| |
| |
| A CASA is a Court Appointed Special
Advocate.
CASA volunteers are ordinary people who care about children.
They do not need any legal expertise. They come from all backgrounds.
The Elkhart County Juvenile Magistrate appoints a CASA volunteer
to a child involved in a neglect or abuse case. The CASA is trained
to work with all individuals involved advocating for the best
interest of the child. The CASA is also encouraged to develop
a relationship with the chld involved. The CASA provides the
magistrate with well-rounded, objective information and recommendations.
CASA volunteers are a consistent voice for a child who has no
voice in court.
A Guardian ad litem is appointed by the Judge in divorce or paternity cases where there is a dispute or disagreement regarding custody and/or parenting time. The GAL talks to both parties and the child, if appropriate, and will accept written information from other sources. The GAL then provides the Court with objective, neutral information and recommendations on what arrangement is best for the child. GAL’s are also appointed in guardianship cases (both child and adult). The GAL will often remain in touch with the family to ensure that all court orders are being followed. GAL‘s do not involve themselves in child support or property issues. A GAL must be appointed by the Court. |
 |
[Back to Top]
|
| |
- Anyone who cares about children and families
- Anyone who has
reached the age of 21
- Anyone who has no felony convictions
- Anyone who can be non-partial
|
[Back to Top]
|
CASA training consists of a 30 hour course which is broken
down into one night per week for 7 weeks. Topics include
court procedures, abuse and neglect information, child development,
child advocacy, interviewing procedures, other parties involved
in the case.
|
 |
[Back to Top]
|
| |
A CASA helps provide stability
and permanance for a child who finds themselves in the system.
Sometimes a child can be assigned to several different caseworkers
but the CASA remains a constant, dependable voice for the child.
|
[Back to Top]
| |
| What does it take to be a CASA? |
|
 |
Commitment:
Taking on a case can mean taking on a childs future. You will be asked to make
a commitment of at least a year although some cases take longer. The amount
of time you give to a case will vary depending on the stage of the proceedings.
Nationally, CASA volunteers give an average of 88 hours per year. Objectivity:
CASA volunteers talk to everyone involoved in a case and remain objective in
their recommendations. The CASA must be able to build a relationship with
a child while keeping in mind that what is best for the child may not be
what the child thinks is best.
Good communication skills:
CASA volunteers must be able to talk to a wide variety of people from healthcare
professionals to school officials to an angry parent. CASA volunteers present
written reports to the court, sometimes speaking in the courtroom on behalf
of the child’s best interests.
|
[Back to Top]
|
Every child in Elkhart County involved in the juvenile court
system has a CASA. In addition CASA’s can be assigned
in divorce and custody cases at the request of the presiding
judge.
|
 |
[Back to Top]
| |
| How do CASAs make a difference? |
|
| |
Stability and permanance are
the most important factors in allowing a child to develop properly.
These things also help a child to grow into a productive, responsible
adult.
| |
To My CASA...
I'm not too small to misunderstand, nor too insignificant
not to be heard. Because you are there beside me,
I can share my fears, my loneliness and my uncertainties.
Because of you, the past will be just an early
chapter in my life's history rather than a summation
of my time on earth |
| |
Today is better
than yesterday, tomorrow might even be glorious!
Dear CASA, like most angels, you are usually unsung.
But always remember that because of your perseverance,
dedication and devotion to a child, you have the
power to move Heaven and Earth. May you ever be
filled with peace, joy and love in the same abundance
as you bring to me. Think of me and smile.
Author:
Sally Garrett |
|
|
[Back to Top]
|
