Court
Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
What is CASA?
CASA of Southern Maryland is one of 900 Court Appointed Special Advocate
programs nationwide that works on behalf of abused and neglected children
involved in the juvenile court system.
Our
Mission
CASA of Southern Maryland's mission is to recruit, train and supervise
volunteers to provide a voice for the best interests of abused and
neglected children.
What
is a CASA Volunteer?
CASA volunteers are men and women from all walks of life, with a
variety of professional, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. No
special experience or background is required, only the desire to
help our county's children.
CASA
volunteers have several roles:
- Researcher:
CASAs hold comprehensive interviews with the child, family members,
foster parents and professionals involved in the child's life.
They review records, documents and clinical data.
- Visitor:
CASAs develop an informal one-on-one relationship with the child,
providing understanding, attention and emotional support.
- Facilitator:
CASAs facilitate communication between the court and any individual
with the child to ensure that all parties fulfill their obligations
to the child.
- Monitor:
CASAs are responsible for monitoring all court orders to ensure
compliance by all parties.
- Reporter:
CASAs are responsible for providing the court with objective written
reports and, on request, oral testimony in court.
How
to become a CASA Volunteer?
Engage in a comprehensive screening process
including an in-depth personal interview, criminal background check
and personal references. Participate
in 32 hours of pre-service training in the juvenile court process,
child advocacy, laws affecting abused and neglected children, foster
care, dynamics of abuse and neglect, child development, diversity,
poverty, interviewing and report writing.
Receive individual supervision by
professional staff and 12 hours/year of in-service training.
Uphold client confidentiality.
Maintain
open and mutually beneficial relationships with the Department of
Social Services, legal representatives, and community professionals.
WANTED:
CASA volunteers
Volunteers needed for Court Appointed Special Advocate Program in
Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's County. CASA volunteers are the
only volunteers that are appointed by a judge and empowered to advocate
for an abused or neglected child in court. We invite you to learn
more about becoming a CASA volunteer.
Please
call CASA of Southern Maryland at 410-535-3047 (Calvert)
301-475-6667 (St. Mary's) or 301-609-9887 (Charles County). |
