Court Appointed Supervised Visitation Monitors
Court Appointed Special Advocates are specially trained community volunteers appointed by Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judges to speak in the best interest of children who are brought before the court for reasons of abuse or neglect. The CASA is an official part of the judicial proceedings, working alongside attorneys, social workers and other professionals. By handling only two or three cases at a time, the CASA has time to thoroughly explore the history of each assigned case. The Advocate talks with the child, parents, family members, neighbors, school officials, doctors and others involved in the child’s life who might have facts about the case. The Advocate reviews all court facts about the case and all court documents pertaining to the case. The Advocate is then expected to submit formal reports to the Judge at every scheduled hearing/review. The CASA continues to monitor the case to assure that the judicial and child welfare systems are moving ahead to secure a safe, permanent home for the child, and that court-ordered services are provided to the child and family. The CASA can be an invaluable resource for the attorney for the child and social worker in reaching their goals for permanency.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Investigate, Research, and Interview
Complete an intensive independent review of each case
Speak with the child and all relevant adults (parents, family members, school officials, doctors, and others involved in the child’s life who might have facts about the case)
Research and review appropriate records and reports
Conduct independent and objective analysis concerning abused and neglected children
Help Keep the Child Safe, Observe and Monitor Services
Visit with the child physically at least once every thirty (30) days
Observe the child in their environment and interactions with those who are a part of the child’s life and potentially their future
Monitor the court’s orders for compliance by all parties
Ensure that court-ordered services are provided to the child and family
Attend All Hearings and Meetings
Attend all court hearings to see that all relevant facts are presented
Provide advocacy for abused and neglected children who are the subject of judicial proceedings
Attend appropriate interagency meetings regarding the child
Participate in family planning meetings concerning the child
Ensure that the judicial and child welfare systems are moving ahead to secure a safe, permanent home for the child
Factually and objectively report findings and observations to the court
Insure representation of the child’s best interest in all judicial proceedings
Take Notes, write reports for the Court
Report findings to the court by submitting formal reports to the judge at every scheduled hearing/review
Provide a written report containing independent, factual information concerning the child and the child’s case to the CASA office five business days prior to every hearing
Provide advocacy for abused and neglected children who are the subject of judicial proceedings
Ensure representation of the child’s best interests at all meetings and hearings
ACCOUNTABILITY AND ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS
Consult monthly with CASA Program Staff concerning assigned case, develop a CASA case plan and review progress and reports.
Submit an activity log on the first week of each month.
Return all files, notes, reports etc. on the child’s case when you are no longer on the child’s case.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
Ability to keep all client and court information confidential
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds (economic, cultural, educational) in a variety of settings
Ability to transport self to a variety of locations
Ability to deal with hostility, anger and other emotional attitudes
Ability to maintain objectivity
Ability to gather and record factual information accurately
A basic understanding of child development
A basic understanding of family relationships
TRAINING:
Advocates are required to attend approximately 30 hours of pre-service training
Advocates will complete 12 hours of continuing education annually
Advocates follow guidelines established by the National CASA Association, Dept. of Criminal Justice Services and CASA CIS
Advocates will attend in-service training and receive direction supervision and guidance from program staff
TIME COMMITMENT:
Advocates are required to commit themselves to their case until closure
Advocates are required to attend all court hearings on their case
Advocates are expected to be available for case assignments upon completion of pre-service training.
BENEFITS OF BEING AN ADVOCATE:
Although we cannot provide you with monetary rewards, there are many benefits to being a CASA/GAL volunteer. These include but are not limited to the opportunity to:
Make a difference in the life and future of a child who has been a victim of abuse and/or neglect
Help a child find permanency in a safe, loving home
Assist judges in obtaining a clear picture of a child’s life and needs
Gain an understanding of family courts, legal proceedings, and social service agencies
Develop/utilize communication skills
Develop/utilize assertiveness
Utilize your past experience/skills
Form friendships with like-minded individuals
CONCLUSION:
CASA CIS has been appointing specially trained volunteers to abused and neglected children since 1994. Currently, CASA CIS is serving over 500 children in 2 Court jurisdictions (Greater Prince William including Manassas City and Manassas Park and Fauquier which encompasses Fauquier, Rappahannock and Loudoun Counties). CASA plays an integral part in assuring that children do not become lost in our court system and that permanency laws are followed.
