FOUR CORE FUNCTIONS/ROLES OF THE CASA VOLUNTEER

RESEARCH
Carry out an objective examination of the case, including relevant history, environment, relationships
and needs of the child. Know why the child is in foster care.

Responsibilities

  • Read information contained in case documents.
  • Meet face-to-face with the child at least once a month – weekly within first 3-6 months – to develop rapport and get to know the child.
  • Assess the child’s physical, mental, behavioral and educational needs.
  • Participate in case staffings, family team meetings, court hearings, school-related meetings.
  • Observe parent-child interactions.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of all case information.
  • Log accurate and current case notes and contacts with all parties.

MONITOR
Remain informed on the progress of the case over the life of the case. Track the orders of the court and
the fulfillment of case plans for all parties.

Responsibilities

  • Monitor adherence to court orders as directed by the judge.
  • Monitor compliance of the case plan developed by DFS by communicating with the DFS caseworker. We do not police the parents.
  • Monitor the delivery of appropriate services to meet the needs of the child.
  • Maintain consistent with the child and all parties.
  • Remain appointed until the case is closed.

FACILITATE
Help identify resources and services for the child.

Responsibilities

  • Establish relationships and regular communication with all parties in the case – Department of Family Services (DFS) caseworkers, school personnel, counselors, foster parents/caretakers, parents and attorneys.
  • Based on the assessment of the child’s physical, mental, behavioral and educational needs, identify resources with the child’s family and within the community.
  • Help facilitate visits among the siblings and/or family members, if possible.
  • Know the child well enough to know what they need.

ADVOCATE
Speak up for the child by making fact-based recommendations regarding the child’s best interest in
courts reports, in court and in any appropriate meetings.

Responsibilities

  • Write factual court reports every six months, with recommendations to the courts for the judge to make informed decisions about the child’s future.
  • Attend court hearings and make verbal recommendations to the presiding judge.
  • Verbalize what you believe is in the best interest of the child at case staffings, family team meetings, court hearings, school-related meetings.
  • Promote safety, permanency and well-being throughout the case.
  • Be the consistent and committed adult in the child’s life, as he/she may move through the maze of the child welfare system.

Additional Requirements

  • Attend initial training with the CASA program. The training schedule is conducted in five consecutive weeks/sessions. Each session contains approximately 3 hours of self-guided work that participants complete online and a 3-hour in-person class where participants attend as a group. Training is currently being offered in person at the Clark County Government Center.
  • Attend at least 12 hours of on-going training per calendar year.
  • Participate in supervision and development process by seeking direction, asking questions and voicing concerns to CASA staff and assigned Peer Coordinator.
  • Consult regularly (at least once a month) with CASA Peer Coordinator and/or CASA staff.
  • Review court reports with CASA Peer Coordinator and/or CASA staff.
  • Annually participate in an evaluation and ensure that the Clark County CASA