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A Master CASA is
an experienced Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) who has undergone
advanced training in order to work independently as a volunteer guardian ad
litem (GAL).
The Master CASA Project was developed to provide better advocacy for
children, an opportunity for growth and challenge for CASA volunteers, and caseload relief to the Office of Public Advocacy (OPA) guardian ad litem staff. In addition, Master CASAs are
expected to provide mentoring for new CASA volunteers.
Background
The Master CASA
Project was piloted in Anchorage for a six-month period beginning in August
1999. Twelve experienced CASA volunteers completed 15 hours of advanced training
on a variety of topics, including planning and conducting a child in need of aid
(CINA) investigation, advanced legal training and talking to and observing
children. The new Master CASAs were then assigned to CINA cases as the
volunteer GAL and were directly responsible for their cases. Supervision and legal consultation from OPA staff was provided as needed.
 The project was
very successful in allowing the Master CASAs more independence and thus better
utilizing their advocacy skills. In
a survey conducted to measure the success of the pilot project, feedback from
the court and others in the child welfare system was very positive, and the
Master CASA Project became a permanent part of the Alaska CASA Program.
© Barbara Lavallee (1996)
Criteria/Qualifications:
 Minimum one year of successful experience as a CASA, or approval
of Program Director |
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Recommendation
of current GAL supervisor |
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Successful
completion of Master CASA advanced training course |
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Ability
to work independently |
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Available
to attend court hearings and case meetings |
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Strong
written and verbal communication skills |
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Commitment
to minimum of two years as Master CASA |
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Willingness
to serve as a mentor to other CASA volunteers. |
Training
Marion Hallum supervises the Master CASAs and Barb Malchick provides legal consultation/representation as needed.
Master CASA training is offered annually in the fall in Anchorage.
How
to Apply
The application process is quite simple. First, contact your GAL supervisor and ask him/her to fill out a
recommendation form. You will also
need to complete an
application form. After
reviewing the applications, those accepted into the next Master CASA
training will be notified. At this time the Master Casa Project is limited to
Anchorage.
If you feel that you want a new challenge and would like to improve your advocacy skills, we
encourage you to apply to become a Master CASA. Please
contact Marion Hallum
with any questions you may have. If you would like to talk
with a current Master CASA we would be glad to provide you with the name and phone
number of someone who is willing to share his/her experience.
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