local, state, and national programs.
 Q: What hours would I be volunteering?
A: For the most part, you can set your own hours based on your schedule, and the schedule of the child and caregivers. Court hearings and team meetings may require some daytime appearances. When initially gathering information on a case, more time is generally required. Cases generally average 6-10 hours per month, although this number can be higher during the first month the volunteer has a case.
Q: How many cases will I have?
A: One of the main benefits that CASA children receive is that volunteers are able to focus their attention on fewer cases. Ideally, each volunteer should maintain no more than 2-3 cases in order to provide high quality advocacy.
Q: How long do cases last?
A: There is no set amount of time that a case will remain open. Some cases may be resolved in as little as 3-6 months. Other cases may last well over a year. We want to ensure that children have the same CASA volunteer throughout the course of the case, if possible. That is why we ask for at least a one year commitment from each volunteer.
Q: What else does a CASA volunteer do besides visit the child?
A: CASA volunteers gather information and prepare reports regarding the best interests, needs and wants of each child. In addition, the CASA attends court hearings and will advocate verbally for the child. Each volunteer is legally appointed to their child and has access to confidential information, such as school and medical records. Quite often teachers, doctors, and therapists are interviewed. CASA volunteers also help locate and advocate for needed services for each child.
Q: What kind of training do I need?
A: Each CASA volunteer is provided with 30 hours of training prior to receiving his or her first case. This training is designed to provide skills, knowledge, and attitude needed to become an effective advocate for children. The course includes such topics as:
In addition to pre-service training, CASA volunteers are required to attend a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education training each year. The CASA Program of Delaware County provides numerous opportunities to attend in-service training each year. The Ohio CASA/GAL program also offers a fall "Celebrate Kids" conference over 3 days each September.
Q: Do I need a background check?
A: Yes. We provide a fingerprint background check through Delaware County during training.
Q: How do I become a CASA volunteer?
A: You may contact us through email here. Please provide us with your mailing address and we will send you a packet with more information and a volunteer application. You may also call our office at (740) 833-2654. |
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