The Washtenaw County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program is part of a national network of programs, the National CASA Association, dedicated to providing well screened and well-trained citizen volunteers to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children in child protective proceedings. Currently, there are over 700 CASA programs throughout the United States with 21 programs in Michigan. In our state alone, there are almost 20,000 children who cannot live at home because it is not safe for them to do so. Each of these children has experienced some level of abuse or neglect; some have been abandoned, some live in homes with no water or heat, some have suffered severe physical mistreatment and some have been sexually abused. Each has become a victim whose parents have not provided them with the care and concern they deserve. Although the child welfare system does its best to protect children and to rehabilitate families so they can be reunited with their children, its limitations are great. This is where a CASA volunteer can do extraordinary work, giving a voice to the needs of abused and neglected children. Our mission is to help assure that each child we come in contact with thrives in a safe, permanent, nurturing home.

Role Description

CASA volunteers are sworn Officers of the Court, appointed by jurists to conduct an independent assessment on a case. Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Becoming familiar with the facts and circumstances that brought the child(ren) before the court – reviewing case files, educational and medical records, and other relevant documents; meeting with the child, parents, case worker(s), care providers, attorney(s), and other pertinent persons
• Maintaining bi-weekly contact with the child;
• Identifying unmet service needs and making recommendations regarding possible resources;
• Attending court hearings;
• Providing written and oral reports to the Court and testifying:
• Monitoring the child’s placement(s);
• Bringing significant changes in the family situation or violations of court orders to the attention of the proper authorities; and
• Assisting the responsible parties in meeting the educational, medical, emotional, and social needs of the child(ren).

 Follow this link to review a list of self evaluation questions before committing to become a CASA.

Screening

The screening process for volunteers consists of a written application, personal interview, reference check, criminal record and drivers license check and DHS clearance for involvement in a neglect or abuse proceeding.

Training

CASA volunteers receive a minimum of 30 hours of training and several hours of courtroom observation, prior to case assignment. Training includes instruction in; the legal system and Juvenile Code, foster care and protective services, report writing, testifying, courtroom procedures, cultural awareness and societal problems that contribute to child abuse and neglect. Additionally, volunteers attend monthly in-service meetings and receive on-going supervision with the CASA staff.

Referrals

A request for CASA appointment to a case may come from any of the parties or their representatives. The request is made to the judge or referee in charge of the case, and the jurist will determine which cases are referred.

Friends of CASA

The role of the Friends of CASA is to provide long-term sustainability of the Washtenaw County CASA program through fundraising, community communications and education, and volunteer recruitment assistance. The Friends of CASA of Washtenaw County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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