1. Volunteer Job Description
2. Volunteer Profiles
3. Friends of CASA

The CASA volunteer role has four main areas of focus: advocate, investigate, facilitate and monitor.

CASA volunteers recommend to the Court – based on facts and information gathering – the needs of a child who has been adjudicated as abused and/or neglected. The CASA volunteer will monitor a case following the court’s decision and work to assure permanency planning, so that every child can fulfill his/her right to a safe and permanent home.

Qualifications

Anyone over the age of 21 who is committed to helping children may apply to become a CASA volunteer. No special educational background is required, but volunteers must have good communication skills, common sense, and good problem solving skills. CASA volunteers need to have access to a car, have a valid Michigan driver’s license, and be able to show proof of state-required automobile liability coverage. Volunteers must also undergo a thorough background check. CASA volunteers also need to be fluent in English (bilingual volunteers are especially needed) and have a flexible schedule during business hours to attend court hearings. There are a few restrictions to becoming a CASA volunteer. A CASA cannot be:

1. A current foster parent
2. An employee of a group home or residential treatment center for foster children
3. In the process of adopting a child through the dependency system
4. Involved in a dependency court matter

Responsibilities

1. Attend Training
   1. Attend initial training sessions (30 hours)
   2. Visit the Court while it is in session to observe proceedings
   3. Attend a minimum of 12 hours each year of monthly in-service meetings and/or applicable seminars/courses in the community
2. Complete an intensive independent investigation
   1. Speak with the child and relevant adults
   2. Review appropriate records and reports
   3. Interview and observe the child and significant others
   4. Document all findings
3. Report findings to the court
   1. Provide signed written reports containing factual information and recommendations to the court on what placement and services are best for the child
   2. Testify at court hearings
4. Ensure representation of the child’s best interest
   1. Attend all court proceedings to see that all relevant facts are presented
   2. Attend appropriate inter-agency meetings regarding the child
   3. Collaborate with various systems in order to facilitate action
5. Monitor Cases
   1. Monitor court orders for compliance
   2. Monitor Parent-Agency Agreement
   3. Maintain contact with the child at least on a bi-monthly basis or preferably once a week
6. Consult regularly with Advocate Supervisor concerning assigned case
   1. Develop a case investigation plan
   2. Discuss preliminary findings
   3. Review reports 
   4. Adhere to Supervisor directives regarding personal safety
7. Participate in evaluations of your performance when applicable
   1. Evaluate quality of your work
   2. Assess your job satisfaction
8. Strive to attain permanency for the child at the earliest possible time through
   1. Reunification with family or relatives, or through
   2. Termination of parental rights and adoption

Attributes

1. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
2. Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds (economic, cultural, educational) in a variety of settings
3. Ability to transport self to a variety of locations
4. Ability to deal appropriately with hostility, anger, and other emotions