[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Philadelphia?” open=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]CASA Philadelphia is a non-profit organization that trains and supports community volunteers as \u201csworn officers of the court\u201d who advocate for the health, safety, stability and well-being of abused and neglected children in Philadelphia\u2019s dependency court system.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=” What is a CASA volunteer?” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]A CASA volunteer is a trained community member appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children who have been removed from their homes, placed in the foster care system and under the supervision of the Department of Human Services (Philadelphia County Children and Youth Agency).[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is the role of a CASA volunteer?” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]To serve as the \u201ceyes and ears of the court.\u201d<\/p>\n
To talk to children, parents, family members, social workers, school officials, health providers, foster parents and others involved in the child\u2019s life.<\/p>\n
To review school and medical records, as well as documentation from service provider agencies.<\/p>\n
To get to know each child\u2019s unique situation and provide informed, objective written reports and oral\u00a0testimony at court hearings addressing the child\u2019s best interests.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How does a CASA volunteer differ from a social service caseworker?” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]Caseworkers are employees of the Philadelphia Department of Human Services. Typically, they manage large caseloads and are limited in the amount of personal attention each child receives.<\/p>\n
CASA volunteers are assigned to one case at a time, allowing them to devote more time to the children assigned to them. They do not replace caseworkers, but are independent appointees of the court who complement caseworkers\u2019 efforts to ensure children\u2019s needs are met.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How does a CASA volunteer differ from a Child Advocate Attorney?” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n
CASA volunteers do not provide legal representation in the courtroom. They provide crucial background information and recommendations for the child\u2019s best interests, which assist the child\u2019s attorneys in presenting the case.<\/p>\n
Child advocate attorneys work to protect the rights of minors in cases involving divorce, child custody, neglect or abuse, and juvenile court proceedings.<\/p>\n
Courts will appoint a child advocate attorney in the following circumstances:<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Can anyone be a CASA volunteer?” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n