CASA Volunteers: Become a Hero for a Child in Need
After interviewing my mother for the "Interview a Professional" project I became much more familiar with the CASA program and decided to share it with the group as it may be something many might be interested in.
http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5301309/k.9D58/Volunteering.htm
Above is the main website for the organization. I'll include the basics here, along with why I feel it is a great example of the mix of psychology and law that lies at the heart of this course.
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate, and is a volunteer based program with the following basic mission:
In order to become a CASA volunteer a person must pass a basic background check, and then complete a 30 hour training course. At this time they will be given a case on which to work, and are encouraged to stick with the case until it is complete. Cases generally last no longer than a year and a half, and require about 10 hours of work per month on average. CASA volunteers are supervised throughout this process and have numerous resources at their disposal.
The sit above links to a "top 10 list" of the basic duties required of CASA volunteers. The gist of this list is that volunteers extensively interview and interact with the child, his/her parents, guardians, teachers, possibly employers, as well as social workers, probation officers, and anyone else that has a working relationship with the child. This process is done to gain the trust of the child, and understand how they feel about their life and their current situation.
This information is then used in the courtroom to help ensure that the best interests of the child are taken into account during any and all proceedings. Decisions are then explained to the child afterwards in order to help the child manage and cope with any stress or frustration they may be experiencing.
Other duties include making sure that appropriate welfare, government aid, or any other benefits owed to the child are dispersed fairly, and in a timely manner, by communicating with the various legal professionals involved in the case. There are numerous other specific duties which may arise, but all serve the goal of making sure that the child's voice is heard wherever it needs to be heard.
Although this is a volunteer based program it would serve as a great opportunity for anyone interested in getting experience working with children, the legal system, and all of the numerous legal, governmental, and health care professionals involved throughout the case. Though it can be stressful and time consuming (though 10 hours per month is not excessive) my mother remembered her time as a CASA volunteer to be some of the most rewarding work she has ever accomplished.
Naturally this program relates to psychology in numerous ways. Although most volunteers have no background in psychology, both psychology and social work majors would be a welcome resource in this program due to their experience and education in understanding the importance of helping children cope with stressful and potentially traumatizing life events. Furthermore, these skills could be applied in numerous legal settings including meetings with lawyers, other CASA advocates, and social workers, along with testifying and representing your client during courtroom hearings.
I include a few more resources for anyone interested in pursuing this program further.
http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5301295/k.BE9A/Home.htm
https://childadvocacy.iowa.gov/staticpages/index.php?page=CASA
Contact information for Black Hawk County
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