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CASA for Children of Monmouth County
VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASAs) are appointed by the Presiding Judge,
County Family Part, to ensure that the best interests of the child are met. In order to do this, the
CASA must investigate the facts of the case, recommend a course of action to the Court or Child
Placement Review Board, facilitate the resolution of the presenting problems, and monitor the
progress toward the established goals.
Qualifications of a CASA:
1. Interest in children, their rights, and special needs
2. Minimum age of 21 years of age
3. Ability to communicate orally and in writing – making oral and written reports to the Court,
to the CASA supervisor and to appropriate individuals
4. Ability to pass National , State Central and local background checks as well as sex offender
registry checks
5. Provide four references all from non-relatives
6. Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds
7. A CASA Volunteer should not be related to any parties involved in the case or be employed
in a position or with an agency that might conflict of interest.
Requirements of a CASA:
1. Training:
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a. Attend basic initial training sessions (total of 30 hours) |
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b. Complete 12 hours of in-service training session per year |
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c. Attend case review sessions as scheduled |
2. Responsibilities:
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a. Meet in-person with the child a minimum of once every (30) days |
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b. Maintain complete records about the case, including appointments, interviews and information gathered about the child and the child's life circumstance |
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c. Keep abreast of all deadlines and timetable involved in assigned cases |
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d. Submit report and paperwork in a timely manner; including monthly log hours due by the 10th |
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e. Devote sufficient time to investigation and follow-up on assigned cases |
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f. Volunteers follow guidelines established by the National CASA Association |
3. Supervision:
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a. Maintain communication with CASA supervisor on all case activity |
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b. Communicate and/or meet regularly with case supervisor for supervision |
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c. Fill out a monthly log sheet |
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d. Periodic assessments with CASA supervisor; initial 3-month review, plus an annual review after one year |
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e. CASA supervisor has a clear policy to resolve conflicts between volunteer and program supervisors regarding the handling of a case, reporting of information or the recommendations to be included in the report |
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f. CASA supervisors do not alter reports or recommendations with out the knowledge and agreement of the CASA Volunteer |
4. Confidentiality:
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a. Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with Monmouth County CASA policies |
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b. Return case files to the program after case is closed |
5. Commitment:
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a. Minimum of one year commitment (optimally, see child's case through to permanent safe placement)
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Specific duties of a CASA Volunteer:
1. Investigate:
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a. Obtain first hand a clear understanding of the needs and situation of the child by reviewing all relevant documents and records and interviewing in the child, parents, social workers, teachers, and other persons to determine the facts and circumstances of the child's situation |
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b. Determine if a permanent plan has been created for the child |
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c. Identify and advocate for the best interest of the child |
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d. Have regular and sufficient in-person contact with the child to ensure in-depth knowledge of the case and make fact-based recommendations to the court |
2. Advocate:
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a. Appear at all Court and CPRB Hearings to advocate for the child's best interest and provide testimony when necessary |
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b. Make recommendations for specific appropriate services for the child and, when appropriate, the child's family |
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c. Monitor implementation of service plans and court orders assuring the court-ordered services are implemented in a timely manner and the review hearings are held in accordance with the law |
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d. Inform the court promptly of important developments in the case through appropriate means as determined by the court or statute |
3. Facilitate and Negotiate:
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a. Seek cooperative solutions by acting as facilitator among parties |
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b. Provide at every Court and CPRB Hearing an approved CASA report which includes findings and recommendations |
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c. Advocate for the child's best interest in the community by interfacing with mental health, educational and other community systems to assure that the child's needs in these areas are met |
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