NCJ Number
196401
Date Published
1997
Length
120 pages
Annotation
This document is designed to provide guidance in establishing a Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian Ad Litem Association (CASA/GAL) program.
Abstract
Chapter 1 describes the desired characteristics of leaders and leadership responsibilities, which include setting direction, sharing the vision, inspiring others, and managing the organization. Chapter 2 describes the start-up phase, structuring phase, cooperation phase, productive phase, and completion phase. Chapter 3 discusses the importance of the mission statement and the values and culture of the organization. Chapter 4 details the organizing, governing, and institutional board, along with board responsibilities. In Chapter 5, the planning process is outlined. Chapter 6 discusses all matters relating to funding. Chapter 7 discusses hardware and software considerations, collecting and using data, maintaining and storing records, establishing salary and benefits for employees, interviewing, and the orientation and training of staff. Chapter 9 is concerned with supervision, written policies, personnel policies and records, supervisory functions, and evaluation. Chapter 10 discusses budgeting, accounting, internal controls, financial statements, audits, and tax returns. In chapter 11, risk management is discussed. Chapter 12 outlines the process of volunteer recruitment. Chapter 13 is concerned with screening volunteer applicants, ethical issues, pre-service and in-service training, volunteer supervision and evaluation, and dismissal of a volunteer. Chapter 14 discusses CASA in small communities and rural areas, conducting training, supervision, and fundraising. In chapter 15, the umbrella organizations, local social service agency, court, relationship with attorneys and the national, State, and local programs are discussed. Chapter 16 discusses getting the strategic plan off the shelf, the founding parent syndrome, and staff survival skills. Chapter 17 discusses the future and resources for further research. Appendix