FAQ About Being a CASA
How is a CASA volunteer different from a social worker?
Social workers are employed by the Denver Department of Human Services and have a number of children on their caseloads. The social worker is responsible for helping the entire family, including setting up services. The CASA volunteer is an advocate for the child, is not paid, works with just one case, and does not set up services but does recommend them. The CASA volunteer does not replace a social worker on a case; he or she is an independent officer of the court and works with the social worker in promoting the child’s best interests.
How is a CASA volunteer different from an attorney?
The CASA volunteer does not provide legal representation for the child in the courtroom; he or she does not replace an attorney on a case (all of the children are appointed an attorney.)
Do judges, attorneys, and social workers support CASA?
Denver CASA is respected within the child welfare system. Volunteers are welcome in all the court rooms within the Juvenile Court, and judges often commend our CASAs for their dedication and insight. Social workers, attorneys, teachers, therapists, physicians and other professionals are willing to cooperate with our advocates because they know our volunteers undergo extensive training and maintain objectivity as officers of the court. Nationally, CASA has been endorsed by the American Bar Association and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.
How does CASA differ from the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program?
A CASA is only appointed to children who are in the dependency court system; that is, a court case has been opened through the Department of Human Services. Like the Big Brother/Big Sister Program, CASA volunteers develop a relationship with the child through weekly visits. However, the role of the CASA is not limited to this relationship. The CASA also gathers information about the child, writes court reports, and attends the child’s court hearings.