Volunteer Position Description

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a volunteer appointed by the Court to advocate for the best interest of a child who has been abused or neglected.  To do this the CASA must investigate the facts of the case, help facilitate a collaboration between all parties on the case and the resolution of presenting problems, recommend a course of action to the Court, and monitor progress toward established goals.

Benefits

Involvement in the CASA program provides an opportunity for volunteers to have a significant impact on the quality of a child’s life; enhance written and oral communication skills, strengthen collaboration skills, gain an understanding of the child welfare system, and increase awareness of child abuse and neglect. 

Selection Factors

• Interest in children, their rights, and special needs
• Time to devote to training sessions and research and follow-up on an assigned case
• Ability to collaborate effectively
• Ability to problem solve
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Commitment to the mission of the CASA program

Prerequisites

• Must be 21 years of age
• Complete an application form and return to the CASA office
• Submit three names as references with complete name, address and phone number
• Participate in a screening interview
• Allow for background checks prior to training.  (Must have no criminal convictions or pending charges for a felony or misdemeanor involving a sex offense, child abuse or neglect, or acts that would pose risks to children or the CASA program’s credibility.)
• Willing to commit three to five hours per week (average) to a child’s case and serve as a CASA until the case is dismissed from the court (average 24-36 months) 

Requirements of a CASA

• Attend all required training sessions, including observing court, within assigned time period
• Meet with CINC supervisor
• Maintain professionalism
• Respect confidentiality of all parties involved
• Complete four (4) hours of annual in-service training, beginning the year after initial training
• Serve as a CASA for at least one child for a minimum of 12 months
• Keep CINC supervisor informed of all case-related activities monthly
• Maintain an up-to-date and comprehensive file on each case assigned
• Adhere to deadlines and timetables involving an assigned case
• Turn in all reports in a timely manner 
• Consult with CINC Supervisor
• Return case file withing 30 days of case closing or removal from case

Examples of Duties

• Advocate for the best interest of the child(ren) at all times.
• Establish relationship with the child to better understand the child’s needs and desires
• Interview appropriate parties involved in the case
• Review available records regarding the child’s family history, education, development, and health
• Submit written reports to the CASA volunteer supervisor
• Explain CASA role to all parties unfamiliar with the program
• Submit report to court at least seven (7) days in advance of hearing
• Appear at court hearings to make recommendations to the Court or arrange for CASA staff to substitute
• Ensure that the court-approved plans for the child are being implemented
• Maintain complete records regarding the case
• Identify and explore potential resources that will facilitate a permanent plan for the child
• Communicate and coordinate efforts with the child’s social worker, attorney, and other relevant parties
• Encourage permanency planning 
• Report critical developments to the court promptly

Responsible to:

CASA supervisor and ultimately to the Judge

CASA of Shawnee County

Mailing Address:  501 SE Jefferson, Ste. 2002
Topeka, KS  66607

Main phone number:  785-215-8282

Revised 3/09