The Floyd County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Program operates under the umbrella organization of Harbor House-The Northwest Georgia Child Advocacy Center. Floyd County CASA is an organization of professional staff and trained volunteers who advocate for the welfare of abused and neglected children in foster care.
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interest of an abused, neglected, or abandoned child in juvenile court proceedings. The CASA volunteer gathers information about the child’s situation, attends court hearings on the child’s behalf, makes recommendations to the judge regarding decisions about the child’s future, and attempts to find “forever families” for each child. The CASA volunteer advocates for the safety, permanence, and well-being of
each child. HOW DO I BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEER?
Complete an application including 4 personal/professional
references
Undergo a criminal background check
Be interviewed by CASA staff
Complete 40 hours of training
Be sworn-in by a judge
WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES? Visit the child
Explain the role of the CASA volunteer
Keep the child informed about all the aspects of the court proceedings
Gather independent information about the child in order to make recommendations to the judge in regards to the child’s best interest
Seek cooperative solutions with other participants in the child’s case
Interview the parents, guardians, or caseworkers, social workers, teachers, and people who are important in the life of the child.
Review records related to the family.
Attend & participate in court hearings and other related meetings.
Identify potential resources within the family and the community to meet the child’s needs
Keep all information confidential
Monitor provision of service plans and court orders
Ensure the child’s wishes are know to the court
Advocate for the child in the community
Consult with local CASA program staff for support and guidance
Maintain focus on the child until permanency is achieved
WHY BE A CASA? As a CASA volunteer, you will ultimately help to brighten the a child’s
future. You will be working to end the cycle of abuse and neglect,
while having an opportunity to learn more about the Juvenile Court
system and become more actively involved in your community.
