Title
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) - often referred to as a volunteer Guardian ad Litem (GAL).
Objective
To speak for the best interest of children who are brought before the court for reasons of abuse, neglect or dependency.
Qualifications
Volunteers shall be of majority age and shall successfully complete screening requirements, which include a written application, personal interview, reference, and criminal background check.
Program Goals
- To provide advocacy for abused, neglected, and dependent children who are the subject of judicial proceedings
- To ensure the child’s best interests are represented at every stage of court proceedings
- To factually and objectively report findings and observations to the court
- To monitor cases involving abused and neglected children until the terms of the court have been fulfilled
The Duties of a Volunteer
- The CASA / GAL volunteer is a fact-finder for the court
- A volunteer reviews records and interviews appropriate parties involved in the case; including the child, parents, family members, neighbors, school officials, and doctors
- A volunteer makes contact with the CASA supervisor and other parties involved in the case, including the child, a minimum of once a month
- A volunteer maintains complete confidentiality regarding information about the child, as well as other parties involved in the case
- A volunteer provides objective information; therefore, the CASA / GAL volunteer cannot be related to any parties involved in a case assigned to him / her or employed in a position or agency that might result in a conflict of interest
