DCF
Department of Children & Families
What is DCF?
Person who works for DCF and can be helpful in obtaining updates on your CASA youth.
What is a social worker?
Meeting conducted prior to trial with the parties of a case.
What is a pre-trial conference?
Two types of questions that are helpful in interviewing/visiting with your CASA youth and anyone involved with the case.
What are open and close ended questions?
Court Appointed Special Advocate
What is a CASA?
This is a report filed by a mandated reporter about suspected neglect and abuse.
What is a 51A?
Letter signed off by judge allowing CASA advocate access to records from schools, hospitals, therapists, and any other important collaterals for CASA youth.
What is a court appointment letter?
What is who participating in a case?
1. Know yourself 2. Have a goal 3. Have a plan 4. Utilize good interview skills 5. Record objectively
What are the 5 steps in interviewing?
Observe, Record, Report
What is ORR?
This is a report of the investigation of the 51A report findings.
What is a 51B?
Teachers, nurses, 1st responders, children advocate who are legally required to report suspected neglect or abuse of a child.
What is a mandated reporter?
Hearing happening right after the removal of child(ren) to prove the need of removal of a child from home-DCF must show immediate risk of the child/also an opportunity for biological parents to prove the right for reunification.
What is a 72-hour hearing?
Most essential aspects of your work, the vehicle you use to present information, visible documentation of your involvement in the case, judges rely on these to make informed decisions.
What is a CASA court report?
Founded in 1976 by Judge David Soukup in Seattle after have a trying case.
What is the CASA movement?
Care & Protection
What is a C&P?
Roadmap for families & DCF outlining the task/services needed to ensure child's safety & achieve permanency.
What is an action plan?
Hearing if settlement is not reach & approved by the court to determine child(ren) still need protection, leading to termination of parental rights, adoption, guardianship, or reunification.
What is a trial?
This document stating anything said to the CASA advocate during a visit, in emails, phone calls, etc. is "on the record."
What is the lamb warning?
Should be happening AT LEAST once a month.
What is how often you should be visiting in person with your CASA youth?
Child Requiring Assistance
What is a CRA?
Detailed family information through interviews & consultation to evaluate parenting ability & identify issues.
What is a DCF Family Assessment?
Court considers the parents' ability, capacity, fitness, and readiness to parent.
What is termination of parental rights?
These should reflect your findings on the case up to that point, written clearly & concisely and supported by the information in your report and cover all the child's needs.
What are recommendations?
Founded in 1981 by a Jewish women's volunteer group.
What is CASA project Worcester County?