| F. C.A.S.A |
| C.R.S. § 19-1-206 |
The court may
appoint a CASA in a D&N case.
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| C.R.S. § 19-1-103(34.3) | CASAs are volunteers who help speak up for children and their need for safe, permanent homes. |
| C.R.S. § 19-1-201; C.R.S. § 19-1-111.5 |
CASA volunteers
enhance the quality of the child’s legal representation. Unfortunately,
not every judicial district has a CASA program.
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| 1. Training the CASA |
| C.R.S. § 19-1-205 |
CASA volunteers are
screened, trained, and supervised. New volunteers are
carefully interviewed and screened by a CASA staff that checks three
references as well as criminal background information, motor vehicle
records, and reports of any prior allegations of child abuse or neglect.
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| C.R.S. § 19-1-204 |
A volunteer
undergoes training and court observation, and is required to attend a
minimum of 10 in-service hours per year.
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| C.R.S. § 19-1-202 |
Each CASA volunteer
has only one case and must meet regularly with a CASA staff supervisor.
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| C.R.S. § 19-1-207 |
A CASA cannot
receive payment or gifts nor have any associations creating a conflict
of interest.
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| 2. Role of the CASA |
| C.R.S. § 19-1-206 |
The CASA should be
appointed at the earliest stages of an action, and may be made a party
if that is provided for in the memorandum of understanding with the
court. The appointment ends when the court
jurisdiction terminates or the court discharges the CASA on its own
motion or that of the CASA program director.
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CASA volunteers must
conduct an independent investigation. This
investigation must include:
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| C.R.S. § 19-1-208(1) |
The CASA also
examines the treatment plan to determine if it is appropriate, if the
services are being offered as ordered, and if the treatment plan and
case are progressing in a timely manner.
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| C.R.S. § 19-1-208(2)-(5) |
The CASA makes
recommendations based on the child’s best interests. The
CASA volunteer’s written report recommends action on placement,
visitation and services. A CASA may testify at a
hearing. Between hearings, the CASA monitors the case.
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| C.R.S. § 19-1-206(2) C.R.S. § 19-1-210 |
A CASA needs access
to relevant records. The appointment order should
give the CASA access to documents and individuals necessary to CASA
duties.
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| C.R.S. § 19-1-209(1) | The GAL, DHS, and other agencies must cooperate and share information with the CASA. |
| C.R.S. § 19-1-211 |
The CASA volunteer
is prohibited from redisclosing the information to anyone other than
the court or the parties.
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