Please read through the application information and then use the form below to submit your application. You can use the webform below to enter your basic information and one of our staff members will contact you, or you can download, complete and print our Volunteer Application by clicking here.
The mission of Tri County CASA, Inc. is to provide trained volunteers, appointed by the court, who advocate the best interests of the child and assist the child in obtaining a permanent, safe, and homelike placement.
It is the policy of Tri-County CASA, Inc. to select volunteers on the basis of their ability to fulfill the obligations to Tri-County CASA, Inc. No person will be discriminated against in assignment of cases because of religion, race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap.
REQUIREMENTS:
Appointees:
Must be at least 21 years of age
Must complete a written application, sign consents for a security clearance and a DCF registry clearance, and provide three (3) references over the age of 21 (excluding relatives)
Must pass screening eligibility according to Kansas Supreme Court Rule #110:
Fingerprint Identification Records System Check,
Personal Reference Check,
DCF Central Registry Clearance,
Social Security Number verification check,
National Sex Offender Registry check,
County of Residence and surrounding County check for pending charges,
Personal Screening Interview
Must complete a minimum of 30 hours of training
Must observe a juvenile court session
Must indicate an ability to be objective, to function professionally, and to act out of concern for the welfare of the child as the primary motivation
Must not discriminate or display attitudes of a discriminatory nature
Must abide by the CASA Program Policy on confidentiality by:
Abiding by the laws pertaining to confidentiality as listed in the Policy on Confidentiality and
Respecting the confidentiality of all parties
Must be able to commit to serving as a CASA volunteer for at least one year (barring any unusual circumstances)
DUTIES:
Appointees will:
Advocate for the best interests of the child(ren) at all times
Take an oath of appointment and sign orders as a CASA as soon as possible after accepting a case
Read court, social, legal, and all other files pertaining to the case
Interview DCF social worker(s), parents, foster parents, child and other interested parties
Maintain regular and sufficient in-person contact with the child to ensure in-depth knowledge of the case and make fact-based recommendations to the court. Contact must be a minimum of once per month
Monitor implementation of a service plan and court orders assuring that court-ordered services are implemented in a timely manner and that review hearings are held in accordance with State law
Seek cooperative solutions by acting as facilitator among parties
Encourage family to work toward the goals fo the reintegration plan and/or orders set forth by the court, being aware of whether the court orders are being followed and reasonable efforts are being made
Advocate for the child's best interests in the community by interfacing with mental health, educational and other community systems to assure that the child's needs in these areas are met
Be available to attend all court hearings and other scheduled staffings pertaining to the child(ren), or notify the executive director to appoint a substitute
Submit a written court report to the CASA office in advance of the hearing. This report shall contain a review of findings, and specific appropriate recommendations for the child and when appropriate, the child's family
Notify the CASA office promptly of important developments in the case. The executive director will then notify the court of these developments
Maintain complete records about the case, including appointments, interviews, and information gathered about the child and the child's life circumstances
Explain the CASA role to all parties unfamiliar with the CASA program
ROLE:
The role of the CASA volunteer is to
Independently investigate the child's case, including relevant history, environment, and relationships
Determine the child's needs
Explore family and community resources to meet the child's needs and facilitate a collaborative relationship between all parties involved in the case, helping to create a situation in which the child's needs can be met
Make recommendations to the court
Advocate for the child
Monitor the case
Be sure the voice of what is in the child's best interest
Be the voice of the child's expressed wishes
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
Immediately report to DCF and the CASA Director any suspected abuse or neglect in accordance with the Emergency Policies and the CASA program Do's and Dont's
Consult with CASA Director when problems, concerns, or questions arise
Consult with CASA Director at least once a month, participate in all scheduled case conferences with supervisory staff, and submit monthly written and oral reports to the CASA Director regarding case activity
Keep accurate and complete documentation of all contacts and interviews and keep other records as required by the CASA program
Follow-up on a case until a permanent solutions has been reached, which includes:
Successful return to the natural family
Adoption
Permanent guardianship
Other
Attend a minimum of four (4) hours of continuing education in-service trainings per year
Return all notes, court documents and all other information on cases to the CASA officer when the case closes or you are no longer serving as a CASA for Tri-County CASA, Inc.
HOURS:
Hours are at the CASA volunteer's discretion, with the exception of court hearings, DCF staffings and other meetings or activities involving the professionals working with the child(ren). Approximately 8 to 12 hours per month, on average.
We are excited to hear from you! To apply to be a CASA volunteer, simply fill out the form below. All information is confidential.
Tri-County CASA
Volunteer Application
Please read through the application information and then use the form below to submit your application. You can use the webform below to enter your basic information and one of our staff members will contact you, or you can download, complete and print our Volunteer Application by clicking here.
The mission of Tri County CASA, Inc. is to provide trained volunteers, appointed by the court, who advocate the best interests of the child and assist the child in obtaining a permanent, safe, and homelike placement.
It is the policy of Tri-County CASA, Inc. to select volunteers on the basis of their ability to fulfill the obligations to Tri-County CASA, Inc. No person will be discriminated against in assignment of cases because of religion, race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap.
REQUIREMENTS:
Appointees:
DUTIES:
Appointees will:
ROLE:
The role of the CASA volunteer is to
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
HOURS:
Hours are at the CASA volunteer's discretion, with the exception of court hearings, DCF staffings and other meetings or activities involving the professionals working with the child(ren). Approximately 8 to 12 hours per month, on average.
We are excited to hear from you! To apply to be a CASA volunteer, simply fill out the form below. All information is confidential.