HOW CASA RELATES TO OTHERS IN THE SYSTEM
CASA DC works closely with many professionals in the District of Columbia to help abused and neglected foster children in the DC Family Court system.
In Washington, DC, the attorney is the guardian ad-litem and the CASA volunteer is an independent “Friend of the Court” or is a party to the action. While there is no mandate for them to work together, CASA volunteers strive to work collaboratively with all guardian ad-litums.
CASA volunteers and social workers tend to be in close communication in most cases. CASA volunteers do not deliver services but they may locate and recommend them for a child or family and help develop a case plan for a child.
CASA volunteers communicate frequently with a child’s foster parents about how that child is doing and current services being provided to the child.
CASA volunteers often contact school teachers, principals, and counselors of foster children to see how they are progressing in school. If the child has special educational needs, the volunteer will check to ensure that they are met.
Treatment professionals may communicate with CASA volunteers regarding both children and parents, provided appropriate releases have been signed and/or court orders allow the release of information. The volunteer reports to the court on parents’ progress in treatment and compliance with court-ordered treatment.
With appropriate releases or court orders, CASA volunteers can obtain relevant medical records and communicate with medical professionals about the child’s conditions.