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CASA
FOR CHILDREN OF DC PROVIDES
Quality Representation
of Children - A CASA
volunteer is specially trained to conduct an independent
investigation of the child’s situation followed
by a report to the court on all relevant information.
CASA volunteers frequently have more time to devote
to a case than professionals involved, and therefore
can provide the court with more in-depth information.
Social workers or attorney guardians ad-litem may
carry as many as 60 cases at a time while National
CASA Standards recommend that a volunteer work with
no more than two children/sibling groups at a time.
Quality Decision-Making by the Court
- A CASA volunteer
is specially trained to conduct interviews with
children, parents, and professionals to obtain important
facts and opinions regarding the child’s needs.
Using materials and information gleaned from the
investigative process, a CASA volunteer, staff member,
and attorney engage in the development of joint
case discussion. By considering a child’s
situation from a range of different perspectives,
carefully considered recommendations can be made
that positively affect decisions of the court.
Community Awareness and Involvement
- Involvement of community volunteers in the court
system provides the added benefit of educating citizens
about the needs and interests of abused and neglected
children. By engaging citizens, we encourage the
community to accept ownership of the problems of
child abuse and neglect; to work at finding solutions
and prevention measures. |
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HOW CASA RELATES TO
OTHERS IN THE SYSTEM
Most professionals in the
community are very supportive of CASA once they
understand the role of a CASA volunteer and how
they advocate for abused and neglected youth. In
fact, many professionals have asked to have CASA
volunteers assigned to the children with whom they
work. Oftentimes, there is some initial resistance
to CASA volunteers.
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- CASA Volunteers
& Attorneys
- Social Workers
- Mental Health
Therapists
- Medical/Public
Health Professionals
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- Foster Parents
- School Personnel
- Substance Abuse
Counselors
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 to
learn more... |
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Global
Children's Fund
