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17 people are interested
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) - Spring 2021 Training
ORGANIZATION: Children First, Inc.
Please visit the new page to apply.
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17 people are interested
CASA volunteers are specifically trained individuals from all walks of life who advocate for the well-being of Athens and Oconee children in foster care. They are appointed by the court to speak up for the best interest of children.
Providing compassionate, individualized attention to help each child find a safe, permanent home is a CASA volunteer's sole purpose. By meeting with teachers, doctors, lawyers, social workers, and foster parents, they improve the child's representation, both in and out of court.
CASA volunteers are a stable influence in the life of a foster child whose whole world has been turned upside down due to abuse or neglect. They give the child hope by giving them a voice.
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 who is in foster care. The CASA volunteer gathers information about the child's situation, attends court proceedings and makes a written recommendation to the judge so that the judge has the information to make a decision about the child's future. How to become a CASA:
- Sincerely care for the well-being of children
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Complete an application, including references, interview and a brief autobiography
- Undergo a criminal background check
- Complete 40 hours of training
- Have good verbal and written communication skills
- Have the ability to be objective and non-judgmental
- Be available to attend court hearings
- Commit to CASA program for at least one year or until case is resolved
- Be sworn-in by the judge
- Gather information: Review documents and records, interview the children, family members and professionals in their lives.
- Document findings: Provide written reports at court hearings.
- Appear in court: Advocate for the child's best interests and provide testimony when necessary.
- Explain what is going on: Help the childunderstand the court proceedings.
- "Be the glue": Seek cooperative solutions among individuals and organizations involved in the children's lives. As one volunteer said: Be the glue that connects the pieces in a complicated child welfare system.
- Recommend services: Ensure that the children and their family are receiving appropriate services and advocate for those that are not immediately available. Bring concerns about the child's health, education, mental health, etc. to the appropriate professionals.
- Monitor case plans and court orders: Check to see that plans are being followed and mandated review hearings are being held.
- Keep the court informed: Update the court on developments with agencies and family members. Ensure that appropriate motions are filed on behalf of the child so the court knows about any changes in the child's situation.
More opportunities with Children First, Inc.
1 ReviewNo additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About Children First, Inc.
Location:
693 North Pope Street, Athens, GA 30601, US
Mission Statement
Children First engages families in our community and through the courts to ensure safe, stable, nurturing living environments for children.
Description
Children First, Inc. is a local nonprofit agency that administers several programs in the field of child welfare:
Athens-Oconee CASA trains and supervises volunteers to provide legal advocacy for abused and neglected children
Family Time Community Visitation provides supervised visitation for families seperated by abuse or neglect.
SPARC - Supportive Parenting and Access Resource Center works with non-custodial parents to increase their emotional and financial support of their children
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
This is a Virtual Opportunity with no fixed address.
DATE POSTED
December 2, 2020
SKILLS
- Child Welfare
- Child Advocacy
- Family Law
- Youth Services
- Community Outreach
- Advocacy
GOOD FOR
- People 55+
REQUIREMENTS
- Driver's License Needed
- Background Check
- Must be at least 21
- Orientation or Training
- The life of a foster care case