Volunteer Position Description:
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.
Position Requirements:
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Must be 21 years or older.
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Must complete a volunteer application, screening interview, and pre-service training.
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Must complete background screening process.
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Must complete 30 hours of pre-service CASA volunteer training (including court observation).
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Must appear at court hearings and submit written reports prior to each hearing.
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Must be able to commit to the program for at least 18 months and/or the resolution of assigned case.
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Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
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Must have reliable transportation to travel to see children, attend court hearings, and other necessary meetings.
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Meet with the child(ren) regularly at a minimum of every two weeks.
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Must accept supervision and direction from Advocate Supervisor/CASA staff.
Areas of Responsibility:
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Visit with the child a minimum of once every 2 weeks. The majority of visits must occur
in the home where the child lives.
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Attend all court hearings and testify if necessary.
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Complete an investigation by speaking with the child and any relevant adults and reviewing appropriate records and reports.
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Monitor case, court order, permanency plan, and complete required paperwork.
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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.
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Report findings to the court via written reports with recommendations regarding placement and services for the family.
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Consult regularly with the Advocate Supervisor regarding case updates and developments.
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Report any new incidences of child abuse/neglect immediately to the child abuse hotline and then to the CASA Supervisor/CASA program.
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Maintain records regarding assigned cases and return files to the program after the case is closed or volunteer is released from the program.
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Comply with all Wayne County CASA volunteer Policies and Procedures.
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Complete 12 hours of continuing education per year.