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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions about the role that volunteers play in our organiziation, the process of becoming a volunteer, and who qualifies as a potential volunteer. If you have addition questions, contact our office at (304)-233-0333 for additional information. 

What is a CASA Volunteer?

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. All of the children are victims of abuse and neglect, and have been removed from their homes. Children helped by CASAs include those for whom placement is being determined in circuit court. 

What is a CASA Volunteer's Role?

CASA Volunteers research the child's circumstances, determine relevant facts in a child's case and report this information to the court. Their work helps to support the court's decision concerning the child's future. A CASA volunteer focuses his or her recommendations and actions to ensure the best interests of the child are being met. A CASA will also monitor a case- making sure that the services ordered are actually provided and that the court is informaed of any new developments. Every case is unique, but a CASA often must recommend to the court wether or not a child should be reunificed with his or her biological parents, be placed in foster care, or be avliable for adoption with another family. Though the final decision always rests with the judge, a CASA Volunteer does his or her best to inform the court as an independent and objective voice for the child. The CASA is the child's voice in the courtroom. 

How does a CASA gather information to establish recommendations to the court?

To prepare recommendations, a CASA volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, caseworkers, school officials, health providers and others who have knowledge of the child's history. A CASA volunteer observes interactions between the child and parent, visits parent's home, and reviews documents and case related material (i.e. school records, medical records, child services records, etc.) pertaining to the child. Collectively, the information gathered is analyzed in order to form a recommendation. In other words, a CASA talks with people that may have a "piece" of information that helps give the Judge the "big picture" so he or she has a better understanding of the child and his or her life to make more informed decisions for the child's best interest in obtaining safe, permanent homes, as quickly as possible. 

How does the role of a CASA Volutneer Differ from a Social Worker?

In West Virginia, social workers are generally employeed by the county government's Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). They sometimes are responsible for as many as 30 or more cases at a time, which limits the time they have with each child. The CASA works with only one child or 2-3 siblings at a time and thereforem has more time to research each child's individual needs. The CASA volunteer does not replace a social worker in a case; he or she is an independent appointeee of the court assigned to thoroughly research the child's case, explore community resources, and make a recommendation to the court, independent of agency restrictions. 

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 the attorney. However, CASA does provide crucial background information that assists attorneys in presenting their cases.

Is there a "typical" CASA Volunteer?

CASA Volunteers come from all walks of life, with a variety of professional, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. Volunteers are both male and female. We have volunteers who work both full and part time jobs, some are students, and other volunteers are retired. Because the children served by CASA Volunteers are diverse in background and need, we strive to recruit volunteers diverse in skill.

How does the CASA Volunteer relate to the child he or she represents?

CASA volunteers offer children trust and advocacy during the complex legal proceedings. They explain to the child the events that are happening, the reason they are in court, and the roles the Judge, lawyers, and social workers play. CASA volunteers also encourage the child to express his or her own opinion and hopes, while remaining objective observers. 

How much time does it require to be a CASA Volunteer?

Each case is different. When a case is initially assigned, a CASA may spend five to ten hours per week researching the case history and conducting interviews. Volunteers spend anywhere from five to fifteen hours a month thereafter. Some cases may continue for two years or longer and volunteers are asked to commit until a case has been closed. Because caseworkers and service provider turnover is very high, often the CASA volunteer is the only consistent presence in the child's life. 

How are CASA Volunteers screened?

Prospective volunteers undergo a rigorous screening process that involves personal interviews, reference checks, state and federal criminal background checks, Child Abuse Registry checks and a local Child Protective Services background check. Only volunteers who have the time, interest, ability, and commitment to serve as a CASA are selected.

Do CASA Volunteers recieve training?

Yes, CASA volunteers recieve thorough training. The pre-service training takes a minimum of 30 hours. Through this training volunteers learn about courtroom procedure from those in the profession- judges, lawyers, social workers and court personnel. Volunteers also learn effective advoacy techniques for children and are educated about specific topics ranging from child sexual abuse to how to give a report in court. The culmination of the pre-service training is the swearing in ceremony by the local circuit court judge. Volunteers also have oppurtunities during thre course of the year to attend in-serivce trainings, which focus on relevant and timely topics. In addition, CASA Volunteers are required to complete 12 hours of in-service training annually. 

On average, how many cases does a CASA carry at any given time?

Although the number may vary, the average is one or two cases. Keeping a low caseload is important because it allos the CASA volunteer to have a thorough knowledge of the case and time necessary to provide quality advocacy. In overburdened child welfare and court systems, this one-on-one attention helps keep vulnerable children from slipping through the cracks. 

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