About Our Volunteer Advocates

Role of Lay Advocates in the Child Welfare System

CASA: Voices for Children believes in the tremendous value of lay advocacy within a system primarily staffed with professionals and that lay advocates are equal participants who deserve respect in their role. Likewise, our organization believes in the importance of the professionals within the system and that CASA Volunteers in no way replace those professionals.

Although not child welfare professionals, CASA Volunteers have an imperative to function with the highest standards of professionalism. In advocating for the best interest of children, CASA Volunteers are committed to three tenants of child advocacy:

Child Safety Children require and deserve to live without the threat of physical or psychological harm to either themselves or to others in the home.

Valuing families Children love and value their families, even families who have abused or neglected them. CASA- Voices for Children therefore recognizes that advocacy for the child is often closely tied to advocacy for the family. Therefore we promote respectful treatment of all parents and family members.

Permanency Children require and deserve stability and permanence in order to develop bonds and attachments that lead to healthy, nurturing and meaningful relationships

Role of a CASA

Investigate Conducts an independent, objective investigation of the child's situation in each assigned case. Interviews all concerned persons, including the child, family members, Services to Children & Families caseworkers, school personnel, foster family, counselors, etc. Investigates available alternatives for the child.
Advocate Ensures through written reports and/or direct testimony that all relevant facts are presented to the court. Makes recommendations in the child's best interests.
Facilitate Ensures that the Court, social service personnel and legal counsel fulfill their obligations to the child in a timely fashion.
Monitor Maintains contact with the child, the child's family, child's attorney and appropriate agencies and people. Monitors compliance with Court orders and notifies the Court of any changes that may require order modifications.
Consult Consults and exchanges information with any attorney appointed by the Court to represent the child, Department of Human Services (DHS) caseworker assigned to the case and other professionals involved in the case.