Iowa Child Advocacy Board - Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and Foster Care Review Board

Description

The Iowa CASA Program operates under the auspices of the Executive Branch of the State of Iowa. Volunteers become the voice of children who have experienced abuse and neglect and are involved with the juvenile court system, who otherwise would fall through the cracks of an already over-burdened children welfare system. CASA volunteers also become the eyes and ears for the judge, who appoints them to advocate for a child's best interest.

Local Foster Care Review Boards are mandated by law to review the case of each child in the foster care system every six months. These seven-member boards consist of volunteer citizens selected by the State Board and appointed by the Chief Judge. Volunteers are selected from a variety of ethnic and professional backgrounds and are committed to the welfare of children. Board members are given nationally accredited training prior to reviewing cases, and ongoing training is provided throughout their term of service.

Local Foster Care Review Boards meet once a month to review the cases of children in out-of-home placements. Interested parties are invited to come before the board to discuss the progress of meeting the permanency goal for the child and any barriers they are experiencing in reaching the goal. Based on the information provided, the review board makes recommendations to the Juvenile Court Judge which are advisory only. The Juvenile Court Judge has the final decision-making responsibility regarding the cases of children in foster care.