DELAWARE COUNTY CASA PROGRAM
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DELAWARE COUNTY CASA PROGRAM
3812 West Kilgore Avenue
Muncie, Indiana 47304
(765) 747-7875 or (765) 747-3433
Fax (765) 213-1276
Dear Prospective Volunteer,
On behalf of the staff and volunteers of the Delaware County CASA program, I would like to
thank you for your interest in serving with us. Each year in Delaware County, hundreds of
children are found by the courts to be victims of child abuse or neglect. The legal process that
follows can be lengthy, and often does not include the children who are at the center of the
proceedings. As a CASA volunteer, you will be the voice for the best interests of these children
during the legal process that would otherwise exclude them.
Delaware County CASA volunteers are community members that come from a wide variety of
backgrounds. What they do share is a desire to take a direct action to help abused and neglected
children in our community. We are not attorneys and do not require legal knowledge beyond the
basics of juvenile law covered in our training. However, the work we do does require a higher
level professionalism than many other volunteer opportunities. As a CASA volunteer you will
learn how to gather information, report to the court, monitor case progress, encourage positive
communications, and advocate for the best interests of the child.
Several studies have shown that children who are represented by a CASA volunteer spend less
time in long-term foster care, are more likely to receive therapy, health care, and educational
services, and are more likely to have their cases permanently closed and less likely to re-enter the
child welfare system. This year alone, Delaware County CASA volunteers have logged nearly
3,000 hours advocating on behalf of abused and neglected children.
It is not easy work. It is not always fun work. But being a CASA is important work. We are
making a difference in the lives of children right here in Delaware County every day.
The responsibility is tremendous, but so are the rewards. We hope you will consider applying
for a position in our next training class. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Jeff Hansard
Director Delaware County CASA
jhansard@co.delaware.in.us
www.delawarecountycasa.org
Jessica Cummings: Finding the Time to Help Children
CASA of the 5th Judicial Circuit, Jackson County, WV
One day I saw an ad in our community newspaper announcing that a new CASA program was
starting, and it called to me. I cut that ad out and set it on my desk. In the shuffle of papers, it kept
rising to the top. About a week later, I called the program.
I was in the first class to be trained, that was about three years ago. I was the youngest member of that
class, and to this day I am the youngest volunteer in the program.
I find that a lot of younger people—people in their 20s and 30s—feel that their lives are so busy that they cannot find
time to become involved in CASA. That is simply not true.
We find time to do the things we love. We find time to watch television, we find time to talk on the phone, we find time
to get onto Facebook. We can find some time in our day to devote to these children, who need us so desperately.
I was appointed my very first case five days after being sworn in. I went into the office and my coordinator told me that
I was being appointed to a sibling group of five children ranging in age from 3 to 15 years old. The case involved
physical abuse, emotional abuse, substance abuse. It was very complex, and I was pretty busy at the time.
But these children deserved to have somebody to stand up for them, so I took the case.
The oldest child was a teenage girl. I had been told by department folks that she was a problem: "She needs special
education classes, she needs medication, she needs therapy, she has anger management issues...."
When I met the child, I immediately saw that she had been pegged completely wrong. The problem was with the home,
not with the child. I was appalled to think that the critical, condemning information I had received about her was
the only information the judge was receiving.
The minute she and her younger siblings were removed from that home into a good home—a safe home, a permanent
home—she changed. Since the very semester that she was moved, she has had over a 3.8 grade point average. She’s
involved in school activities, in church. She’s not bitter about what happened to her. She is a shining light, an example.
In the end, it isn’t what I did for her, it is what she did for me. She showed me resilience, and that you can do anything.
Being a CASA volunteer requires no specialized degrees or legal experience. It does require special
people over age of 21 who have:
A concern for children;
A genuine desire to help;
The ability to remain objective;
The maturity to deal with emotional situations;
The commitment to complete a 30-hour minimum training course;
Sensitivity to people who are different from themselves;
Access to transportation and a flexible schedule; and
A willingness to devote at least one year to a child’s case
Contact Delaware County CASA at 747-7875 for an application packet or download from the
website www.delawarecountycasa.org.
