HOW CASA RELATES TO OTHERS IN THE SYSTEM
CASA for Children of DC works closely with other professionals in the DC Fmily Court to help abused and neglected children.
In Washington, DC, each child in the foster care system is assigned an attorney, called a guardian ad litem (or GAL). The GAL has the same charge as a CASA - to represent the "best interest of the child." CASAs and GAls work closely together to ensure children are safe in their home and thriving in other areas of their life.
CASA volunteers and social workers are in very close communication. CASA volunteers do not deliver services but they may locate and recommend appropriate services for a child or family and assit the social worker and other team members in developing 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.