Jewel S. Goodman, MPA, Kofi Amanin, MS, Holly Beard, MPA, and Stacey B. Plichta, ScD. College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, 129 Spong Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529, (757) 934-2101, jgoodman@odu.edu

Purpose: In 1990, the Virginia General Assembly enacted legislation establishing the Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer Program. CASAs provide judges unique information and serve as child advocates in court proceedings, particularly in abuse and neglect cases. CASAs interact with Social Workers and Guardians ad Litem (GALs), performing some of the same duties. This study seeks to examine judges’ perceptions of the effectiveness of work accomplished by CASA volunteers.

Methods: Data from the Evaluation of the Virginia Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program, 1991-1995 were examined. A 29-item survey was mailed to all judges presiding in operational CASA jurisdictions in Virginia. Judges could either mail completed survey or schedule a telephone interview. Thirty-eight responded.

Results: The data showed that 71% of the judges often follow CASA recommendations, and 76% reported being very satisfied with CASA case outcomes. 60% reported that CASA involvement increases the efficiency of court proceedings. 40% reported no factors that discourage them from involving CASA. 8% reported that social workers and GALs may tend to neglect their duties without CASA involvement. 68% reported that CASAs always / often provide unique information; 92% reported that CASA case monitoring is different from social workers, particularly because they provide more intensive and in-depth information (79%).

Conclusion: CASA volunteers help to make the court process more efficient. They provide the judge with carefully researched information concerning case facts, family dynamics and the child’s best interests. Armed with this knowledge, judges can make a decision as best as possible for abuse and neglected children.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Describe the functions and responsibilities of a Court-Appointed Special Advocate for Children Volunteer, highlighting the history, the legislation, and the interaction with Social Workers, Guardian ad Litems, and Juvenile Court Officers.
• Assess the impact that CASAs have on the overall Juvenile Court proceedings for abuse and neglect cases, particularly the case monitoring that is required in juvenile placement issues.
• Discuss the importance of providing judges ruling in juvenile cases carefully researched data that includes family dynamics and the child's best interests.

Keywords: Social Work, Children and Adolescents

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.