A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a trained community member appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children during a dependency case.
CASA volunteers act as the "eyes and ears" of the judge. They provide the Court and interested parties with a report after carefully researching all aspects of the case and interviewing all involved parties to assist the Court in making the most sound and informed decisions possible. Among other things, CASA volunteers determine if it is in a child's best interest to return to his or her parents or guardians, be placed in foster care, be placed with other relatives, or be freed for permanent adoption.
Prospective volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, undergo background checks and fingerprinting. Candidates complete a volunteer application, participate in an interview, and complete 39 hours of preservice training. Volunteers should have effective oral and written communication skills.
As an officer of the court, 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's school, medical and caseworker report along with other service provider documents to ensure that the child and family are receiving appropriate services.
Attorneys are charged with representing their client's legal interests and following the wishes of their client. A CASA is appointed and is responsible for making recommendations about what things would be best for the child. The CASA volunteer does not file legal paperwork with the court. However, the CASA volunteer does write court reports that provide crucial background information to assist the court in decision making. CASA volunteers are appointed their own legal representation to provide them with legal advice, appear with them in court and file any necessary motions.
CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, with a variety of educational and ethnic backgrounds. There are more than 70,000 CASA volunteers nationally and more than 1,000 in the state of Ohio. Aside from their CASA volunteer responsibility, many are employed full-time. Since all required training is provided, there are no specific educational or professional requirements; the "typical" volunteer simply has a desire to make a significant, positive difference in the life of an abused or neglected child.
Typically CASA's carry one case at a time, allowing them to focus on the particular needs of one child or sibling group. Experienced CASA's who choose to do so may accept more than one case.
According to the National CASA Association, abused and neglected children are more likely to face homelessness, unemployment, and prison as adults. However, children with CASA volunteers are more likely to receive therapy, health care and education. Judges have observed that CASA children have better chances of finding permanent homes than non-CASA children.
The scheduling of most volunteer activities is flexible. While each case is different, a CASA volunteer usually spends 10-15 hours each month doing research and spending time with the children on their case.
Your talents are welcome in any number of ways! There are plenty of volunteer opportunities, ranging from working on special events to general office help. For more information on volunteer opportunities, please call 513-695-1356 or email
MPerduk@warrencountyohio.gov.
Warren County CASA is a court based program which is funded through a combination of private and public funds including grants, private foundations, corporations and individual contributions.