Some other websites of interest:
http://www.childadvocatesnetwork.org (State CASA Website)
http://www.casaforchildren.org (National CASA Website)
Look us up and “Like” on Facebook: Delaware County CASA ProgramCASA Experience and Career Paths
(How volunteering as a CASA can give you a competitive edge in the job market.)
National History:
Concerned with the staggering number of children in foster care, the United States Congress in 1974 enacted Public
Law 93-274, the "Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act," which provided financial assistance to states for the
prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. The legislation included a requirement for that assistance:
mandatory appointment of a guardian ad litem (GAL) to represent the abused or neglected child' s best interests in
every case which resulted in a judicial proceeding. The legislation did not specify that the guardian ad litem had to be
an attorney, but usually it was an attorney who was appointed to fill this role.
In 1976, Judge David W. Soukup, then Presiding Judge of King County Superior Court in Seattle, Washington,
searched for alternative ways to ensure that the child' s best interests would be consistently represented to the
court. He found that few court-appointed attorneys had the time or the training to carry on the comprehensive
investigation that would elicit the information the court needed. Judge Soukup decided to utilize trained
community volunteers who would be asked to make a long-term commitment to a child for whom they would
serve as guardians ad litem. Judge Soukup' s concept became a successful program in it s first years of operation
and word of the program spread quickly.
Following this early model, similar programs were developed across the United States. By 1982, it was clear
that a national association was needed to direct CASA' s emerging national presence. The National Court
Appointed Special Advocate Association (NCASAA) was formed that year. Currently, there are 950 CASA
programs with more than 52,000 CASA volunteers throughout the country and U.S. Virgin Islands advocating
for 206,000 children.
________________________________________________________________________
Roles of a CASA Volunteer:
As a CASA volunteer, you are able to gain real-world career building experience and make invaluable
connections within multi-disciplinary fields. Chances are whatever field you choose for a career, your
contemporaries will understand what being a CASA entails. The following list cites some specific
examples of how being a CASA volunteer can give you a competitive edge over other applicants when
pursuing entry level positions in government, social service or criminal justice fields.
Investigating: Applicable to law-enforcement, social service and counseling fields. As a CASA volunteer you
will be responsible for conducting objective investigations of the case(s) you may be assigned. These interviews
may involve children, their families, care workers, therapists, case managers and others who may have direct or
indirect knowledge of the case. The training process will inform you of applicable protocols, techniques, and
methods for conducting a thorough and objective analysis of the information, and how to report this information
to the courts.
Advocating: Applicable to fields related to law, case management, counseling fields, victim advocates. As a
CASA volunteer your primary duty is to advocate on behalf of the child that is involved in the court system
through no fault of their own. Through the investigation and monitoring process, you will ultimately advocate in
a legal forum (court hearings) for what is in the best interest of the child. You will be responsible for
formulating court reports, testifying on behalf of the child, and producing independent and objective
recommendations for the court.
Monitoring: Applicable to fields such as probation officers, case managers, community corrections, counseling
services. After court hearings are concluded, the CASA volunteer is responsible to maintain contact with their
assigned case(s) at least once per month. During this time the volunteers checks on the welfare of the child,
ensures that orders of the court are being implemented, and documents their findings. Any issues related to
court orders not being implemented or further concerns related to the welfare of the child can result in
additional court hearings being scheduled. CASA volunteers can always rely upon their program staff to help
guide them through this process.JOB DESCRIPTION
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Must be a minimum of 21 years old.
2. Able to pass a criminal background check and Department of Child Services (DCS) check.
3. Able to maintain strict confidentiality for all case related information.
4. Strong verbal communication skills.
5. Strong written communication skills.
6. Flexible schedule allowing for meetings and court hearings during standard working hours.
7. Reliable personal means of transportation.
8. Commitment to CASA’s goals and mission.
SUPERVISION
The CASA Volunteer will be supervised by the CASA program staff.
DUTIES
A. Case Management
1. Conduct an extensive independent review of each assigned case.
2. Review DCS records and consult with the DCS Family Case Manager.
3. Interview parties involved with the case.
4. Meet face-to-face with the child at least once every 30 days. Observe whether the child’s
essential needs are being met.
