Opportunities From: Spark

As a CASA volunteer, you will be responsible for carrying a case to include child/ren of a family, frequently with complex family structures. Your duties and time commitments will include:

 

Impartial observation and fact-finding of all aspects of the child/ren’s lives to be able to make recommendations to the court. Interviewing parents and other family members/kin of the child/ren to assess their perspectives on the needs of the child/ren. (Regular contact with non-custodial parents suggested every 4 to 6 weeks.) Determine whether treatment plans for child/ren and parents are being followed and services are in place. Twice monthly visits with the child/ren, at least one of which is in the home where the child/ren is/are placed. Visits are coordinated with the caregivers. The advocate may transport child/ren to activities as is age appropriate. Visits typically last between twenty minutes to several hours. Attendance at court hearings and all other case-related meetings. All events are held during normal business hours requiring flexibility of the schedule of the advocate. Court hearings can last between 10 minutes to several days depending on the type of proceeding. Other meetings are at least an hour to 90 minutes in duration. Regular contact with the CASA supervisor and peer coordinator through email or phone, and in-person contact for writing court reports. Court reports are due for every hearing unless less than 60 days apart. 12 hours of in-service training per year. Report new abuse or any newly revealed abuse (in conference with your Case Supervisor and Peer Coordinator). Weekly time commitment of 3 – 5 hours. Average case length of 18 – 24 months. 30 hours of training

A SEPT Facilitator helps create and uphold a trauma free environment for all parties while supervising the parents and child/ren interactions during the time they are visiting or during the exchange. It requires you to: Remain in the same approximate area as the family you’re supervising. Document and take objective notes on arrivals, departures, and any concerns or rule violations that may occur in a visit. Intervene if a child is in emotional or physical distress. To become a SEPT Facilitator, you will complete an in person interview, if accepted you will be required to complete an initial 15 hours of training and 8 hours of observation on site.

Volunteers are asked to sign up for 2 – 3 shifts per month. Each shift is approximately 4 hours. The visitation shifts are Tuesday – Friday from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:45 am – 5:45 pm (split shifts 9:45 am –1:45 pm and 1:45 pm – 5:45 pm). As an intern you will be given extra responsibilities and duties a