Frequently Asked Questions

In child welfare matters, Guardian ad Litem attorneys are appointed to represent every child involved within the juvenile court. A judge appoints a GAL attorney to represent a child when there are allegations of abuse, neglect or dependency. The GALs can ask the court to appoint a trained Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer to a specific case or child, when they feel like the child would benefit from another positive connection on their team. These volunteers work with the assigned Guardian ad Litem, child welfare professionals, educators and service providers to ensure that judges have the information they need to make the most well-informed decisions for each child.

The CASA program recruits and trains people from all walks of life to ensure that those participating in the program are as varied as the children we represent. You will participate in one of our training sessions, so no special experience is required.

Our volunteers provide connections to some of our most vulnerable children, and they do this quietly, behind the scenes because of their shared appreciation and commitment to the program. Just one positive person can change the trajectory of a child's life, and CASA’s want to be a part of that change.

The primary responsibilities are:

Gather information: Review documents and records in the child’s file, speak with the child, family members, therapist, and professionals. Talk with teachers and counselors about grades, absences, and school. All information is reported to the GAL and CASA coordinator.

Record and share findings: Provide written reports to the GAL and CASA coordinator in preparation for court proceedings and child and family team meetings.

Appear/attend Court: Appear at court with the child. The GAL will advocate for the child’s best interest by sharing with the judge information you have provided in your regular updates and hearing reports.

Be the glue: Help the child understand the court process. Find cooperative solutions among individuals and organizations involved. One volunteer said, “Be the glue that connects the pieces in a complicated child welfare system.” The CASA is the one consistent person involved in the case. The caseworker, GAL, and foster placements may change, but the CASA will be with the child through it all.

Recommends services: Ensure the child is receiving appropriate services by keeping the GAL informed of any needs not being addressed. Bring concerns about the child’s health, education, mental health, etc. to the GAL and CASA coordinator’s immediate attention.

Monitor case plans and court orders: Assist the GAL by reporting any deviation from what the court has ordered.

Stay informed: Update the GAL and CASA coordinator on developments from all participating agencies and family members. Sometimes a CASA is one of the first to find out that a child has moved placements or is having trouble in school.

Spend time: Maintain contact and establish a regular visiting schedule by visiting with the child twice a month. Take the child away from the home and spend time building trust, rapport,  and having fun.

Not really. CASAs are the eyes and ears for the Guardian ad Litem attorney who represents the best interest of the child in juvenile court. A CASA will establish a relationship with the child, contact other professionals on the case and report back monthly to the GAL on the progress of the child.

No. These dedicated unpaid court appointed volunteers spend many hours working on cases and are a valued asset to the GAL/CASA program.

For the stability of the child, we ask volunteers to stay involved until the case closes. This is approximately one year, but it can be longer. We ask the advocate to visit with the child twice a month. Most months, you will spend approximately five hours per month on a case.

  • Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older
  • Pass a BCI (background check) and Child Abuse Registry screening
  • Complete 32 hours of training
  • Be committed to serving children

No. Social workers focus on the needs of an entire family. The Office of the Guardian ad Litem represents the best interests of the child(ren). A CASA volunteer is only assigned to the child/youth. The CASA works in partnership with the Guardian ad Litem attorney to assist in gathering vital information for the judge so that the child’s best interest is represented in court.

To receive an application and more information, go to UtahCASA.org and fill out an application or click on "contact us" above to find the CASA office nearest to you.

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