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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. Initially; however, there is usually some
resistance to CASA volunteers.
CASA Volunteers and Attorneys
- CASA volunteers and attorneys
relate to each other in a variety of ways. In Washington,
DC, the attorney is the guardian ad-litem and the
CASA volunteer is an independent “Friend of
the Court” or is a party to the action, reporting
directly to the court with no mandate to work together.
However, CASA for Children of DC attempts to work
collaboratively with all guardian ad-litem.
Social Workers
- CASA volunteers and social workers tend to be
in close communication and share information on
the majority of cases. CASA volunteers do not deliver
services but may locate and recommend them for a
child or family. They often have input regarding
the development of a case plan or may recommend
a revision, but they do not formulate the plan.
Just as CASA volunteers do not practice law, they
do not practice social work.
Foster Parents
- CASA Volunteers communicate
often with a child’s foster parents about
how the child is doing and current services provided
to the child. Foster parents are the best experts
on any changes in behavior, school performance,
medical or social needs, and what services are currently
being provided by social services.
School Personnel
- CASA volunteers often contact school teachers,
principals, and counselors of school-aged children
to see how they are progressing in school. If the
child has special educational needs, the volunteer
will check to ensure that those needs are met.
Mental Health/Substance Abuse
Therapists and Counselors
- Treatment professionals can communicate with CASA
volunteers regarding both children and parents,
provided appropriate releases have been signed and/or
court orders allow the release of information. Parents’
progress in treatment and compliance with court
ordered treatment is an important area of information
the volunteer reports to the court.
Medical/Public Health Professionals -
With appropriate releases or court orders, relevant
medical records can be obtained and communication
with medical professionals about the child’s
condition(s) can occur.
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Children
caught up in the system face challenges and questions
way beyond their years: worries about their natural
parents, separation anxiety, fearfulness of the
unknown, coupled with the uncertainty and unfamiliarity
of a constantly changing environment. The CASA volunteer
looks to ease those fears by explaining the process
and ensuring that everyone connected with the child
stays focused on his/her needs. The volunteer keeps
in touch with the youth, visiting the home at least
monthly, talking to the child about any concerns,
and ensuring that his/her needs are met.
