July/August, 2000

CASA Program Growing in Michigan

Across the state, CASA volunteers are working to make a difference in the lives of children in the child welfare system. Who are these people, and what are they supposed to do??

A CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate, is a specially screened and trained citizen volunteer who is appointed by the court to make reports and recommendations concerning a child’s best interests. The CASA program was created in 1977 by Judge David Soukup, a Probate Judge in Seattle, Washington. Judge Soukup wanted more information than was typically provided by attorneys and caseworkers before making the difficult decision whether to terminate parental rights or reunite the family. He recruited and trained a handful of volunteers, giving them the mandate of gathering enough information so that they could offer the court independent recommendations regarding the best interests of the child. The program was an instant success, and began spreading across the country.

After an extensive background check, new volunteers complete an intensive 40-hour training curriculum that includes the child protection system, child welfare law, the dynamics of abuse and neglect, child development, and the juvenile justice system. Those who complete the training are generally appointed to one case at a time, and then remain with that case until a permanent resolution is reached.

Once appointed, the CASA begins a thorough review of the child’s history and current situation. After reading the court file, the CASA makes contact with birth and foster families, other relatives, teachers, counselors, and all other individuals who have information about the child. The CASA meets with the child every week to ten days, in order to develop a true understanding of the child and to create a relationship of trust and honesty. Open communication with the foster family is essential to the volunteer’s understanding of the child’s situation.

The CASA shares their findings and opinions with the child’s attorney, caseworker, and others involved in providing services to the child. Prior to every hearing, the CASA prepares a written report detailing the child’s situation and listing a series of recommendations. Depending on the stage of the proceeding, the recommendations range from services the child and/or family should receive to suggestions regarding final placement. The CASA attends every hearing, offering testimony as needed. Because the CASA offers these findings strictly on the basis of the child’s best interests, the reports typically carry a great deal of weight with the court.

The CASA model is spreading across the nation, with over 42,000 volunteers representing 172,000 children. In Michigan, thirteen programs currently serve 13 counties and one tribal court. Over 12 additional programs are in development. "Our development process is slow and thorough," said Patricia Wagner, Program Manager for the Michigan Association of CASA. "We want to ensure that programs are built on a solid, sustainable foundation and that they provide the highest quality services and volunteers."

Foster parents are typically discouraged from becoming a CASA volunteer, to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. Many foster parents have completed CASA training, though, and found it very thorough and relevant. "We applaud the tremendously important role foster families play in the process, and recognize the individual sacrifice every foster parent makes when opening his or her home to an abused child," said Wagner. "I hope that as the CASA network grows in Michigan, we can work more closely with foster parents to ensure that these children are offered every possible opportunity to heal and grow."

For more information about CASA, phone your local program or contact the Michigan Association of Court Appointed Special Advocates (MCASA) at (517) 482-7533 or email wagnerpj@aol.com. A website is also in final development; visit www.childcrt.org and go to the "Programs" section.