Court Appointed Special Advocate

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CASA Volunteer Job Description

CASA of Rutherford County, Inc. is a program that provides trained volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates for Rutherford County children who are before the Juvenile Court as a result of parental abuse and/or neglect. A CASA volunteer will interview all parties involved in a child's case and then will prepare a report for the Court which will focus attention on the child's right to a safe, nurturing and permanent home.

1. Requirements for all volunteers:

• Must be at least 21 years of age

• Attend initial training (30 hours)

• Attend continuing training (minimum 12 hours per year)

• Commit to at least one year of volunteer service

• Sign the Pledge of Confidentiality

1. Duties of a CASA Volunteer:

Under the supervision of the CASA staff, the volunteer will serve as an

independent investigator and will:

• Interview all parties involved with the child to whom the CASA volunteer has been assigned.

• Record all findings as the investigation progresses.

• Review appropriate records and reports.

• Ensure that a permanent plan is created for the child, which specifically addresses that child’s needs.

• Attend all Juvenile Court hearings involving the child.

• Attend all Foster Care Review Board hearings involving the child.

• Prepare written reports with recommendations for all hearings.

• Monitor proceedings in other courts, which may have an impact on the child’s case.

• Ensure that involved government agencies make reasonable efforts as appropriate.

• Regularly confer with CASA staff.

• Log all volunteer hours and mileage.

III. Benefits of Becoming a CASA Volunteer:

• Make a difference in the life of a child who has been a victim of abuse or neglect.

• Assist the juvenile court judge in obtaining a clear and concise picture of a child’s life and needs.

• Gain an understanding of juvenile court, legal proceedings, and social service agencies.

• Help to find a child a safe, permanent, and loving home.