| Last updated on December 3, 2008 |
Volunteer Description
VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE
CASA volunteer advocates stand up for our children who are in out-of-home placement in court. CASA volunteers seek to ensure that these children receive the services they need. They ensure that these children are protected from any further risk of abuse, not moved from place to place and spend as little time as possible in out-of-home placement before reaching permanency either with their biological family or through adoption. In short, CASA volunteers become an objective voice for the child in the court process as well as a consistent and caring person in the child’s life.
A CASA volunteer needs specific knowledge, attitudes, and skills to effectively advocate for a child. Children who have been abused or neglected are often without a voice in the court system. A CASA volunteer can be that voice and advocate for their best interest.
I. Qualifications of a CASA
A.Interest in children, their rights, and special needs.
B.Minimum age of 21.
C.Ability to communicate orally and in writing--making oral
and written reports to the Court, to the CASA supervisor
and to other appropriate individuals.
D.Ability to pass both background and State Central
Record Bureau checks.
E.Have two favorable references from sources other than
relatives.
II. Requirements of a CASA
A.TRAINING:
- Attend basic initial training sessions (total of
approximately 30 hours).
- Attend In-service training sessions, attend case review
sessions as scheduled
B.RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintain a complete, legible, up-to-date case file on
each assigned case.
- Keep abreast of all deadlines and timetable involved
in assigned cases. Turn in reports on time.
- Devote sufficient time to investigation and follow-up
of assigned cases.
C.SUPERVISION:
- Maintain communication with CASA supervisor on all
case activity Meet regularly for supervision.
- Periodic assessments with CASA supervisor initial 3
month review, plus an annual review after 1 year.
D.CONFIDENTIALITY:
- Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with
CASA of Union County policies
E.COMMITMENT:
- Minimum one year commitment.
III.Specific duties of a CASA
A.INVESTIGATOR: Ferret out all relevant facts through
personal interviews and a review of all records,
documents and clinical data.
- Upon assignment to a case, interview interested
parties (child, family members, foster family,
teachers, doctors, therapists, social service worker,
etc.) to determine facts. Make agency visits to
observe parent-child interaction. Make visits to
homes suggested as permanent or temporary
placement.
- Investigate alternatives available for the child
(relatives, foster placement, etc.).
- Work with relevant parties to develop a permanency
plan for the child.
B.ADVOCATE: Ensure that all relevant facts are before the
court at hearings, through written reports and direct
testimony.
- Prepare a written report stating findings and a
recommendation for permanent disposition of
the case, and submit the report to supervisor no
fewer than ten days prior to the court hearing.
- Appear in Court/CPR at hearings to make
recommendations.
C.FACILITATOR AND NEGOTIATOR: ensures that the
court, social service representatives and legal counsel
fulfill their obligations to the child in a timely fashion.
- Assist in the implementation of any plan
prescribed by the court (whether recommended in
the CASA report or not).
- Continue contact with the child, family and others
to monitor progress toward goals ordered by the
court.
This opportunity is sponsored by: Court Appointed Special Advocate Of Union County, Inc
We need volunteers who are free at these times
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| Weekly |
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This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers
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| Adults (26-54) |
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Contact Person:
Dominic Prophete, Executive Director, (phone), (email)
Address:
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1143-1145 East Jersey Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
(See a map) |
Directions:
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Nearest Bus Stop: 62, 24, 59, 52, NY 112, 5 min minute walk |
Web Site: http://www.casaofunioncounty.org
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