Child Advocate

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The Advo-Kids CASA mission is to provide screened, trained and supervised community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children involved in juvenile court deprivation proceedings. Advo-Kids CASA is a member of the National Court Appointed Special Advocates

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of an abused or neglected child in juvenile court proceedings.

The CASA gathers information about the child's situation, attends court proceedings, and submits a report to the court. Recommendations are included in the report so the judge has the information needed to make a decision about the child's future. The CASA volunteer advocates for the child to be placed in a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible.

As a CASA volunteer, you will ultimately help to change a child's life for a brighter future; you can help to end the cycle of abuse and neglect. Among many other benefits, you will have an opportunity to learn about the juvenile court system and become actively involved in your community.

Qualifications

• Sincere care for the well-being of children
• At least 21 years of age
• Pass criminal background checks
• Good verbal & written communications skills
• Abililty to be objective & non-judgemental
• Available to attend all court hearings
• Commitment of CASA progam for at least 1 year or until case is resolved

• Completean application, including 4 personal/professional references
• Undergo criminal background checks
• Be interviewed by a CASA staff person
• Complete 40 hours of training
• Be sworn-in by a judge

• Visit the child
• Keep the child informed of court proceedings in an age appropriate manner
• Gather independent information about the child to make recommendations to the judge in the child's best interests
• Seek cooperative solutions with other participants in the child's case
• Interview parents, guardians, or caretakers, social worker & other service providers
• Review records related to the family
• Prepare written reports for court hearings
• Attend & participate in court hearings & other related meetings
• Identify potential resources within the family & community to meet the child's needs
• Keep all records & information confidential
• Monitor provisions of service plans & court orders
• Ensure the child's wishes are known to the judge
• Consult with Advo-Kids CASA program staff for support & guidance
• Maintain focus on the child until permanency is reached.

Association ( http://www.casaforchildren.org) and an affiliate of Georgia CASA ( www.gacasa.org.)