1. Who are these children?
They are abused and neglected children who’ve been hurt by the adults in their lives. They are not safe in their own home. They have done nothing wrong or broken any laws. Yet, the children are hurt and confused as they have been taken away from home and placed in foster care. Some get to return home after the family gets help. Others are placed for adoption.

2. Why is a CASA needed?
A CASA volunteer is appointed by the court to be it’s eyes and ears. The CASA learns about the child and his/her family, strengths, needs and makes a report to the court. This report is a recommendation for the best plan for the child. This helps the court decide on the best permanent plan for these children in need. In other words, the CASA advocates for the child’s best interests.

4. How is CASA funded?
CASA of Caroline, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization and receives funding through grants from foundations, individuals, corporate contributions and special events. The State of Maryland – Administrative Office of the Courts also provides funding.

5. How does a CASA volunteer research a case?
To prepare a recommendation, the CASA volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, social workers, school officials, health providers and others who are knowledgeable about the child’s history. The CASA volunteer also reviews all records pertaining to the child – school, medical and caseworker reports and other documents.

6. How does a CASA volunteer differ from a social worker?
In Maryland, social workers are generally employed by the county government’s Department of Social Services (DSS). They sometimes are responsible for as many as 30 or more cases at a time, which limits the time they have to spend with each child. The CASA works with only one child or 2-3 siblings at a time and therefore has more time to research each child’s individual needs. The CASA volunteer does not replace a social worker on a case; he or she is an independent appointee of the court assigned to thoroughly research the child’s case, explore community resources and make a recommendation to the court independent of agency restrictions.

7. How does the role of a CASA volunteer differ from an attorney?
The CASA volunteer does not provide legal representation in the courtroom. That is the role of the attorney. However, the CASA volunteer does provide crucial background information that assists attorneys in presenting their cases. It is important to remember that CASA volunteers do not represent a child’s wishes in court. Rather, they speak to the child’s best interest.

8. How does the CASA volunteer relate to the child he or she represents?
CASA volunteers offer children trust and advocacy during complex legal proceedings. They explain to the child the events that are happening, the reason they are in court and the roles the judge, lawyers and social workers play. CASA volunteers also encourage the child to express his or her own opinion and hopes, while remaining objective observers.

9. How many cases on the average does a CASA volunteer carry at a time?
Most CASAs serve only one to two children at a time.

10. How much training do CASA volunteers receive?
Volunteers receive 40 hours of training which includes both classroom instruction and courtroom observation. Training is conducted by CASA staff as well as attorneys, mental health professionals and representatives of the Department of Social Services and other collaborative agencies. In addition, CASA volunteers must complete 12 hours of in-service training each year.

11. How are CASA volunteers supervised?
CASA volunteers have regularly scheduled case conferences with a professional staff member of the CASA program as well as frequent telephone consultation. A monthly group meeting of volunteers and in-service training are required. CASA staff members are experienced child welfare professionals.

12. How much time will it take each month to serve as an advocate?
The Maryland average for an advocate is thirteen hours a month.

13. How long does a CASA volunteer remain involved with a case?
The volunteer continues until the case is permanently resolved. One of the primary benefits of the CASA program, the volunteer is a consistent figure in the proceedings and provides continuity for a child.

14. What qualifications does a CASA advocate need?
CASA advocates are people who want to help abused and neglected children. Advocates come from all walks of life and are all ages. What is needed is the ability to make at least one year’s commitment to the child and an ability to assess a child’s needs.

15. How do I get started? Contact CASA. The first step is to fill out an application and meet with us. An initial training is required of 40 hours which includes 4 hours of court observation. Classes are offered each Spring and Fall. Following the successful training, you will be sworn in by the Circuit Court of Caroline County as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. You will than be assigned to a child.