VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

PURPOSE

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers his or her time to promote and protect the best interests of abused or neglected children in court proceedings, the social service system and the community.

DUTIES

  • Participate and successfully complete 40 hours of pre-service training provided by CASA.
  • Accept assignment of one to three cases of abused or neglected children involved in juvenile court proceedings.
  • Meet face to face with each child at least once a month.
  • Make an independent assessment of the facts of each case and the needs of the children.
  • Identify potential resources within the family and community to meet the children’s needs.
  • Record all facts and information surrounding each case in a case file.
  • Submit a timely written court report in the proper format with recommendations for each child.
  • Attend all court hearings and reviews to present information and make recommendations.
  • Attend appropriate interagency meetings regarding the child.
  • Assure that a permanent placement plan is being implemented for each child who is removed from the custody of his or her parent(s) or guardian.
  • Maintain a focus on each case until permanency is achieved, assessing the progress of the case, advocating for a permanent solution and reporting problems of non-compliance to the court.
  • Maintain at least monthly contact with your supervisor.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality standards.
  • Submit monthly statistics and information regarding cases to the CASA office. This includes the Monthly Advocacy Report, with total mileage and hours spent on the case.
  • Participate in twelve (12) hours of annual training to maintain active status as a CASA volunteer. The Executive Director or Advocate Coordinator will provide training and/or inform CASAs of continuing education opportunities in the community.
  • Upon resignation or termination, a volunteer must return their CASA badge, CASA pin, and all notes and computer disks regarding their cases to the CASA Glynn office.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Interest in children, their rights, welfare and special needs.
  • Ability to commit to the program for at least one year.
  • Willingness and availability to participate in 40 hours of pre-service training, consent to criminal record and fingerprint checks.
  • Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds in a variety of settings.
  • Interpersonal skills to work with children, family members and professionals using tact, objectivity and concern.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
Become a VOLUNTEER!