PARACHUTE CASA Volunteer

Job Description

A PARACHUTE CASA volunteer is a trained community member who is appointed by Juvenile Court Judge David Niehaus to investigate and determine the needs of abused and neglected children petitioned into the Butler County court system by the Children Services Board. The PARACHUTE Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA/GAL) volunteer makes independent recommendations to the court about services and issues, which focus on the needs of each child. The PARACHUTE CASA acts as the child's voice in court and advocates to find the child a safe, permanent home in a timely manner.

Activities

Visits the child on a regular basis.
Ensures that the child's wishes are known to the court.
Interviews parents, guardians or caretakers.
Talks with social workers and other service providers and reviews all records related to the family.
Gathers and assess independent information about the child to recommend a resolution that's in the child's best interests.
Seeks cooperative solutions with other participants in the child's case.
Prepares written reports for court hearings.
Attends and participates in court hearings and other related meetings.
Keeps all records and information confidential.
Monitors compliance of services and court orders.
Explains the role of the PARACHUTE CASA/GAL to every child who is old enough to understand.
Consults with the PARACHUTE staff for support and guidance.

Qualifications

The main qualification for a PARACHUTE CASA volunteer is sincere concern for the well-being of children. The volunteer must be a mature adult of sound character with good verbal and written communication skills. The PARACHUTE CASA/GAL must be able to interact and talk with people of various educational, social and ethnic backgrounds. An essential characteristic is the ability to be objective and nonjudgmental.

Requirements

The process of becoming a PARACHUTE CASA/GAL volunteer requires a written application, four personal references and a full background check. A personal interview will be conducted by a staff member. The volunteer will complete 35 hours of required training, which includes class time and court observation. The fully trained and screened volunteer will be sworn in by Judge Niehaus after completion of training. A one year commitment is required.