Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CASA Volunteer?
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a volunteer trained to represent to the Court what he/she believes to be in the best interest of a child who is alleged to have been abused, neglected, or dependent or who is involved with the court for delinquent behavior. The CASA volunteer fulfills the role of Guardian ad litem (GAL) for these children.
What is a Guardian ad Litem?
Guardian ad litem is a legal term meaning guardian for the lawsuit. A guardian ad litem is not the same as a legal guardian. The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) has no control over the person or property of the child and does not provide a home for the child. In Richland County’s Juvenile Court, for the purposes of CASA, “Guardian ad litem” means an individual appointed to assist the court in its determination of a child’s best interest.
As part of their general powers, judges today have the discretion to appoint a guardian ad litem in all types of court matters. Some states require that the guardian ad litem be an attorney; others do not. In 1974, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) mandated the appointment of a guardian ad litem in child abuse and neglect cases; it was no longer up to the judge’s discretion. In Richland County Juvenile Court, either CASA volunteers or attorneys serve the role of guardian ad litem.
What is the role of a CASA volunteer?
CASA volunteers conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances of a child’s life and make recommendations, based on their findings, as to what would be in the best interest of the child. These recommendations assist the judge or magistrate in making sound decisions about the child’s future.
What does “best interest” mean?
“Best interest” is a standard for the court to use in deciding the outcome of a case following a determination that a child is abused, neglected, or dependent or following a termination of parental rights proceeding. It is the standard that the CASA volunteer uses in choosing a course of advocacy for every child.
How do CASA volunteers investigate a case?
The CASA volunteers gather facts by meeting with the child, parents, family members, other caregivers, caseworkers, and other service providers; making observations of the child’s relationships and environments; and reviewing records in order to formulate recommendations as to what he/she believes to be in the best interest of the child for the judge or magistrate’s consideration.
Who is a magistrate?
While the judge is the elected official responsible for all rulings made within his/her court, magistrates are appointed by the judge to assist him/her in hearing cases and making decisions under his/her purview.
Which children are appointed CASA volunteers?
When there are concerns about a parent’s ability to safely provide for their children, Richland County Children Services routinely works with those families to assist them in making necessary changes. At times when sufficient progress is not being made to improve the child’s situation or there is a matter of urgency, Children Services files a complaint with Richland County Juvenile Court, in which they allege the child is abused, neglected, dependent, or any combination of the three. As able, the CASA/GAL Program appoints CASA volunteers to advocate for the children presented in these complaints. If a CASA volunteer is not available, children presented with allegations of abuse or neglect will be appointed an attorney GAL.
How does CASA make a difference to a child?
The CASA volunteer offers a child stability as someone to trust throughout complicated matters of child protection and court proceedings. Though a CASA volunteer will always recommend to the Court what he/she believes to be in the best interest of the child, he/she will also inquire about and represent to the Court the wishes of the child.
How are CASA volunteers different from Children Services caseworkers?
A CASA volunteer does not replace Children Services agencies or caseworkers, but instead serves as an independent appointee of the court. The CASA volunteer thoroughly examines a child’s circumstances and makes recommendations to the Court, independent of restrictions which may be placed on the caseworker as a representative of a state agency.
How are CASA volunteers different from attorneys?
A CASA volunteer does not provide legal representation, which is the work of the attorney, but instead serve as an independent appointee of the court to make known what is believed to be in the best interest of the child. However, when a CASA volunteer is not available to be appointed as Guardian ad litem for a child, an attorney will be appointed in this role (who may or may not also serve to represent the child’s legal matters).
Is there a “typical” CASA volunteer?
Common traits among CASA volunteers include their appreciation for children and their dedication to making a difference in our community. Otherwise, CASA volunteers bring with them a variety of backgrounds and experiences—from 21 to 93 years old and with no formal education to doctorate degrees. We encourage people from all cultures and ethnic backgrounds to explore this meaningful volunteer experience.
How Does a CASA Volunteer Become Involved?
At the Richland County Juvenile Court, CASA volunteers are most frequently involved in dependency cases and sometimes in delinquency cases. Commonly, the CASA office is presented with dependency cases as they are filed with the Court in order to determine if a CASA volunteer is available and can meet the needs of the child. If so, Judge McKinley provides a letter of appointment in which the volunteer’s obligations to the child are defined. If a CASA volunteer is not available, an attorney will be appointed. Occasionally, Judge McKinley or one of his magistrates will seek a CASA volunteer at a later point in the case as needs are identified.
How are CASA volunteers appointed to a child?
CASA volunteers are legally appointed as the Guardian ad litem to individual children by the Judge with the assistance of CASA/GAL Program staff, though in most situations the same CASA will be appointed to all children in a family (as a “case”) to allow for thoroughness and continuity.
How do CASA volunteers advocate for children?
CASA volunteers advocate for beneficial services to be included in case plans through Children Services, encourage parents/caregivers to access necessary services for their child and themselves, monitor the provision of services, and speak up in court about progress or lack thereof and the resulting impact on the best interests of the child.
What responsibility does a CASA volunteer have for a child?
The role of the CASA volunteer is as an advocate for a child rather than a mentor. Ideally, the CASA volunteer is involved for a brief period of time while stability is restored to a child’s life. Specific responsibilities are set forth in Rule 48 of the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio (Sup.R. 48).
How many cases does a CASA volunteer have at a time?
CASA volunteers determine what they find manageable and accept or deny new cases based on their comfort level and availability. Many volunteers are content with a single case, while others are able to take up to four cases at a time. Factors such as number of children, number of fathers, and location of the child and or caregivers are taken into consideration as CASA volunteers determine their ability to take on additional cases.
Are CASA Volunteers really heard by the Court?
Our judge and magistrates hold the recommendations of CASA volunteers in very high regard. When a CASA is appointed to a child, the Court is assured that a thorough investigation has occurred with thoughtful recommendations in place as to the best interests of the child.
How much time is required to volunteer?
Every case is unique and can be impacted by the number of children and parents, location of caregivers, duration and intensity of the presenting issues, and cooperation levels. Ten hours per month is average, but more complicated cases often require additional time.
What support do CASA volunteers receive?
Before being appointed to a child, all CASA volunteers receive a minimum of 30 hours of training, as well as observation of courtroom proceedings. Once appointed, each CASA volunteer is matched with a volunteer coordinator who will assist in coordinating your initial investigation, gathering records, organizing your reports, and providing guidance and support.
How long does the CASA volunteer remain involved with a child?
We ask that, upon agreeing to be appointed as the CASA volunteer for a child, you are able to make a commitment of at least 18 months. This helps to assure consistency for children who too often find adults in their lives to be unreliable.
Funding for this webpage provided by Victims of Crime Act grant