Frequently asked questions for CASA's

 1. True or False: CASA' s can transport their CASA children or their family?　 

False - Policy Prohibitions - Transporting the child or their family.　

2. How many days prior to a court hearing do you need to have your court report turned in by and by what time?　

All court reports must be submitted to the CASA office 8 working days before the hearing is set, by 4:30 pm.　

3. Who do you submit your court report to?　

The CASA office will disseminate the report to all appropriate parties to the case. At no time should the CASA volunteer give a copy of his/her report to any other party.　

4. How many hours of "approved" in-service training are required each year to remain in good standing as a CASA volunteer?　

All volunteers must complete at least 12 hours of in-service training per year after being designated as an active volunteer.　

5.True or False: If you are unable to attend the FST (Family Support Team) meeting you need to inform the case worker first to let them know you are unable to attend.　

False - If the CASA is unable to attend an FST meeting they must contact the CASA office to let them know they are unable to attend the meeting, and also make note on their monthly time sheet they were unable to attend the meeting and the date they notified the CASA office of such.　

6. What is the minimum number of times a CASA must have face to face contact with the child in care per month?　

One time per month, additional contact is encouraged.　

7. If you are unable to make the minimum number of contacts with the CASA child in care, what needs to be done?　

Complete an exception to monthly visits form and turn it in to the CASA office with your monthly time sheet.　

8. On what day of the following month is your time sheet due?　

Time sheets designating the amount of time a volunteer has spent on his/her case must be completed and sent to the CASA office on a monthly basis (by the 15th of the following month).　

9. True or False : When writing your court report your opinions and/or assumptions should always be stated?　

False - Reports must be fact based.　

10. True or False: When emailing the CASA office questions, time sheets, etc.. you need to email both Melisa and Donna?　

True - Emailing us both will ensure that your emails are addressed timely in the event one of us is not in the office.　melisa.talbott@courts.mo.gov  donna.huffman@courts.mo.gov

11. What kind of gifts are allowed to be given to the CASA child?　

Volunteer Prohibitions - Giving money or expensive gifts to the child, the child’s family or caregiver. The value of inexpensive gifts is at the discretion of the volunteer.　

12. True or False: It is okay if you invite your CASA child to your home for holiday events, birthday's etc.　

False - Volunteer Prohibitions - Taking a child to the volunteer’s home or any home other than the child's.　

13. True or False: Writing a letter and sending it to the judge regarding your case is okay to do?　

False - Involuntary Dismissal - Initiating ex-parte communication with the court: An ex-parte communication occurs when a party to a case, or someone involved with a party, talks or writes to or otherwise communicates directly with the judge about the issues in the case without the other parties' knowledge. **　

14. Who are the only people you can discuss the case with?　

Specific information concerning the case may only be discussed with the Guardian ad Litem or those personnel of the Children's Division and Juvenile Office who are assigned to the case. Discussion of a case with other professionals, including counselors, placement providers, medical personal and school personal must be with the consent of the CASA office. This does not include disclosure of basic identifying information that may be conveyed during information gathering and investigation.　

15. True or False: The CASA volunteer may interview any person they feel may have relevant information concerning the circumstances of the case or the child's continuing well-being?　

True - The CASA volunteer may interview any person they feel may have relevant information concerning the circumstances of the case or the child's continuing well-being.　

16. What is the exception to question #15?　

If a pending or on-going criminal investigation is occurring, the CASA volunteer may be asked to refrain from interviewing certain individuals so as not to interfere with the law enforcement investigation. Criminal investigations and interviews always take precedence over CASA interviews.　

17. True or False: Colored jeans with a nice pair of tennis shoes are okay to wear to court?　

False - Volunteers are expected to dress according to the situation and activity they are involved in. Appropriate court attire would consist of slacks, shirt and/or tie for men, and slacks/dress and blouse for women. Absolutely no jeans or T-shirts. Sneakers should not be worn to court, unless medically required. 　

18. True or False: When you go to visit your CASA child when they are at trial home placement you are greeted at the door by a unknown person and they tell you everyone is in the kitchen and to come in. When you go into the kitchen the family is sitting around the table with a few friends, drinking beer and passing a joint around. It is okay to stay for a bit and visit with your CASA child and act as if you are not bothered by it.　

False - Never put yourself in a situation where illegal activities are going on. If you have a strange feeling something is not right, leave!