StandardVIII

Program ID:

“The CASA program provides a framework for recruitment, retention, and evaluation of volunteers.”

A. The CASA program has written plans for recruiting and selecting volunteers.
(Standard VIII.A)

1. Has the CASA/GAL program prepared a standardized packet of information which contains:
i. Details about the purpose and role of the CASA/GAL volunteer?
ii. Details about the qualifications for becoming a volunteer?
iii. Details about the minimum time commitment required?
2. Does the recruitment plan include targeted strategies to attract volunteers from:
i. Diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds?
ii. A variety of age groups?
iii. Different socio-economic levels?
3. Do strategies for recruitment of volunteers include:
i. Media outreach?
ii. Speaking engagements?

B. The CASA program has an application process and selection criteria for its volunteers. (Standard VIII.B)

1. Has each CASA/GAL volunteer been appointed by the court to advocate for children who come into the court system primarily as a result of alleged abuse or neglect?
2. Does each CASA/GAL volunteer meet the following criteria:
i. Minimum age of 21?
ii. Successfully passed screening, including a written application, personal interview, reference, and criminal records checks? (100% required)

3. Is each CASA/GAL volunteer assessed in terms of their respect for a child’s inherent right to grow up with dignity in a safe environment that meets his/her best interests?
4. Is each CASA/GAL volunteer determined to be an individual who assures that the child’s best interests are represented in the court at every stage of the case?
5. Are all volunteer applicants required to:
i. Complete a written application containing information about educational background and training, employment history, and experience working with children? (100% required)
ii. Submit the names of three or more references unrelated to the applicant? (100% required)
iii. Authorize the CASA/GAL program and other appropriate agencies to secure a criminal check, motor vehicles division record check, and child protective services check as appropriate and permissible by state law?
iv. Attend and participate in personal interviews with CASA/GAL program personnel? (100% required)
v. Attend all required pre-service training? (100% required)
6. Is a formal security check conducted of all volunteer applicants?
i. Does the check include a screening of criminal records through local and state enforcement agencies? (100% required)
ii. Does the CASA/GAL program conduct a check on the volunteer with the central Child Abuse Registry when authorized by law? (100% required) N/A: Not authorized by law to check Child Abuse Registry
iii. If the volunteer has lived in another state within the past five years, does the CASA/GAL program conduct a criminal record check in that area? (100% required)
7. Does the CASA/GAL program reject the volunteer applicant if he/she refuses to sign a release of information for appropriate law enforcement checks? (100% required)

8. Does the CASA/GAL program reject any applicant found to have been convicted of, or having charges pending for a felony or misdemeanor involving a sex offense, child abuse or neglect, or related acts that would pose risks to children or the CASA/GAL program’s credibility? (100% required)
9. Is this rejection policy stated on the volunteer application form?
10. When an applicant is found to have committed a misdemeanor or felony that is unrelated to or would not pose a risk to children and would not negatively impact the credibility of the CASA/GAL program, does the program consider:
i. The extent of the rehabilitation since the misdemeanor or felony was committed?
ii. Other factors that may influence the decision to accept the applicant as a CASA/GAL volunteer?
11. Does the CASA/GAL program ensure, through its volunteer selection procedures, that those not selected are treated with dignity, respect, and if appropriate, referred to alternative volunteer opportunities?

C. The CASA program (1) plans and implements a training and development program for volunteers to improve their knowledge, skills, and abilities and (2) provides information about the backgrounds and needs of the children served by the program. The training consists of at least 30 hours of pre-service training and 12 hours of in-service training per year.
(Standard VIII.C)

1. Is the training and development program reviewed annually and revised based upon the CASA/GAL program’s assessment of its training needs?
2. Does the CASA/GAL program use as or base its curriculum on the National CASA/GAL Volunteer Training Curriculum?
3. Does the CASA/GAL program use primarily program staff to deliver the training?
4. Does the CASA/GAL program require volunteers successfully to complete at least 30 hours of pre-service training before being assigned a case?

5. Does pre-service or initial training include:
i. Roles and responsibilities of a CASA/GAL volunteer? (100% required)
ii. Juvenile/Family Court process?
iii. The dynamics of human behavior associated with child abuse and neglect?
iv. The dynamics of families?
v. Relevant state and federal laws including ASFA, CAPTA, ICWA, and MEPA?
vi. Confidentiality and record keeping practices?
vii. Child development?
viii. Child abuse and neglect?
ix. Permanency planning and resources?
x. Community agencies and resources?
xi. Communication and information gathering?
xii. Advocacy?
xiii. The special needs of the children served, differences in cultural and socio-economic norms, values, and heritage?
xiv. Cultural awareness?
xv. Poverty?
xvi. Identification of personal and institutional bias or discrimination as it relates to children and families being served?
6. Does the initial training include an opportunity for each prospective volunteer to visit the court while it is in session to observe proceedings?
7. Is the CASA/GAL volunteer sworn in by the judge before appointment to a case?

8. Does the CASA/GAL program require volunteers to complete at least 12 hours of in-service training/continuing education per year?

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