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135 people are interested
Be a Voice in Court for a Child Today!
ORGANIZATION: Family Law CASA of King County
Please visit the new page to apply.
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135 people are interested
Please note the training on June 19th & 20th, 2020 is FULL.
The next training will be held some time in September 2020 please visit our website in order to schedule your interview as we collect applications for the training in September! http://familylawcasa.org/ (Due to COVID-19 and the need for social distancing phone and video conferencing interviews will be scheduled! Please note our training will also be virtual and the work as a volunteer can be done virtually!)
We are looking for volunteers to act as Family Law CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates) in King County. A CASA advocate is a Court Appointed Special Advocate who receives training and volunteers their time to investigate and report on the best interests of a child. In tough custody cases, parents are often unable to focus on the needs of their children. Many of these children are so young they cannot speak for themselves. CASA volunteers give these children a voice in court by focusing on the needs of the child and striving to strengthen parenting skills and family relationships.
What does a Court Appointed Special Advocate do?
After 21 hours of training (provided by Family Law CASA) and an orientation meeting with an Advocate Supervisor, new advocates spend an average of 60 hours over 6-9 months conducting an investigation and writing report(s). Throughout the investigation, Court Appointed Special Advocates are supported by an Advocate Supervisor (paid professional) who guides them through each step of the process. Advocates are also represented by the Family Law CASA Attorney. While each case is unique, a Court Appointed Special Advocate generally completes the following tasks:
* Interviews parents, teachers, doctors, the child and others who might provide helpful information (Due to COVID-19 these interviews can be done virtually!)
* Reviews background checks, CPS reports, chemical dependency reports and medical or psychological reports
* Asks screening questions during interviews to assess for unreported domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse and/or mental health concerns
* Observes the child's interactions with parents and watches for developmental delays, educational delays, safety concerns or other unaddressed needs
* Writes a report that includes recommendations about what is best for the child in the case
Requirements:
Advocates come from all walks of life, careers, ages, backgrounds and demographics to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates. To volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, you must:
* Be 21 years of age or older
* Have access to a car and the ability to drive to/from appointments
* Own and be able to use a computer, including email
* Have good communication skills and strong writing ability
* Speak and write in English (court is conducted in English without reliable access to interpreters in our cases)
* Have reasonable time available to investigate the case & write reports by the court specified due dates
* Have no criminal record
* We have opportunities for advocates in all areas of King County.
For more information and to register go to www.familylawcasa.org
More opportunities with Family Law CASA of King County
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About Family Law CASA of King County
Location:
16300 Christensen Rd, Suite 306, Tukwila, WA 98188, US
Mission Statement
Family Law CASA advocates for lower income King County children caught in the midst of high-risk custody disputes involving domestic violence, addiction, mental illness, criminal activity, child abuse and/or neglect. Trained and supported community members volunteer to gather and report comprehensive information about the children so their stories can be heard by the decision-makers at court. Experience what if feels like to make a powerful difference in the life of a child.
Description
Community Volunteers Help Children Find Safety
in the midst of high-risk, high-conflict custody disputes
- There is no other service available for these children; CASA fills a frightening gap in service for at-risk children
- Volunteers like you come from a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds
- Cases include concerns of domestic violence, addiction, mental illness, criminal activity, child abuse & neglect and other safety issues
- We serve local children 0-17 years old in King County from lower-income families
- Children are not in foster care; they have no social worker monitoring their safety
- Volunteers receive all necessary training as well as multi-level support at each step of the volunteer experience and a sense of community through social events and seminars.
Family Law CASA is a private 501 (c) 3; we receive no government funding.
You can help a child in a way that works with your schedule, your budget & your heart.
Find out how by visiting our website at www.familylawcasa.org or calling our office at 206-748-9700.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
810 Third Ave. Suite 700Seattle, WA 98104
DATE POSTED
June 15, 2020
SKILLS
- Technical Writing
- Child Advocacy
- Conflict Resolution
- Family Law
- Paralegal
GOOD FOR
N/A
REQUIREMENTS
- Driver's License Needed
- Background Check
- Must be at least 21
- Orientation or Training
- 60+ hours per case (Spread over 6+ months)
- 21 hours of training