* The Children’s Court needs concerned citizens to volunteer their time as advocates for the hundreds of abused and neglected children who are removed from their homes each year.  These volunteers are called Court Appointed Special Advocates.

* Meet with the child, natural parents, foster parents, social worker, school, and any others who have information that would help in understanding the family situation.
* Present to the Children’s court a written report of findings and recommendations as to how best to help the child, and appear at court hearings to explain and/or elaborate on the report. Remain involved to insure that the child and family receive necessary services.

* The paramount goal of CASA is to see that the child’s best interests are served.  Among other things this means that the child is placed in a warm, secure and stable living situation; that each child and family receive needed services; that each child’s placement is reviewed regularly.

* The child can be of any age, from newborn to 18 years; of any race, religion, socioeconomic background.  He or she will be involved with Children’s Court for a variety of reasons, often because of neglect of abuse.  The child may be warm and attractive, or hostile and unattractive.  Only one characteristic is certain—the child will need help.

* Generally a CASA will have responsibility for only one family at a time.  The amount of time required of an advocate varies from a few to many hours, depending on the child’s situation.  No one is asked to spend a specified number of hours per day or week on a case, and the time given to the program is at the convenience of the CASA.

* Factors such as personality, skills, ethnic background, and geographic location are used to select an appropriate CASA for each child.
* The selected CASA is briefed on the situation and has the opportunity to accept or refuse the case.
* Once accepted the CASA is expected to remain involved as long as necessary.  Only in exceptional circumstances should it be necessary for a CASA to withdraw.

* Before being assigned to a child each CASA participates in a formal training program, which includes observation of Children’s Court proceedings. 

* Training continues throughout his or her involvement through on-going consultations with the program staff and monthly seminars on topics of value and interest.

* Program staff will always be available to provide guidance, advice, or simply act as a sounding board.

* In addition, program legal counsel will be available to provide legal advice and assistance, and if necessary to appear in court with the CASA.

* Anyone can submit an application to become a CASA.  No special background is required.
* The primary qualifications are concern for children; desire to help; maturity to understand and deal with complex emotional situations; ability to remain objective; dedication to the premise that all children have certain basic rights; willingness to cooperate with other participants in the system.
* Applicants must be at least 21 and pass a OSBI background check.