5. Consult with medical and school personnel as needed and review relevant records.
6. Participate in planning or treatment team meetings involving the child.
7. Communicate with service providers to monitor the progress of services.
8. Maintain complete written records about the case, including a log of appointments,
interviews, telephone calls and other information gathered.
9. Monitor the parties involved to ensure compliance with court orders.
B. Advocacy
1. Determine whether reasonable efforts are being made to provide services to the child and
family.
2. Ensure a permanency plan is developed for the child.
3. Submit a written report to the court prior to each hearing that includes findings and
recommendations.
4. Attend all court hearings and provide oral testimony as to findings and recommendations.
5. Petition the court for services or actions that serve the child’s best interest.
C. Professionalism
1. Maintain strict confidentiality of all information gathered regarding the case and the
identity of parties involved.
2. Maintain a professional, respectful and cooperative attitude, including appropriate
demeanor and dress.
3. Maintain objectivity and cultural sensitivity at all times.
4. Communicate regularly with CASA staff to review case progress and consult staff before
making any recommendations to the court.
5. Submit written reports for review in a timely manner.
6. Track and report hours, contacts and mileage as required by policy.
7. Obtain a minimum of 12 hours of ongoing training each year.
8. Notify staff immediately of any potential conflicts of interest.
9. Notify staff immediately of circumstances requiring potential reassignment of cases.
10. Return all case files to the CASA office upon removal from a case or case dismissal.Delaware County CASA Program
3812 W KILGORE MUNCIE IN 47304
(765) 747-7875
(765) 741-3433
(765) 213-1276 Fax
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
FIRST LAST MI
ADDRESS
CITY, STATE, ZIP
Do you check your
HOME PHONE WORK PHONE e-mail?
CELL PHONE ___________________ E-MAIL YES NO
EMERGENCY CONTACT__________________EMERGENCY PHONE #
*DATE OF BIRTH S.S. NUMBER RACE____________
IF MARRIED, NAME OF SPOUSE
LIST CHILDREN AND THEIR AGES
DO YOU HAVE A VALID INDIANA DRIVER’S LICENSE YES NO
DO YOU HAVE ACCESS TO A VEHICLE YES NO
*PRESENT EMPLOYMENT
MAY WE CONTACT YOU AT YOUR PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT YES NO
LIST ANY SPECIAL SKILLS, HOBBIES OR LANGUAGES SPOKEN
HAVE YOU HAD PERSONAL EXPERIENCE INVOLVING THE FOLLOWING?
*IF SO PLEASE EXPLAIN:
FOSTER CARE
CHILD WELFARE DEPARTMENT
JUVENILE COURT
OTHER JUVENILE AGENCIES
1*DO YOU HAVE THE FLEXIBILITY IN YOUR SCHEDULE TO HAVE SOME DAYTIME
HOURS AVAILABLE FOR COURT APPEARANCES AND OTHER DUTIES OF A CASA
VOLUNTEER
DO YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH PROBLEMS AND/OR HANDICAPS THAT MIGHT LIMIT
YOU ABILITY TO WORK AS A CASA VOLUNTEER
IF SO, PLEASE INDICATE THE NATURE OF THE CONDITION AND HOW WE MIGHT
ACCOMMODATE YOU
*HAVE YOU EVER BEEN CONVICTED OF A CRIME OR ARE YOU NOW UNDER AN
INDICTMENT IF YES, PLEASE EXPLAIN
HOW DID YOU BECOME AWARE OF THE CASA PROGRAM
ARE YOU ACQUAINTED WITH OR RELATED TO ANYONE WHO IS ASSOCIATED
WITH THIS ORGANIZATION OR THE COURT SYSTEM
*DO YOU HAVE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION THAT CAN TRANSPORT YOU TO
COURT DATES, HOME VISITS, AND MEETINGS THAT MAY NOT BE ON THE BUS
LINE IF YES, PLEASE EXPLAIN
EDUCATION/TRAINING HISTORY
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA _____ YES ______ NO RECEIVED
NAME AND LOCATION OF SCHOOL
COLLEGE DIPLOMA _____ YES ______ NO RECEIVED
NAME AND LOCATION OF SCHOOL
COLLEGE DEGREE(S) HELD
GRADUATE DEGREE(S)
OTHER EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING PROGRAMS COMPLETED WHICH YOU BELIEVE
ARE PARTICULARLY RELEVANT TO THIS PROGRAM
WRITE A STATEMENT ON WHY YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A CASA VOLUNTEER
LIST ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS YOU HAVE ABOUT THE CASA
PROGRAM____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2WRITE A NARRATIVE ON YOURSELF (AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL). THIS CAN INCLUDE
