A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained citizen who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in court. Children helped by CASA volunteers are those who have been removed from their home because of abuse or neglect.
Social workers generally are employed by state governments. They sometimes work on as many as 30 to 40 cases at a time and are responsible for the entire family. The CASA volunteer has one case at a time and concentrates primarily on the children. The CASA volunteer does not replace the social worker on a case; he or she is an independent appointee of the court.
Volunteers must commit one year to the program. The volunteer continues until the case is permanently resolved. One of the primary benefits of the CASA program is that unlike other court principals who often rotate cases, the CASA volunteeris a consistent figure and provides continuity for a child.
CASA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CASA volunteer’s role?
CASA volunteer provides a judge with carefully researched background of the child to help the court make a sound decision about the child’s future. Each case is as unique as the child involved. The CASA volunteer recommends if it is in the child’s best interest to remain in foster care, be returned to his or her parent / guardian, or be freed for adoption. The CASA volunteer follows through on the case until it is permanently resolved.
How does a CASA volunteer investigate a case?
To prepare a recommendation, the CASA volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, social workers, school officials, health providers and others who are knowledgeable about the child’s history. The CASA volunteer also reviews all records pertaining to the child – school, medical, and caseworker reports;
and other documents.
How does the role of a CASA volunteer differ from an attorney?
The CASA volunteer does not provide legal representation in the courtroom. That is the role of an attorney. A CASA volunteer does not represent the child’s wishes in court. Rather, they speak to the child’s best interests.
How much time does it require?
Each case is different in the number of hours per month. A CASA volunteer usually spends about 10 hours a month doing research and conducting interviews in the beginning of a case. After the initial period, volunteers can spend anywhere from 3 to 20 hours a month depending on the circumstances of their case.
Are there any other agencies or groups that provide the same service?
No. There are other child advocacy organizations, but CASA is the only program where volunteers are appointed by the court to represent the child’s best interests.
How do I get more information about becoming a CASA volunteer?
Call Bergen County CASA at 201-843-6700 or email us click here and complete the Contact Form.
Bergen County Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc.
45 Essex Street, Suite 200 Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: 201.843.6700 – Fax: 201.843.6717
Email: info@bergencasa.org – Website: www.bergencasa.org