dallas casa

18
Dallas CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates

Upload: aviv

Post on 22-Feb-2016

32 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

DESCRIPTION

Dallas CASA. Court Appointed Special Advocates. Children Served by CASA. Allegations of abuse and neglect Investigation by DFPS DFPS has arranged for a residence for the child away from the child’s parent(s), either in a licensed home or the approved home of a relative or kin. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Dallas CASA

Dallas CASACourt Appointed Special Advocates

Page 2: Dallas CASA

• Allegations of abuse and neglect• Investigation by DFPS• DFPS has arranged for a residence for the child

away from the child’s parent(s), either in a licensed home or the approved home of a relative or kin.

• DFPS has conservatorship or has requested.• The court has appointed CASA.

Children Served by CASA

Page 3: Dallas CASA

• Child is appointed an attorney in the dual role of Guardian ad Litem and Attorney ad Litem.

• Parents are appointed attorneys.• Asst. District Attorney represents DFPS.• Child receives needed services and care.• DFPS makes reasonable efforts to reunify.• Resolution of temporary orders ends with

agreement or contested hearing.

During the Case

Page 4: Dallas CASA

• Someone reports suspected child abuse and neglect.

• Call is routed to the county of residence and assigned a priority-24 hours or 72 hours.

• Investigator makes contact with child and gathers information.

• Investigator determines disposition and risk.

Investigation and Removal

Page 5: Dallas CASA

A Child’s Path

Page 6: Dallas CASA
Page 7: Dallas CASA
Page 8: Dallas CASA
Page 9: Dallas CASA

• Judge appoints CASA under “volunteer advocates” section of the Texas Family Code.

• Orders CASA to conduct an inquiry and attend all hearings.

• Grants CASA access to current and previous residences.

• Grants CASA access to information.

Appointment of CASA

Page 10: Dallas CASA

• Visit children regularly.• Gather information from caregivers, records.• Attend meetings and hearings.• Send written reports and recommendations to

court and the parties.• Advocate for children in all settings.• Provide consistent support.

CASA Activities

Page 11: Dallas CASA

• CASA’s involvement includes:• ARD’s (Teacher/ counselor meetings)• Education Decision Maker• Education Portfolio• Child’s records• Preschool Program for Children w/ Disabilities

CASA Education Advocacy

Page 12: Dallas CASA

• Faster path to safety and permanency.• Increased chance of family placement.• Court and parties received additional information

and perspective.• Child benefits from the ongoing commitment of a

caring and compassionate adult.

Intended Outcomes

Page 13: Dallas CASA

• Nearly 1,000 CASA programs.• Program range in size.• Most are not-for-profit.• More than 70,000 advocates annually.

Nationally

Page 14: Dallas CASA

• Formed in 1979, active in 1980.• 501(c)3• 650 – 700 advocates annually.• 53 staff.• 304 and 305 District Courts.• Volunteer advocates and staff supervisors.• Serve about 45% of children in DFPS care.

Locally

Page 15: Dallas CASA

• 21 or older.• Different ages, races, educational and

socioeconomic backgrounds.• Rigorous screening process.• 30+ hours pre-service training.• Commitment to family reunification, cultural

competence, child permanency.

Who Are CASA Volunteers?

Page 16: Dallas CASA

• Parents can name potential substitute caregivers. • If approved, DFPS designates the caregivers as

a Parental Child Safety Placement.• Parents and caregivers sign a safety plan.• DFPS initiates a more in-depth home study.• Based on the findings, DFPS files for TMC.• Hearing will occur 3 months or more after

placement.

Placement of Children

Page 17: Dallas CASA

• Child is appointed an attorney in the dual role of Guardian ad Litem and Attorney ad Litem.

• Parents are appointed attorneys.• Asst. District Attorney represents DFPS.• Child receives needed services and care. • DFPS makes reasonable efforts to reunify.• Resolution of temporary orders ends with

agreement or contested hearing.

Court Hearings

Page 18: Dallas CASA

• 214-827-8961• dallascasa.org• Program Director – Mary Timmons• [email protected]• Associate Program Director – Ben Wilkins• [email protected]

Contacting Dallas CASA