Wayne County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

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:

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

Areas of Responsibility:

1. Visit with the child a minimum of once every 2 weeks. The majority of visits must occur

   in the home where the child lives.

2. Attend all court hearings and testify if necessary.
3. Complete an investigation by speaking with the child and any relevant adults and reviewing appropriate records and reports.
4. Monitor case, court order, permanency plan, and complete required paperwork.
5. 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.
6. Report findings to the court via written reports with recommendations regarding placement and services for the family.
7. Consult regularly with the Advocate Supervisor regarding case updates and developments.
8. Report any new incidences of child abuse/neglect immediately to the child abuse hotline and then to the CASA Supervisor/CASA program.
9. Maintain records regarding assigned cases and return files to the program after the case is closed or volunteer is released from the program.
10. Comply with all Wayne County CASA volunteer Policies and Procedures.
11. Complete 12 hours of continuing education per year.