YOUR CHILDHOOD, FAMILY, CAREER, HOBBIES, ETC. THIS SHOULD BE AT LEAST
A HALF PAGE IN LENGTH. USE THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS PAGE FOR
ADDITIONAL SPACE NEEDED.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3LIST ANY VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE (PAST AND PRESENT)
Community Activities: _______________________________________________
Youth Activities: ___________________________________________________
Other: ____________________________________________________________
REFERENCE LETTERS
We ask that at the time of submission of your application that you provide three (3) letters of
recommendation from non-relatives (preferably previous or current employers). These
recommendations should be written by individuals who can comment on your ability to serve as
a Court Appointed Special Advocate. These qualitative accounts of your competencies and
character traits are important in assessing if this is the right kind of volunteer work for you. As
we read your letters of reference, we hope to discover specific descriptions and examples
illustrating your potential and desire to make a difference in this community.
Suggestions:
Ask close friends, previous/current employers, or people for or with whom you have done
volunteer work. These are people:
who are not related to you,
who know you well enough to be able to answer questions about your abilities and personal
characteristics,
with whom you have had positive experiences.
*Please make sure your references include their contact information in case of any follow up
questions.
BY SIGNING BELOW I HEREBY AUTHORIZE THE DELAWARE COUNTY CASA
PROGRAM TO CONDUCT A CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECK AND INDIANA
DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SERVICES CHECK.
THE DELAWARE COUNTY CASA PROGRAM DOES NOT ACCEPT APPLICANTS IF
THEY HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF, OR HAVE CHARGES PENDING FOR, A
FELONY OR MISDEMEANOR INVOLVING A SEX OFFENSE, CHILD ABUSE OR
NEGLECT, OR RELATED ACTS THAT WOULD POSE RISKS TO CHILDREN OR
TO THE DELAWARE COUNTY CASA PROGRAM’S CREDIBILITY.
*SIGNATURE DATE
4This box to be completed by Licensed Child Placing Agency (LCPA), DCS Licensed Residential Care or Contract Personnel
Purpose: □Residential Licensing Application □LCPA Licensing Application □Employment □Contractor □Volunteer/ Intern
Subject of Check: (last name) (first name) (Middle Name)
Agency: Delaware County CASA Program Agency Address: 3812 West Kilgore Avenue
City: Muncie State/Zip: IN 47304 County: Delaware
Verification of Identity of Valid Driver’s License Valid State ID Card
Applicant /Employee/Volunteer* Work / School ID Other: ____________________
EMPLOYEE / VOLUNTEER FORM
For LCPA/Residential Licensing/Employment/Volunteers/Contractors Background Checks
A copy of this form must be completed by each applicant/employee/volunteer:
*These fields are mandatory and must be completed.
Full legal name*
Previous names
(maiden/alias/other married)*
Date of birth (mm/dd/yy)*
Place of birth (state)
Social Security Number
Gender* Race* Height*
Weight* Eyes* Hair*
Daytime Phone Number * Type* Home Cell Work
Current address*
(street address, city, state, zip):
List all counties and/or states in
which you have resided for past
5 years:
I □have □have not been convicted of an adult crime.
If convicted, please provide the following information for each conviction:
The specific offense you were convicted of
The month and year of the conviction
The county and state where you were convicted, and
The level of the conviction (felony or misdemeanor)
AVAILABILITY: DAYS / TIMES
Check all that apply
Monday □ Tuesday □ Wednesday □ Thursday □ Friday□
(AM) 8:50-10:00 □ 10:00-1110 □ (PM) 12:50- 2:00 □ 2:00-3:10 □ Specific Request:
To be signed by the individual submitting to the background check:
I have provided the information on this form for the purposes of having a criminal history and
background check completed. My signature authorizes the necessary checks to be conducted:
Date: Printed name:
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