11.23.08
Not much going on…
Ever since the last court date, things have been pretty simple. The child went to another state, so there is not much else that I can do other than keep the monthly phone calls going. There is another court date this week, but unfortunately I can not make it, so my supervisor will be there. She’s offered me another case, however I have recently taken on some huge things in my life: working a full-time job, and in January I will be starting graduate school. Therefore, I’m not sure when I’ll be taking on another case. But it certainly is great work and I still want to be involved with the program.
That’s about it. If anything exciting happens on court date, I’ll be sure to update.
09.02.08
Court: status hearing
Court last week went well. I got a last minute phone call literally the night before court which turned things around drastically. Basically, because of this phone call, everything we hoped would happen in the next few months were able to happen on the day of court. This was great news for the child. It confirmed all of the decisions I was praying about for this child and the case.
However, because of the decision made in court, the child has moved out of the area. This means that we will no longer be able to meet face-to-face. In fact, most of my work from here on out will be done via phone, except for follow up court dates.
CASA was asked by the judge to stand up and make a statement on behalf of the child, which I had to do. Let me tell you, it was not easy! I was asked a specific question about the child, which I did not readily know the answer to. So to stand up and have to explain why I did not know the answer was a bit intimidating. However, after explaining about the phone call the previous night, my answer was satisfactory.
The requirements now are to keep in touch monthly with everybody involved to update the status of the child until the next court day. I will update as I continue working at this case.
08.23.08
Mixed emotions
Wow, I have been doing a lot of work with this case! It is certainly more intricate than I originally anticipated. But that’s good. It makes me do the work. One thing that I hadn’t initially thought about was my power to potentially change a family’s life. And now I may have to do just that. My conscious has been running wild with thoughts of the future of these people, and the fact that I’m not a fortune teller makes these decisions harder.
But my focus is still on the child. I want to do what is best for them, and it is my job to continually work to find out what that is.
We go to court next week for what is called a status review hearing. It is where the judge learns about whether or not his orders are being followed and if the individuals are working the programs they were ordered. It is also where I am able to express any concerns I have noticed and put weight on where I feel is the best place for the child at this time.
I spent 4 hours last night typing up my notes and writing up my first court report. I met with my supervisor today and was excited to hear her say that my report looked great. A few things needed to be reworded, and some format changes made but the overall detail was good.
My only other anxiety or anticipation (I’m not sure which) is the potential for me to be called as a witness in court next week. While I know my case front to back, the cross-examination of an attorney can be brutal. I will just have to remember to speak on behalf of the child.
I will update as to how court goes.
07.22.08
Phone calls and leads
I spent much of the morning making phone calls regarding the case. It seemed as if every phone call I made gave me a bit more information than I had before. Kind of like pieces to a puzzle.
2 hours later and I managed to find 3 new leads as possible placements for the child! That was the highlight of the morning! I pray that one will be willing and suitable if necessary.
I have appointments set up this week to meet with the girl again and an appointment with the mother, basically to see how everyone is doing.
There is still plenty of work I need to do-phone calls to make, faxes to send, people to speak with, and copies of documents to obtain. I am excited about all the information that is being gathered. It helps immensely with the goal of a CASA…to place the child in the best possible environment. Now I need to make sure I go over all the details with a fine-toothed comb so I get to know the case like the back of my hand. Because out of everyone involved, I am the one who should be able to answer the ‘where’s’ and ‘why’s’. And I plan on being able to do that, come court.
07.11.08
Court
What an experience!! It kind of all started one evening when I received a phone call from the mother. We spoke for a good while and I was able to gather some new, important information that we hadn’t known about before. I reminded her about what time she needed to be in court the next day, and she said okay. Well, looooong story short, after about 7 phone calls, giving directions 4 times, the hearing time being pushed back twice, and being over 3 hours late in one morning, she still didn’t make it in time for the hearing. Actually, she ended up walking in right when it was finished. Of course she was upset, but the judge simply told her that she was given more than enough time to get there. She was able to meet with an attorney, though, and hopefully they can form an action plan so she can start having visits with her daughter and getting some help for herself.
There were two things I was somewhat disappointed in. First, I didn’t get to experience writing up a court report due to my supervisor being ill and time constraints. Though I’m sure I will have plenty of opportunities to learn how to do those! And second, the actual show-cause hearing was extremely short. I’m sure part of that was because the mother didn’t show up in time, but I suppose my assumptions we more like Hollywood court rooms. But it was certainly to the point, so I guess short and sweet is the way to go sometimes, especially in a full-docket courtroom.
