Volunteer Requirements

Definition of a CASA Volunteer

According to KRS 620.500 “CASA volunteer means a person who completes training through and is supervised by a CASA program and appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of dependent, abused, and neglected children in court.”

Qualifications of a CASA Volunteer

A CASA volunteer must be at least 21 years of age, of good moral character, and successfully complete screening in order to be accepted into training. Training is approximately 30 hours in length and consists of class work and court and case observation. Ongoing training is offered to volunteers through in-service seminars six times annually. In addition to training, each CASA volunteer and staff member takes an oath of confidentiality.

Duties of a CASA volunteer

According to KRS 620.525, the duties of a CASA volunteer are to:

• Attend all court hearings except that the CASA volunteer may be excused by the court or the program director if emergency circumstances arise;
• Submit a written report and recommendation to the judge for consideration in determining the best interest of the child at the dispositional hearing, dispositional review hearings, other hearings as requested by the court, and at least one (1) report every six (6) months for as long as the case is assigned to a CASA volunteer;
• Monitor the case by visiting the child as often as necessary to observe whether the child’s essential needs are being met, and whether court orders are actually being carried out;
• Participate in any treatment planning conferences and reviews involving the child to assess whether reasonable efforts are being made to provide services to the child and family and determine the appropriateness and progress of the child’s permanent plan;
• Advocate a prompt, thorough review of the case if the child’s circumstances warrant the attention of the court;
• Interview parties involved in the case, including interviewing and observing the child;
• Maintain complete written records about the case;
• Report any incidents of child or adult abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities and to the program director;
• Remain actively involved in the case until dismissed from the case by the program director or judge with competent jurisdiction, or when an adoption proceeding is finalized.
• Return all case-related materials including, but not limited to, written notes, court reports, and agency documents, to the program director upon the request of the program director, and
• Work with the cabinet representatives to advocate the best interest of the child

Although CASA volunteers work with others involved in the case, they remain independent.