Speak Up
Many people in our community have the skills, time and empathy with children to become advocates but they do not know this opportunity exits.
The job description will detail the role but in summary, it involves understanding why the child or children came into care – checking the facts. The next task is meeting the child(ren) and making sure they are now in a safe place where their emotional, educational, health, dental and special needs, if any, are being met. Having made sure the child is in good hands, the role is somewhat like a detective, searching for relatives and friends who may be suitable placements for the child, either temporarily or longer term.
During the process, the Advocate will attend a Family Conference arranged by CPS where all those involved in the case - CPS, Child's Attorney, Parents Attorney, Family, Friends and CASA - meet to determine what is in the child's best interest. This may also include discussion about the possibility of the child returning home and under what circumstances.
CPS will develop a Service Plan for the parents which details the courses, therapy, assessments and basic living conditions they must meet before their children will be returned. The parents have one year to complete this plan and the Advocate, along with CPS, monitors the parent's progress, often acting in the role of mentor and cheerleader.
Each quarter, the advocate attends the Family Court Hearing. The Judge looks to CASA to be the eyes and ears of the Court, therefore CASA's role is an unique and important one. The Advocate keeps the Court informed of the facts, progress and CASA’s recommendation as to where the child should live.
Generally the case will last a year as many families work hard to overcome the difficulties that resulted in the child being removed. However, the Judge has the option to extend the case for up to 6 months to give the parents additional time to complete the plan. In the event that the parents do not complete the Service Plan and no suitable alternative is found with relatives or close friends, then CPS is awarded permanent custody. In this instance, the child will remain in the foster care system, pending either adoption or a motion by the parents to have the child returned when they are in a position to provide a safe, permanent home for their child. For many children this will mean a childhood without a family.
The Advocate remains as a constant voice for this child, ensuring they are not lost in the system and working always towards finding a safe, permanent home for the child.
The process of becoming an Advocate is simple. Just complete the Application form and mail or fax it to the CASA office for the attention of Diane Anderson.
After an interview and background check is completed, you will be asked to join the next training class. Evening classes are held to accommodate those advocates who work full-time.The 30 hour training and comprehensive resource material provides a good grounding for the work ahead. In addition you will be assigned a Supervisor who will act as your coach.
The training does not stop there however. Over the course of the year ‘in service’ training is held to keep the Advocate current about topics such as the support services, the law, the issues that the children face, the foster care system and working with the other agencies tasked with looking after these children. Each advocate must complete 12 hours of on–going training over the course of the year. There are a variety of options available to complete the required on-going training. For example, courses can be taken online, as well as by reading the books in the CASA reference library.
If the thought of undertaking this role by yourself is making you think 'this might not be for me', then consider teaming with another Advocate. Together you can share the workload and make that difference in a child's life. Remember, caring is the only experience you need.
I can assure you that being an Advocate is one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever done. My partner calls it a ‘mission’, I call it a passion for kids.
If you would like to talk to an Advocate about the role, email Mark at Volunteer@CASASpeaks4Kids.com or call Mark at 936 441 5437 ext 209.
If you decide that becoming an Advocate is the best way in which you can help the children in our county, then just fill in the Application Form.