NCJ Number
188893
Journal
Journal of the Center for Children and the Courts Volume: 1 Dated: 1999 Pages: 63-71
Date Published
1999
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Although communities have developed varied approaches to the representation of children, one of the strongest is the teaming of attorneys and volunteers, in which both advocates have equivalent status but unique roles, and both participate directly in the legal proceedings.
Abstract
Many courts now appoint Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers to represent abused and neglected children. Although these volunteers do not provide legal services, they do have a unique role that has proven helpful in moving children into safe, permanent homes. This article contends that the roles of attorney and volunteer advocates are complementary, that neither adequately replaces the other, and that the limitations of each approach dovetail with the strengths of the other. CASA volunteers are particularly effective in developing an in-depth understanding of the child's circumstances, identifying the child's needs, and monitoring the child's progress toward permanency. Attorneys, on the other hand, are effective at providing a high level of legal protection for children. A better understanding of and respect for the roles of both lawyers and CASA volunteers would improve collaboration on behalf of abused and neglected children. 3 tables and 52 notes