Yes, I would like more information
about becoming a CASA Volunteer!!
What is a CASA?
A Court Appointed Special
Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer appointed by a judge to speak
up for the best interests of an abused or neglected child involved in a
juvenile court proceeding.
The Morgan County Court
Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program was established to screen, train,
and supervise community volunteers. These volunteers are then appointed by a
juvenile court judge to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected
children involved in juvenile court proceedings.
More volunteers are needed
to accommodate the increasing number of children that are entering the court
system as children in need of services.
If you are interested in
being a volunteer CASA, or to find out more about us, call the Morgan County CASA
Coordinator at (765) 342-1082, or e-mail the Morgan County CASA Coordinator by
clicking on this link
Job Description - Morgan County CASA
“Court Appointed Special Advocate”, means a community volunteer
who:
(1) has completed a training program approved by the court; (2)
has been appointed by a court to represent and protect the best interests of a
child; and (3) may research, examine, advocate, facilitate, and monitor a
child’s situation.
A CASA Volunteer is a person appointed by the
Criteria used in the recruitment of volunteers will be such as to
insure that the individual is able to meet the qualifications of a Court
Appointed Special Advocate. No
individual will be rejected because of race, color, religious creed, national
origin, sex, age, or marital status. No
legal background is required.
What are the qualifications to be a CASA?
Qualifications:
·
Be at least 21 years
of age.
·
Be a Resident of
·
Successfully pass
screening, including:
o *a written application,
o *personal interview, three personal references and
*Note: Each applicant will be evaluated on an
individual basis regarding any history of abuse or emotional problem for which
they received treatment. In addition,
the volunteer interview will be used to screen out appropriate judgment and
values or the lack of verbal skills necessary to perform as an effective
volunteer for children.
o **Criminal, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Office of family and
Children, and Sexual Offender record checks.
**Note: This program does
not accept applicants if they have been convicted of, or have charges pending
for, a felony or misdemeanor involving a sex offense, violent act, child abuse
or neglect, acts of dishonesty or related acts that would pose risks to
children or to the credibility of the CASA Program.
If an applicant is found
to have committed a misdemeanor or felony that is unrelated to or would not
pose a risk to children and would not negatively impact the credibility of the
CASA Program, the program will consider the following; the extent of the rehabilitation
since the offense was committed, the recidivism rate of the acts, or any other
facts that may influence a decision to accept the volunteer into the program.
If a person is convicted
of a crime while serving as a CASA volunteer, that person will be dismissed
subject to review of the circumstances.
While charges are pending against any volunteer, that person may not
function as a CASA.
·
Make a commitment of
service to the CASA Program not less than (1) one year.
·
Have time to devote
to training sessions, investigations and follow-up of a case assigned.
·
Have the ability to
work with a child, family members and professionals using tact, concern, and
basic human relations skills.
·
Have the ability to
communicate verbally and in writing, making verbal and written reports to the
court, to the program coordinator, and to other persons as needed.
Training is
provided and is designed specifically for CASA volunteers!
CASA Requirements
·
Attend and successfully complete initial
training sessions of 30 hours and 3 hours of Court observation.
·
After initial training, serve as a volunteer
for at least one child to permanency.
·
Respect a child’s inherent right to grow up in
a safe environment
·
Maintain strict confidence of information by
taking an Oath of Confidentiality.
·
A CASA must abide by the CASA Code of Ethics as
set forth by the
·
Attend in-service training sessions on an
on-going basis.
·
Upon assignment of a case, review records and
interview parties involved (including the child).
·
Keep the CASA Coordinator informed of all
activities and confer with him/her at least one time per month.
·
Determine if a permanent plan has been created
and whether appropriate services, including reasonable efforts, are being
provided to the child and family.
·
Be aware of deadlines and timetables involving
an assigned case and turn in all reports on time, signed with recommendations
to the Court on what placement and services are best for the child.
·
Attend all Court hearings pertaining to
assigned case.
·
Maintain up to date and complete file on each
case assigned, including appointments, interviews, and information gathered
about the child and the child’s life circumstances.
·
Upon closure of the case, the CASA must return
the file to the CASA office within 3 working days.
If you are interested in
being a volunteer CASA, or to find out more about us, call the Morgan County CASA
Coordinator at (765) 342-1082, or e-mail the Morgan County CASA Coordinator by
clicking on this link
Yes, I would like more information
about becoming a CASA Volunteer!!