Best-Interest Advocacy
Our best-interest advocacy is driven by the guiding principle that children grow and develop best with their family of origin, if that can be safely achieved. Most of the children we work with are in foster care, but some are with their family of origin. And, most children who leave foster care do so to return to their family. In determining a child’s best interests, a CASA volunteer shall consider and evaluate all of the factors affecting the best interests of a child in the context of a child’s age and developmental needs.
Factors Evaluated Include:
The physical safety and welfare of the child, including food, shelter, health, and clothing
The love, affection, bonding, and emotional ties existing between the child and his/her/their family of origin, including parents, siblings, extended support members
The child’s right to a safe, permanent home
The capacity and disposition of each parent or person available to care for a child to give love, affection, and guidance and to continue the education and rearing of a child
The presence of a home-like environment to care for the child
The child’s community and cultural ties
The child’s wishes and long-term goals
CASA Volunteer Responsibilities:
Spending time each month with a child to build a relationship and gain their trust
Exploring all aspects of the child’s life and gather information from everyone involved, including family members, foster parents, teachers, daycare providers, doctors, lawyers, social workers and other relevant persons
Ensuring the child has access to needed services, i.e. medical, education and housing
Accompanying the child to court to advocate for their needs and rights
Providing a comprehensive picture of the child’s life to the judge when the case goes to court
Promoting safety and bringing a sense of urgency to the child’s needs
Committing to advocate for the child’s best interest until they reach a safe, permanent home