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Voices for Children/CASA
30 West State Street, Second Floor, Binghamton, NY 13901
Phone: (607) 724-5153, Fax: (607) 724-0059


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"There are two ways of spreading light- to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." -Edith Wharton

CASA VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION

Court Appointed Special Advocates are volunteers appointed by the Broome County Family Court to ensure that the best interests of children are met. The CASA looks at the facts of the case, recommends a course of action to the judge (when appropriate), facilitates the resolution of any problems and monitors progress toward established goals.

I. Responsibilities of a CASA volunteer

A. Fact Finder-discovers all relevant information by reviewing records and documents and interviewing parties.

1. Upon assignment to a case, interviews the child, family members, foster families, teachers, doctors, therapists, case workers, and other interested parties to determine the facts.
2. Researches alternatives available for the child, including placement with relatives and foster placement, and visits any homes suggested for permanent or temporary placement.

B. Advocate-ensures that all relevant facts are before the court at hearings through written reports and oral testimony.

1. Prepares a written assessment of the child's situation that will aid the judge in deciding the child's future.
2. Attends court for every appearance.
3. Works with interested parties to develop a permanency plan for the child.
4. Advocates for child's quality of life issues (i.e. health, insurance, and recreation issues).
5. Advocates for necessary services for the child and the child's family.

C. Facilitator-ensures that the court's plan for the child and family is being carried out.

1. Acts as a catalyst to families and assists in helping implement plans as prescribed by the court.
2. Strives to promote a cooperative relationship and communication between all of the professionals working on the case in the direction of the best interest of the child.
3. Strives to promote communication between family, foster family, and other systems.

D. Monitor - ensures that all obligations to the child are properly met.

1. Maintains contact with the child, family and other interested parties to monitor progress towards goals.

II. Qualifications of a Court Appointed Special Advocate

a. Exhibits sound judgment, maturity and a high degree of responsibility.
b. Is interested in children and their rights and special needs.
c. Has the time and commitment to complete the training and a one-year case assignment.
d . Has the ability to work with and relate to children, families, and professionals associated with their cases.
e. Passes the background and State Central Registry of Child Abuse and Maltreatment checks.
f. Completes the basic, initial 40-hour training and court case observations.
g. Is at least 18 years of age.

III. Requirements of a Court Appointed Special Advocate

a. Maintains strict confidentiality
b. Attends monthly CASA meetings.
c. Keeps CASA staff informed of all related activities and confers with them regularly.
d. Maintain up-to-date and complete files on each case assigned.
e. Observe all deadlines and timetables involving an assigned case and turn in all reports on time.
f. Supplies requested information, which may be needed for overall CASA program evaluation.