DCF
DCF & CASA
Court
Interview & Report Writing
MISC.
100

Department of Children & Families

What is DCF?

100

Person who works for DCF and can be helpful in obtaining updates on your CASA youth. 

What is a social worker?

100

Meeting conducted prior to trial with the parties of a case.

What is a pre-trial conference?

100

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?

100

Court Appointed Special Advocate

What is a CASA?

200

This is a report filed by a mandated reporter about suspected neglect and abuse.

What is a 51A?

200

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?

200
Child, parents, attorneys, DCF SW, judge, CASA volunteer and supervisor. 

What is who participating in a case?

200

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?

200

Observe, Record, Report

What is ORR?

300

This is a report of the investigation of the 51A report findings. 

What is a 51B?

300

Teachers, nurses, 1st responders, children advocate who are legally required to report suspected neglect or abuse of a child.

What is a mandated reporter?

300

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?

300

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?

300

Founded in 1976 by Judge David Soukup in Seattle after have a trying case.

What is the CASA movement?

400

Care & Protection

What is a C&P?

400

Roadmap for families & DCF outlining the task/services needed to ensure child's safety & achieve permanency.

What is an action plan?

400

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?

400

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?

400

Should be happening AT LEAST once a month.

What is how often you should be visiting in person with your CASA youth?

500

Child Requiring Assistance

What is a CRA?

500

Detailed family information through interviews & consultation to evaluate parenting ability & identify issues.

What is a DCF Family Assessment?

500

Court considers the parents' ability, capacity, fitness, and readiness to parent.

What is termination of parental rights?

500

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?

500

Founded in 1981 by a Jewish women's volunteer group.

What is CASA project Worcester County?