Early contact with children who become involved in the Virginia court as a result of abused and/or neglect can help to prevent future involvement either as a delinquent or an offending adult. The CASA program is dedicated to the premise that all children are entitled to grow up in a safe and loving home. The CASA program is committed to reunification of child/children with their biological family, when that home can be made safe for the child/children. Most important is the CASA’s role in ensuring that all decisions regarding the child are in their best interest.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Investigate, Research, and Interview
Complete an intensive independent review of each case
Speak with the child and all relevant adults (parents, family members, school officials, doctors, and others involved in the child’s life who might have facts about the case)
Research and review appropriate records and reports
Conduct independent and objective analysis concerning abused and neglected children
Help Keep the Child Safe, Observe and Monitor Services
Visit with the child physically at least once every thirty (30) days
Observe the child in their environment and interactions with those who are a part of the child’s life and potentially their future
Monitor the court’s orders for compliance by all parties
Ensure that court-ordered services are provided to the child and family
Attend All Hearings and Meetings
Attend all court hearings to see that all relevant facts are presented
Provide advocacy for abused and neglected children who are the subject of judicial proceedings
Attend appropriate interagency meetings regarding the child
Participate in family planning meetings concerning the child
Ensure that the judicial and child welfare systems are moving ahead to secure a safe, permanent home for the child
Factually and objectively report findings and observations to the court
Insure representation of the child’s best interest in all judicial proceedings
Take Notes, write reports for the Court
Report findings to the court by submitting formal reports to the judge at every scheduled hearing/review
Provide a written report containing independent, factual information concerning the child and the child’s case to the CASA office five business days prior to every hearing
Provide advocacy for abused and neglected children who are the subject of judicial proceedings
Ensure representation of the child’s best interests at all meetings and hearings
ACCOUNTABILITY AND ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS
Consult monthly with CASA Program Staff concerning assigned case, develop a CASA case plan and review progress and reports.
Submit an activity log on the first week of each month.
Return all files, notes, reports etc. on the child’s case when you are no longer on the child’s case.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
Ability to keep all client and court information confidential
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds (economic, cultural, educational) in a variety of settings
Ability to transport self to a variety of locations
Ability to deal with hostility, anger and other emotional attitudes
Ability to maintain objectivity
Ability to gather and record factual information accurately
A basic understanding of child development
A basic understanding of family relationships
TRAINING:
Advocates are required to attend approximately 30 hours of pre-service training
Advocates will complete 12 hours of continuing education annually
Advocates follow guidelines established by the National CASA Association, Dept. of Criminal Justice Services and CASA CIS
Advocates will attend in-service training and receive direction supervision and guidance from program staff
TIME COMMITMENT:
Advocates are required to commit themselves to their case until closure
Advocates are required to attend all court hearings on their case
Advocates are expected to be available for case assignments upon completion of pre-service training.
BENEFITS OF BEING AN ADVOCATE:
Although we cannot provide you with monetary rewards, there are many benefits to being a CASA/GAL volunteer. These include but are not limited to the opportunity to:
Make a difference in the life and future of a child who has been a victim of abuse and/or neglect
Help a child find permanency in a safe, loving home
Assist judges in obtaining a clear picture of a child’s life and needs
Gain an understanding of family courts, legal proceedings, and social service agencies
Develop/utilize communication skills
Develop/utilize assertiveness
Utilize your past experience/skills
Form friendships with like-minded individuals
CONCLUSION:
CASA CIS has been appointing specially trained volunteers to abused and neglected children since 1994. Currently, CASA CIS is serving over 500 children in 2 Court jurisdictions (Greater Prince William including Manassas City and Manassas Park and Fauquier which encompasses Fauquier, Rappahannock and Loudoun Counties). CASA plays an integral part in assuring that children do not become lost in our court system and that permanency laws are followed.
Early contact with children who become involved in the Virginia court as a result of abused and/or neglect can help to prevent future involvement either as a delinquent or an offending adult. The CASA program is dedicated to the premise that all children are entitled to grow up in a safe and loving home. The CASA program is committed to reunification of child/children with their biological family, when that home can be made safe for the child/children. Most important is the CASA’s role in ensuring that all decisions regarding the child are in their best interest.
