Frequently Asked Questions about CASA
What is a Child Advocate?
A Child Advocate is appointed by a judge to be an independent voice in court for an abused or neglected child.
What is a Child Advocate’s role?
The Advocate provides the judge with a carefully researched background of the child to help the court make a sound decision about the child’s future. The Advocate must determine if it is in the best interest of the child to live with the parent(s), remain in foster care, or be freed for permanent adoption. The Advocate makes a recommendation about placement to the court, and follows through until the case is permanently resolved. Advocates work closely with, but independent of, Child Protective Services and attorneys.
How does an Advocate differ from a Caseworker?
Initial role of an the Investigating caseworker is to conduct civil investigations of children alleged to be abused and neglected as defined by the Texas Family Code. Each sub-care caseworker is to collaborate with the individual or family in developing plans and selecting services that will best facilitate change.
The role of an Advocate is to ensure the Court gets the information needed to make decisions with regard to the child/children and his or her physical, medical and educational needs, and to facilitate the implementation of those services.
How does an Advocate differ from an Attorney?
The Advocate does not provide legal advice or representation in the courtroom; that is the role of the attorney. A Child Advocate, however, speaks specifically to what is in the best interest of the child. Advocates provide crucial background information that assists attorneys in presenting their cases.
Is there a typical Child Advocate?
Child Advocates come from all walks of life, representing a variety of ethnic, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds. What Advocates have in common is the belief children deserve a safe and permanent home. Advocates must be at least 21 years of age and pass background checks.
How does an Advocate relate to the child?
Child Advocates explain to the child the events that are happening, why they are in foster care, and the roles the judge, attorneys and caseworkers play. Advocates offer the children what no one else can: consistency and continuity in the midst of all the chaos the children are experiencing. In the course of a typical case, the child may experience several foster placements, new schools, caseworker turnover and ONE Advocate. The trust that is built allows the Advocate to encourage the children to express their feelings and to feel safe.
How much time does being an Advocate take?
More time is spent on a case when it is first assigned, as this is the more intensive fact-finding stage. As the case moves toward resolution, cases require less time. Advocates are required to attend court hearings to present a report with recommendations to the judge and attend meetings pertaining to the case. Average time spent on a case is about 15-20 hours per month.
How do the legal system and child welfare system view CASA?
CASA has been endorsed by the American Bar Association, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the U.S. Department of Justice. CASA is described as the eyes and ears of the judge, and frequently acts as the arms and legs of an overworked child protective system.
Which Children are assigned Child Advocates?
Children who have been abused and neglected and have become wards of the court are assigned a Child Advocate. Montgomery County is unique in that there is a specific court known as the Cluster Court that hear the Abuse and Neglect dockets exclusively. Our goal is to provide an Advocate to each child who comes into CPS care.
What training does an Advocate receive?
There is a 30 hour pre-service training course covering a wide range of topics on best interest of the child, abuse & neglect, substance abuse, cultural competency, processing a case, standards & policies, courtroom procedure, writing a court report and confidentiality.
Each Advocate is required to complete 12 hours of in-service training per year.
How do I become a Child Advocate?
There is an application that can be found under our forms section. A completed application must be returned to the CASA office for review. There is a CPS & criminal background check completed on each application submitted. Once your application has been processed, you will be called for an interview with the Program Director. The dates for the next upcoming training class can be found under the Training section of this site.
Is there someone I can talk to about Volunteering with CASA before I complete the application?
Yes, any of our staff members at the CASA office will be happy to speak with you. Our Volunteer Directors can provide more detailed information on becoming an Advocate and the CHAMPS Chair would be happy to speak with you if you’re considering the fund raising side of CASA. You can find the names & phone numbers listed under the Volunteer section.