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The Role of CASA in Juvenile Dependency Cases
Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) plays a key role in the juvenile dependency court process. Their job is to advocate for the child so that the child’s needs and interests are represented in the court. For more information on the role CASA plays in juvenile dependency cases, read on.
What Is the Purpose of CASA?CASAs in the juvenile dependency process plays a key role in helping the court understand how a child needs to be helped. Under Welfare & Institutions Code (WIC) 317(c), the court can appoint counsel for the child or nonminor dependent if they do not have one. The only exception is if the court doesn’t believe that the child would benefit from having counsel.
Once the counsel is appointed, their job is to advocate for the child’s physical and emotional well-being. Additionally, WIC 317(c)(5)(A) says that the counsel must have training and a caseload that would allow them to do a good job of advocating for the child’s interests.
In the juvenile dependency court process, CASAs can play many different roles. To ensure their success, the CASAs are screened and trained by their local or state CASA office. With these skills, the CASA is able to give the child a voice while they are in the juvenile dependency system.
Besides being advocates, a CASA in the juvenile dependency process is also bound by the strictest confidentiality. The main exception is if they think the child is at risk. Like doctors and teachers, CASAs are considered mandated reporters.
If you think that your child may benefit from CASAs, you can file Form JV-180 to request the referral. For more information about the specific CASA requirements and program rules, check out California Court Rule 5.655.
What Are the Key Differences Between the CPS Social Worker's Role and the CASA Role?Court-appointed special advocates and CPS social workers are both charged with protecting the well-being of children. However, the roles that they play are slightly different. While CPS social workers are supposed to investigate allegations and make sure each child’s safety is protected, CASA volunteers are appointed to serve the best interests of the child
This means that the CASA will devote most of their time to providing support, supervising the case’s progress, and protecting the child’s best interest. Throughout the dependency court process, they will communicate with the court. Unlike social workers, CASAs are often given just a handful of cases at a time, so they can really provide one-on-one attention. Because of these differences, CASA volunteers are often able to provide more personalized attention than social workers.
The Day-to-Day Role of CASA in the Juvenile Dependency CourtCalifornia has more than 67,000 children in its foster care system, and CASA volunteers play a specialized role in helping them get the support they need. During a typical day in the CASAs life, they may perform some of the following activities.
- Meet with the child.
- File reports with the court.
- Attend court hearings.
- Help the child navigate the foster care system.
- Collaborate with attorneys and social workers.
- Advocate for the child’s best interests.
For children in the foster care system, having a stable relationship with an adult can make a significant difference. The CASA’s job is to look out for the child’s well-being and ensure they get the services they need. If you think that your child could benefit from the assistance of CASAs, you can talk to the best juvenile dependency attorney in California about how to file Form JV-180 and get the help you require.
Learn How to Help Your Child in the Juvenile Dependency SystemNavigating the juvenile dependency court process can be challenging, and it is especially difficult for children. If your child is currently going through the foster care process, CASAs can help to make this process a little easier. To learn more and the legal steps you need to take, reach out to a CPS lawyer today.
