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Dallas CASA

Dallas CASA. Court Appointed Special Advocates. Children Served by CASA. Allegations of abuse and neglect Investigation by DFPS DFPS has arranged for a residence for the child away from the child’s parent(s), either in a licensed home or the approved home of a relative or kin.

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Dallas CASA

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  1. Dallas CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates

  2. Children Served by CASA • Allegations of abuse and neglect • Investigation by DFPS • DFPS has arranged for a residence for the child away from the child’s parent(s), either in a licensed home or the approved home of a relative or kin. • DFPS has conservatorship or has requested. • The court has appointed CASA.

  3. During the Case • Child is appointed an attorney in the dual role of Guardian ad Litem and Attorney ad Litem. • Parents are appointed attorneys. • Asst. District Attorney represents DFPS. • Child receives needed services and care. • DFPS makes reasonable efforts to reunify. • Resolution of temporary orders ends with agreement or contested hearing.

  4. Investigation and Removal • Someone reports suspected child abuse and neglect. • Call is routed to the county of residence and assigned a priority-24 hours or 72 hours. • Investigator makes contact with child and gathers information. • Investigator determines disposition and risk.

  5. A Child’s Path

  6. Appointment of CASA • Judge appoints CASA under “volunteer advocates” section of the Texas Family Code. • Orders CASA to conduct an inquiry and attend all hearings. • Grants CASA access to current and previous residences. • Grants CASA access to information.

  7. CASA Activities • Visit children regularly. • Gather information from caregivers, records. • Attend meetings and hearings. • Send written reports and recommendations to court and the parties. • Advocate for children in all settings. • Provide consistent support.

  8. CASA Education Advocacy • CASA’s involvement includes: • ARD’s (Teacher/ counselor meetings) • Education Decision Maker • Education Portfolio • Child’s records • Preschool Program for Children w/ Disabilities

  9. Intended Outcomes • Faster path to safety and permanency. • Increased chance of family placement. • Court and parties received additional information and perspective. • Child benefits from the ongoing commitment of a caring and compassionate adult.

  10. Nationally • Nearly 1,000 CASA programs. • Program range in size. • Most are not-for-profit. • More than 70,000 advocates annually.

  11. Locally • Formed in 1979, active in 1980. • 501(c)3 • 650 – 700 advocates annually. • 53 staff. • 304 and 305 District Courts. • Volunteer advocates and staff supervisors. • Serve about 45% of children in DFPS care.

  12. Who Are CASA Volunteers? • 21 or older. • Different ages, races, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds. • Rigorous screening process. • 30+ hours pre-service training. • Commitment to family reunification, cultural competence, child permanency.

  13. Placement of Children • Parents can name potential substitute caregivers. • If approved, DFPS designates the caregivers as a Parental Child Safety Placement. • Parents and caregivers sign a safety plan. • DFPS initiates a more in-depth home study. • Based on the findings, DFPS files for TMC. • Hearing will occur 3 months or more after placement.

  14. Court Hearings • Child is appointed an attorney in the dual role of Guardian ad Litem and Attorney ad Litem. • Parents are appointed attorneys. • Asst. District Attorney represents DFPS. • Child receives needed services and care. • DFPS makes reasonable efforts to reunify. • Resolution of temporary orders ends with agreement or contested hearing.

  15. Contacting Dallas CASA • 214-827-8961 • dallascasa.org • Program Director – Mary Timmons • mtimmons@dallascasa.org • Associate Program Director – Ben Wilkins • bwilkins@dallascasa.org

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