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Training Calendar:
2010

Report Templates:
New Report Instruction Sheet

New Report Template

Example Report:
Six Month Review Report

Don't Forget to Report Your Hours
Volunteer Activity Form

It is the job of the CASA volunteer to:

• Visit the child regularly.
• Research the child’s history and current status.
• Prepare a report for the courts to use in determining what is best for the child.
• Follow up to insure the child receives the services necessary to heal from the trauma of abuse.
• To act as a Guardian ad Litem (child advocate), for court-approved children.
• To act as an Advocate at each stage of the proceedings as defined by the Child Protection Act, Chapter 16, of the Idaho Code. The Guardian ad Litem shall participate fully in the proceedings, and to the degree necessary, to adequately represent the child's interests.

Qualifications of a Guardian: 

• An interest in children, their rights and special needs.  Time to devote to training, investigation, research and follow-up of a child or family group residing in foster care.  Ability to work with a child or children, family members, and professionals using tact, professionalism, concern and basic human relational skills.  Ability to communicate verbally and in writing, make verbal and written reports to the Court with the help of a staff person, and to other persons as needed.

Requirements of a Guardian

• Attend pre-service training.
• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Attend in-service training sessions on an ongoing basis. A minimum of 12 hours of continuing education relevant to CASA work required annually.
• Keep the assigned staff member informed of all activities and confer periodically.
• Maintain an up-to-date and complete file on each case assigned.
• Be aware of deadlines and timetables involving an assigned case, and turn in all reports on time.
• Complete evaluations, time studies, etc. which may be requested in order to monitor the entire CASA case.
• To return the complete case file to the CASA office upon withdrawal or the court vacates jurisdiction.
• Attend and complete annual volunteer reviews or evaluations.

Specific Duties of a Guardian

• Upon assignment to a case you will meet the child, foster family, biological family, teachers, social workers, medical professionals, mental health professionals and other interested parties to determine the facts and needs of the child(ren). (Many interviews are by phone. By necessity, some must be in person. In addition, any home suggested as a permanent or temporary placement for the child must be visited). CASA volunteers do not re-interview children about the allegations of the abuse. CASA volunteers do visit the child to assess the child's needs, and if age appropriate, talk to the child about their wishes.
• Explore alternatives available for the child: living with relatives, foster placement, etc.
• Prepare a written report stating findings, recommend a permanent disposition for the case, and submit the report no less than five days prior to the Court hearing.
• Appear in Court along with their volunteer attorney at all hearings to represent the best interests of the child.
• Assist in developing a case plan as prescribed by Health and Welfare and the Court.
• Continue to monitor progress toward goals prescribed by the Court.
• Bring any significant changes in the family situation to the attention of the Court. Ensure that reviews by the Court are done on schedule.
• Reappear in Court as needed for review hearings. Continue follow-up contacts, submit supplementary reports, and make new recommendations as needed, until a final disposition is made.

It is the job of the CASA Volunteer Attorney to:

• Donate a few hours a month.
• Represent the volunteer Guardian ad Litem in all court proceedings.
• Protect the rights of abused, abandoned and neglected children referred to the Court.
• Participate in all negotiated settlements.
• Advocate for needed services to help victims heal from the trauma of abuse.

Who will I be working with?

Volunteers go through extensive screening procedures to become Guardians ad Litem. After an initial in-depth interview, each volunteer is finger-printed and a criminal background check is completed (including FBI NCIC check through the Supreme Court of Idaho, sex offender registry and child abuse registry). Each applicant must provide three letters of reference. Volunteers are recruited, screened, trained and supervised by professional program staff.

What kind of support would I receive?

• Liability insurance through the Idaho Volunteer Lawyer's Program.
• Introductory training in Child Protection Act legal issues.
• Written packet of instructions regarding the CASA program.
• Periodic CLE training.
• Consultation with other pro bono attorneys and the CASA staff.

How do I volunteer?

Contact information@familyadvocate.org or call 345-3344 ext. 1001 and she will add you to the list of attorneys available for upcoming cases. Once a case is ready for attorney assignment, you'll be asked to complete minimal paperwork before you start and file a notice of appearance in all cases.