CASA Volunteer

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a trained citizen who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in court. CASAs are individuals who express a genuine concern for the welfare of children. The ability to communicate, in both written and verbal forms, is a strong factor for consideration.

CASA volunteers must have no record of confirmed involvement in child abuse or neglect or conviction of a felony crime.

To avoid a conflict of interest, no volunteer shall be certified if he or she is currently employed by the Juvenile Division of the District Court, Youth Services of DCF, or any foster care agency currently contracted with the State of Kansas DCF to provide foster care services.

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Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age
Attend a volunteer information session
Attend all required pre-service training sessions
Attend all in-service sessions as required on an annual basis
Serve at least one year following pre-service training
Application, references and interview must indicate the abilities to be objective, to function professionally, and to show concern for the welfare of children as the primary motive for becoming a CASA Volunteer.
Must respect confidentiality of all parties
Must be able to successfully complete screening of NCIC fingerprint check and the DCF Child Abuse and Neglect registry

Duties

Gather all pertinent information through the use of court, DCF and foster care agency files, interview relevant parties and communicate with professionals involved in the case
Keep CASA staff informed of all activities through phone calls, e-mails, office visits, meetings and written reports
Maintain an up-to-date and complete file on each case assigned
Return all files to the CASA office upon completion or closure of a case.
Adhere to all deadlines and timetables involving an assigned case (Court reports are due on Thursdays two weeks prior to a scheduled hearing. Monthly reports are due on the 4th of each month.

Provide any information requested by CASA program staff which may be needed for overall program evaluation
Attend all hearings, staffings, administrative reviews and case planning sessions
Assist in the implementation of any plan prescribed by the court
Encourage permanency planning
Maintain regular contact (minimum of one hour per month) with the child(ren)
Advocate for the best interest of the child(ren) at all times
Contact CASA staff in emergency situations