Volunteer with CASA - Speak up for a child
Want to Volunteer as a CASA advocate in Coles County?
Contact Susan at 217-348-0599
CASA volunteers are ordinary people who are committed to doing what is best for a child. The volunteers help by providing an extra set of eyes and ears for the court and child welfare agencies. After gathering the information, CASA volunteers provide the court with the information by way of a report that speaks to what is in the child's best interest.
CASA volunteers are actively involved in their assigned cases, adopting roles that include not only advocacy, but also frequent contact with the children and caregivers, and coordination and involvement with involved parties (including schools, law enforcement, psychologists, foster and biological parents, caseworkers, counselors, case managers and the State's Attorney's office). Every CASA volunteer makes a difference in the lives of the children they choose to advocate for. Join us today, and speak up for a child.
Michael Rosenthal
Freelance photographer and television producer and
Volunteer advocate
St. Louis City CASA, St. Louis, MO
Michael Rosenthal has been a volunteer advocate for three years, during which time he’s worked with five children from two families. He currently represents a family of four children ranging in age from 4 to 14. "I like trying to make sure that kids have a future, giving them a chance to succeed," says Michael of his motivation to volunteer.
Michael does not settle for less than what the children deserve. Through his consistent contact with the children and their foster parents, Michael knew that the 4-year-old boy needed an educational evaluation. He had never been read to and was at risk of entering kindergarten not ready to learn. In a report to the judge, Michael reminded everyone that "this issue was first raised on January 25, 2002, and it is sad that this 4-year-old still is not receiving the educational opportunities he deserves." As a result, the judge ordered all needed services to begin immediately.
From the beginning, Michael has encouraged the Department of Family Services to keep the children together or at least in contact. The two younger children are now with a family awaiting finalization of their adoption. Michael is directing his passion at this point to making sure the two older children find a permanent home.
Asked about his role, Michael says "I think anybody can be a CASA volunteer. Anyone can find the time it takes to follow these cases through the courts and give these children the support they need."
Volunteer Job Description
General Description
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are trained volunteers whose role is to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in Coles County whom are already wards of the state.
Qualifications
The CASA Advocate must be an adult and have the following qualifications:
- Age 21 or older
- Possess emotional maturity, stability, and common sense
- Be objective and flexible
- Exhibit self-assurance and assertiveness
- Have the ability to deal with hostility and rejection
- Be able to keep information confidential
- Be able to work within established guidelines
- Have the ability to interview, observe, listen, and analyze written material
- Be able to write clearly and concisely
- Have the ability to make decisions and set goals
- Be willing to commit to the program for a minimum of 24 months
The most notable qualification to become a CASA volunteer is a desire to advocate for children. In addition, applicants must:
- Pass routine background checks
- Provide three references
- Be 21 years of age or older
- Have the ability to work with people in diverse backgrounds
No legal or social service background is necessary!
Accountability
Upon successful completion of pre-service training, background, and reference checks, the Coles County CASA Advocate will be formally accepted as an advocate at the official swearing-in ceremony. The CASA Advocate reports directly to the Executive Director.
Responsibilities
- Attend training arranged by the CASA office
- Attend the pre-service training (30 hours)
- Attend 12 hours of in-service training per year (continuing education)
Complete an intensive independent investigation of the case
- Interview the child and all relevant parties to the case
- Review appropriate records and reports - DCFS, schools, healthcare, etc.
- Participate in case conferences concerning the child
- Observe the child at least twice per month and significant others as needed
- Determine and assess the child(ren)'s permanency options
- Advocate that appropriate services be provided for the child and family
- Report findings to the Court
- Provide a written report containing factual information
- Provide the Court with as clear a statement as possible to what is in the child's best interest.
- Submit supplemental reports.
- Ensure representation of child's best interest
- Attend all Court proceedings to see that all relevant facts are presented
- Attend appropriate interagency meetings regarding the child or family
- Monitor the case following a Court hearing or decision as designated by the court
- Attend administrative case review (ACRs), individual education plan (IEPs), and any other meetings regarding the child/ren or family
- Continue contact with the child, family, or others (as ordered by the court) to monitor progress
- Consult with the Coles County CASA office
- Review the case plan and set goals
- Discuss preliminary findings
- Review progress in the case
- Review court report
- Submit volunteer information monthly
- Case contact hours, time spent in court, and mileage/long distance phone calls (for reimbursement purposes only)
- In-service hours (continuing education)
