Guardian Ad-Litem

Volunteering

How to Become a Volunteer

Thank you for thinking about volunteering.  Anyone thinking about volunteering should have the following skills:

• The CASA Volunteer should have the following skills:
  • Minimum of high school diploma or GED.
  • Be at least 21 years of age.
  • Pass screening requirements which include:
    • Written application
    • Personal interview
    • Limited criminal history check
    • Driving record check
    • Limited welfare check
    • Sex offenders registry check
  • Complete a minimum of 30 hours, National GAL/CASA curriculum training.
  • Have the ability to communicate with others effectively.
  • Have the ability to work cooperatively with different types of personalities
  • Have a commitment to GAL/CASA’s mission, goals, and Code of Ethics.

To get more information about becoming a volunteer please call the GAL/ CASA office at (765) 483- 5252 or email Dave Schoening at [email protected]

What it Means to Volunteer

Court appointed special advocate means a community volunteer who:

• • • Has completed a training program approved by the court
    • Has been appointed by a court to represent and protect the best interests of a child
    • May research, examine, advocate, facilitate, and monitor a child’s situation.

Responsibilities:

• • • Abide by the National, Indiana and Boone County GAL/CASA Code of Ethics.
    • Review all pertinent records to the case.
    • Attend all court hearings pertaining to the case.
    • Prepare written reports to the court with recommendations on what placement and services are for the child’s best interests, maintaining integrity and objectivity.
    • Conduct an independent, objective investigation interviewing appropriate parties, agencies, school sources and service providers, and the child or children to make recommendations in the best interest of the child / children.
    • Assist in facilitating appropriate services for the duration of the litigation.
    • Monitor the child / children on a regular basis (a biweekly visit is suggested as a minimum) to insure appropriate services, including reasonable efforts, are being provided to the child / children and family, and that court orders are being followed and that an appropriate Permanency Plan is in place.
    • Attend team meetings/case conferences with DCS, schools, and service agencies to ensure the best interests of the child / children are met.
    • Maintain written records of the case including appointments, interviews, and information gathered about the child / children and the child / children’s life circumstances.
    • A volunteer may monitor a visitation for the purpose of Court reporting.
    • A volunteer must commit to serving the Boone County Guardian ad Litem/CASA program for a period of at least one year.
    • A volunteer must sign an Oath of Confidentiality and be sworn in by the Boone County Circuit Court Judge.
    • A volunteer must notify the CASA Program immediately of any criminal charges.
    • A volunteer must follow child abuse reporting procedure as outlined in this manual.

Services & Resources