CSKT DHRD CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates For abused and neglected children in the foster care system. CASA What Does It Mean to Be a CASA Volunteer? Becoming a CASA volunteer is an investment of time, energy and the most rewarding. How much time does it take to be a CASA volunteer? All volunteers must complete a 30-hour pre-service training. The time commitment to a case varies depending upon the complexities of the case. On average, you can expect to spend approximately 10-14 hours a month on a case which must include two face to face visits with the child you are appointed to represent. Do I need to make a long-term commitment to the program? Yes. You are asked to dedicate yourself to a case until permanency is achieved and the case is closed in Tribal Court. An average case lasts about 12-16 months. Do I need to be organized and have any special skills or meet any requirements? Yes, you will need to be organized and trained in writing reports, conduct investigations, provide testimony in Tribal Court. Computer and communication skills are a must. We encourage people from all cultures, professions and a educational backgrounds to apply. Once accepted into the program, you will be well trained, competent and confident in your role as an an advocate. Requirements include: · Be 21 years okd Be willing to complete necessary paperwork and background checks. Complete a minimum of 30 hours of pre-service training Be familiar with the use of computers, and be willing to leam Optima, web-based reporting systems. Be available for court appearances, with advance notice Be willing to commit to the CASA program until your first case is closed Exactly what does a CASA volunteer do? CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for the best and legal interests of abused and neglected children in the Tribal Foster Care System, Tribal Court and other setting. The primary responsibilities of a CASA volunteer are to: Gather information: Review documents and records, interview the children, family members and professionals in their lives. Document findings: Provide written reports of court hearings. Appear in court Advocate for the child's best interests and provide testimony when necessary. · Explain what is going on: Help the child understand the court proceedings Seek cooperative solutions among individuals and organizations involved in the children's lives. Recommend services: Ensure that the children and their family are receiving appropriate serves and advocat for those that are not immediately available. Bring concems about the child's health, education, mental health, etc. to the appropriate professionals. Monitor case plans and court orders: Check to that plans are being followed and review hearings are being held. Keep the court informed: Update the court on developments with agencies and family members. What kind of support will I receive? You will be supported every step of the way. You will never be left to wing it. You will be supported by other advocates and our program staff, What Does It Mean to be a CASA GAL volunteer? The CASA GAL serves as the eyes and ears of the court and frequenty acts as The arms and legs" of an overworked child protective system. Because the CASA is able to spend more time with the child than a CPS worker or an attorney. CASA GAL advocates develop a close and constant relationship with the child. The CASA's role is to leam everything there is to know about the child and their situation, serve as a fact-finder for the judge, and also advocate for the child's best interest both in and out of court. Interested in becoming a CASA volunteer? Contact Roxana Colman-Herak, CSKT DHRD CASA Program Director (406) 675-2700 EXT 6120 OR (406) 210-7343 roxana.colmanherak@gmail.com CSKT DHRD CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates For abused and neglected children in the foster care system. CASA What Does It Mean to Be a CASA Volunteer? Becoming a CASA volunteer is an investment of time, energy and the most rewarding. How much time does it take to be a CASA volunteer? All volunteers must complete a 30-hour pre-service training. The time commitment to a case varies depending upon the complexities of the case. On average, you can expect to spend approximately 10-14 hours a month on a case which must include two face to face visits with the child you are appointed to represent. Do I need to make a long-term commitment to the program? Yes. You are asked to dedicate yourself to a case until permanency is achieved and the case is closed in Tribal Court. An average case lasts about 12-16 months. Do I need to be organized and have any special skills or meet any requirements? Yes, you will need to be organized and trained in writing reports, conduct investigations, provide testimony in Tribal Court. Computer and communication skills are a must. We encourage people from all cultures, professions and a educational backgrounds to apply. Once accepted into the program, you will be well trained, competent and confident in your role as an an advocate. Requirements include: · Be 21 years okd Be willing to complete necessary paperwork and background checks. Complete a minimum of 30 hours of pre-service training Be familiar with the use of computers, and be willing to leam Optima, web-based reporting systems. Be available for court appearances, with advance notice Be willing to commit to the CASA program until your first case is closed Exactly what does a CASA volunteer do? CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for the best and legal interests of abused and neglected children in the Tribal Foster Care System, Tribal Court and other setting. The primary responsibilities of a CASA volunteer are to: Gather information: Review documents and records, interview the children, family members and professionals in their lives. Document findings: Provide written reports of court hearings. Appear in court Advocate for the child's best interests and provide testimony when necessary. · Explain what is going on: Help the child understand the court proceedings Seek cooperative solutions among individuals and organizations involved in the children's lives. Recommend services: Ensure that the children and their family are receiving appropriate serves and advocat for those that are not immediately available. Bring concems about the child's health, education, mental health, etc. to the appropriate professionals. Monitor case plans and court orders: Check to that plans are being followed and review hearings are being held. Keep the court informed: Update the court on developments with agencies and family members. What kind of support will I receive? You will be supported every step of the way. You will never be left to wing it. You will be supported by other advocates and our program staff, What Does It Mean to be a CASA GAL volunteer? The CASA GAL serves as the eyes and ears of the court and frequenty acts as The arms and legs" of an overworked child protective system. Because the CASA is able to spend more time with the child than a CPS worker or an attorney. CASA GAL advocates develop a close and constant relationship with the child. The CASA's role is to leam everything there is to know about the child and their situation, serve as a fact-finder for the judge, and also advocate for the child's best interest both in and out of court. Interested in becoming a CASA volunteer? Contact Roxana Colman-Herak, CSKT DHRD CASA Program Director (406) 675-2700 EXT 6120 OR (406) 210-7343 roxana.colmanherak@gmail.com