Duties And Responsibilities Of a CASA Volunteer

Wayne County CASA

CASA Role: Wayne County CASA volunteers are trained community members, appointed by the Third Judicial Circuit Court – Juvenile and Family division to make recommendations to Court, based on facts and information gathered, on the needs of a child who has been abused and/or neglected. The CASA volunteer will monitor the case and work to assure permanency planning so that each child can fulfill his/her right to a safe and permanent home.

 

CASA Volunteer Position Requirements:

  • Must be 21 years or older. 
  • Must complete a volunteer application, screening interview, and pre-service training.
  • Must complete background screening process.
  • Must complete 30 hours of pre-service CASA volunteer training (including court observation).
  • Must appear at court hearings and submit written reports prior to each hearing. 
  • Must be able to commit to the program for at least 18 months and/or the resolution of assigned case. 
  • Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
  • Must have reliable transportation to travel to see children, attend court hearings, and other necessary meetings. 
  • Meet with the child(ren) regularly at a minimum of every two weeks.
  • Must accept supervision and direction from Advocate Supervisor/CASA staff.

 

Areas of Responsibility:

  • Visit with the child a minimum of once every 2 weeks. The majority of visits must occur in the home where the child lives.
  • Attend all court hearings and testify if necessary.
  • Complete an investigation by speaking with the child and any relevant adults and reviewing appropriate records and reports.
  • Monitor case, court orders, permanency plan, and complete required paperwork.
  • Identify and advocate for the child’s best interests as well as work with community organizations to ensure that the child’s needs are being met.
  • Report findings to the court via written reports with recommendations regarding placement and services for the family.
  • Consult regularly with the CASA Advocate Supervisor regarding case updates and developments.
  • Report any new incidences of child abuse/neglect immediately to the child abuse hotline and then to the CASA Supervisor/CASA program.
  • Maintain records regarding assigned cases and return files to the program after the case is closed or volunteer is released from the program.
  • Comply with all Wayne County CASA volunteer Policies and Procedures.
  • Complete 12 hours of continuing education per year.

 

For questions about becoming a Wayne County CASA volunteer, please contact Betsy Rothrock, Recruitment & Training Manager at betsyrothrock@waynecountycasa.org.