Court-Appointed Special Advocate (guardian ad litem) - volunteer position
May 2021-present

  • Attend initial 45 hours of training to become certified and get sworn in by a Boston Court judge

  • Attend additional 3-4 hour long trainings once a month to keep certification current

  • Meet 1:1 with CASA supervisor once a week for 30-60 minutes to report progress, inquire about services, voice concerns or challenges, and discuss any updates re: current cases

  • Listen to and evaluate available info on any potential new cases presented; decide whether or not to take on a new case (minimum requested commitment is 18 months)

When accepting a new case:

  • Start a file that includes:

    • Judge's referral form

    • CASA orders for each child

    • Any affidavits or court reports provided by the social worker(s) or DCF worker(s)

  • Send an email introducing yourself, providing your CASA order, and inquiring about the needs of the family to each of the following:

    • Child's attorney

    • Parent's/guardian's attorney

    • Probation officer

    • DCF worker

  • Obtain permission from each parent's/guardian's attorney to contact that parent/guardian

  • Obtain permission from each child's attorney to contact that child

  • Introduce yourself via email or phone to each parent/guardian, and obtain written or verbal permission from at least one parent/guardian to contact the child(ren)

  • Reserve a time slot at DCF office to review the case files and take detailed notes (not allowed to make copies, take files out of the office, or duplicate reports in any way)

  • Schedule time to visit with each child in person at their current residence (or via Zoom due to COVID restrictions)

  • Email the school(s) of each child, provide Request for School Records form, and inquire about the needs of the child

  • Email the medical and therapeutic providers of each child, provide Request for Medical Records form, and inquire about the needs of the child (find out about vaccinations before start of school year)

  • Email any other "collaterals" (mentors, intensive care coordinators, in-home care providers, housing authority liaisons, tutors, donation specialists, etc.), provide your CASA order, and inquire about the needs of the family/child(ren)

  • Maintain detailed records of all correspondence, phone calls, visits, services procured, interactions, observations, concerns, and accomplishments

  • Fill out a monthly online survey for each child, documenting how much time you spent visiting/working for them, their parents, and their providers; what kinds of progress you've noted or facilitated; which training(s) you've attended; and which programs you think the family and/or child may benefit from

  • Write quarterly reports on the physical, emotional, and mental state of the child(ren), the information gleaned from the family's collaterals, the services provided and the services still needed, and end with your recommendation for the court's decision; keep report within strict legal CASA formatting guidelines and remain objective–state only facts, observations, and concrete goals

  • Submit reports to CASA supervisor at least 48 before the hearing is scheduled to take place; make any suggested edits or revisions

  • Attend hearings and answer any questions the judge may have regarding your case

  • Close out or move forward with case depending on the judge's decision

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Reference: Apexa Patel, In-Home Therapist, Children's Services of Roxbury

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