Frequently asked questions:
A CASA volunteer is an Recognized Officer of the Court. The juvenile judge appoints the CASA program to represent the best interest of an abused and/or neglected child in court proceedings. The CASA program staff will then appoint a volunteer to advocate for the children within the case. Each CASA volunteer advocates that the children are placed in a safe and nurturing environment, where they have the opportunity to continue their education, their childhood and become productive members of society.
What does a CASA volunteer do?
A trained CASA volunteer gathers information for the court and recommends, to the judge, what the child needs, The CASA volunteer also recommends what is in the child’s best interest for a safe, nurturing and permanent home. This recommendation comes in the form of a formal report that is given to the judge to aid in his/her decisions on behalf of the child. A CASA volunteer advocates for an appropriate decision that is made in a timely manner.
Why does a child need a CASA volunteer?
When the court is making decisions that will impact a child’s future, the child needs and deserves a spokesperson- an objective adult to provide independent information about the best interests of the child. While other parties in the case are concerned about the child, those parties also have other interests. The CASA volunteer is the only person in the case whose sole concern is the best interest of the child. One CASA per each child, to provide that child with a “voice in court”. A CASA volunteer gives individual attention to each case.
An abused or neglected child has come from a world of chaos and instability. For the child, there is fear. Fear of being hurt; fear of being alone and fear about the future. For the children who are in out-of-home placements, there can be many changes in schools and homes before a decision is made in regard to where the child should be placed. A CASA volunteer can be the sole source of stability in the child’s life. A CASA is a trusted, dependable adult who doesn’t go away and who gives the child hope for a better future. This, then, is an opportunity to benefit our most vulnerable children, those who have been abused and neglected.
What is the difference between the CASA and a Social Worker?
The roles are not the same. The CASA is independent from the social services system and focuses solely on the child. The DCFS caseworker serves the entire family -parents and child- by providing direct services. DCFS caseworkers are not able to be a wholly independent voice because they are part of an agency that has already taken a position in the case by filing a petition and bringing the matter to court. A CASA is an independent voice, advocating on behalf of one particular child.
Why does a child need both a CASA volunteer and an attorney?
A CASA volunteer is able to spend as much time as is necessary to gather information about the child and the child’s familial system. A CASA serves at the request of a judge and provides a report on the best placement for a child. If a court had to pay an attorney to do this job, it would be too costly. A child’s attorney provides legal representation. The CASA volunteer and the child’s attorney can work as a team to represent the best interest of the child.
Why do CASA programs cost money to run, when volunteers are not paid?
CASA programs hire staff to manage the program and supervise volunteers. Program costs include: salaries, office support, computers and equipment, travel and training. CASA program staff members recruit, train and supervise volunteers to ensure quality services. The National CASA Association has program standards that all CASA programs are required to meet.
Does the court listen to what a CASA has to say?
Judges know their decisions are only as good as the information they receive. They count on CASA volunteers to be an independent voice and they know that CASA volunteers have more time to focus on specific cases. A CASA who can tell the court “I was there- this is what I observed” is invaluable.
How do we know CASA volunteers are effective?
Studies have shown CASA volunteers to be effective in reducing court costs, reducing stays in foster care and even in reducing rates of delinquency. A study conducted by the National CASA Association showed that children with a CASA volunteer spent approximately one year less in care than a child without a CASA. This represents a savings to taxpayers and it also means that a child finds a permanent and safe home more quickly
