No special background or education is required to become a CASA volunteer. We encourage people from all cultures and professions, and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds. Once accepted into the program, you will receive all necessary training in courtroom procedures, social services, the juvenile justice system and the special needs of abused and neglected children.

Requirements include:

• Be 21 years old
• Be willing to complete necessary background checks, provide references and participate in an interview
• Complete a minimum of 30 hours of pre-service training
• Be available for court appearances, with advance notice
• Be willing to commit to the CASA program until your first case is closed

620.525 Duties of CASA volunteers.

(1) CASA volunteers who have a conflict of interest in a case shall not be appointed to the case.

(2) The CASA volunteer shall:

(a) Attend all court hearings except that the CASA volunteer may be excused by the court or the program director if emergency circumstances arise;

(b) 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;

(c) 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;

(d) 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;

(e) Advocate a prompt, thorough review of the case if the child's circumstances warrant the attention of the court;

(f) Interview parties involved in the case, including interviewing and observing the child;

(g) Maintain complete written records about the case;

(h) Report any incidents of child or adult abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities and to the program director;

(i) 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;

(j) 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

(k) Work with the cabinet representatives to advocate the best interest of the child.

Effective: July 15, 1996 History: Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 245, sec. 7, effective July 15, 1996.