I don’t know if it’s just because this is my first case, or if I’ll never really understand, but I just can’t wrap my mind around how a parent wouldn’t prepare and do everything in their power to get their children back. Granted, I’m not in the position to understand…the struggles, the hardships, the restraints, etc….and I am extremely grateful that I don’t have to be. So, having not walked in those shoes, I really think I may never fully understand.
Now my main focus will be on the child and gathering more information about her. I’ll be visiting her often and keeping track of any progress she may make. I have several phone calls to make and some faxes to send in hopes of receiving new information. The next court date is over a month away, so fortunately with this time we can be a bit more solid in our recommendations.
This case is certainly turning out to be more intricate than I originally anticipated. But that’s making it more exciting!
07.08.08
First Visit
I met with the girl for the first time. She is very sweet and laid-back. And very mature. We were unable to meet with the mother.
My biggest surprise on this first visit was how forward the director was in questioning the child. She explained to me later that it was because the girl was already aware of most of the situation, and because of how mature she is. Had she not known details, she would not have been questioned about it.
I found some of what the girl said to be extremely revealing. Both good and bad. And interestingly enough, when we talked seperately to the foster mother-who explained to us a different side about the girl-the overall picture became pretty clear. At this point, I could assume about how this mother and daughter are living, but assumptions won’t work for court. I will be meeting often with the girl, building a trusting relationship and hopefully letting her know that she can trust me enough to open up more if she’d like.
Currently, we’re trying to gather more information from the mother and about the child. And we’re working on finding some family that the child could stay with. Unfortunately, the mother is being either intentionally or unintentionally evasive with us. I assume we will meet with her for the first time in court later this week. Hopefully she will take some time to talk with us, or at least schedule a meeting.
I will be updating again after court.
07.03.08
Introduction–What is a CASA?
Hi all. I’m embarking on a new chapter in my life. One that will take time, effort, emotion and commitment. I have decided to become a volunteer CASA-a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children placed in the foster care system. What is CASA? “A Court Appointed Special Advocate (TM) (CASA) is an adult willing to stand up for an abused or neglected child. A CASA volunteer is appointed by a judge to provide factual information on behalf of a child caught in a difficult legal process. In a court system challenged by increasing caseloads, a CASA volunteer can make the single greatest difference in the life of a child.” (taken from a CASA brochure) Simply put, a CASA is someone who speaks on behalf of a child in court who has been placed in foster care. A CASA differs from a CPS (Child Protective Services) worker in that CASAs are volunteers typically only assigned to one case, therefore having the ability to spend adequate time researching the child’s best interest.
After deciding to commit to this volunteer position, I filled out a lengthy application, went through an interview process, acquired 3 references and passed a background check. Once all this was done I went through CASA training. Classes were 3 hours a night for 5 nights, plus 3 hours of courtroom observation. Additionally, 12 hours of ‘homework’ or additional reading/research needed to be completed also. Once these requirements were met, I (along with 6 other volunteers) was sworn in by the district judge to be a certified CASA/GAL (guardian ad litem).
I received my first phone call today about a case. It concerns an young girl who was apparently left home alone by her mother. The mother was apparently found intoxicated and passed out, and was apprehended by the police. I accepted the case, will receive the case file tomorrow, will do interviews with both the mother and the daughter in the foster home (they will be seperate interviews) early next week, and the first court date (called the show-cause hearing) is at the end of next week. I’m looking forward to working this case as my first assignment.
Some additional information about me and this blog as a sidenote: I am a college educated wife and a stay-at-home mother of two small children, and a Christian. This blog is intended to be used to inspire others who may be interested in advocating for the safety and best interests of innocent children and may want to know more about the job of a CASA volunteer. Personally, however, this blog will have a twofold purpose for me; firstly it will be a journal of my journey as a CASA. Most CASAs make a commitment of a year to complete an entire case. Secondly, I intend to use it as an emotional outlet for some of the difficulties and sadness that I may encounter in working closely with hurting children. I may often express my shock and naieviety along the way as my eyes are opened to some of the not-so-pleasant facts of our society.
Lastly I need to be sure it’s noted that because I’ll be working on open court cases, specific facts, names (including my own), certain dates and locations will not be disclosed. If names are ever mentioned, you can be assured that they are fictional.
I think that about covers it. This is my first ever blog so as I learn to navigate my way around it more, I will begin adding links and such.
