The following guide will provide CASAs with valuable advice and resources for advocating for their case youth during the COVID-19 crisis.
The uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the importance of regular check-ins with those involved in your child/ren's case to ensure the child/ren’s needs are being met. We recommend calling the caregivers weekly during this time, as the children’s regular activities, including school and therapy, have likely been disrupted due to COVID-19. As a reminder, our policy regarding written communications remains in force: all written communication must be approved by the advocacy supervisor.
All small group meetings and Continuing Education sessions, have been moved to an online format.
We expect to update this guide regularly as new resources and advice become available; however, as always, please contact your advocacy supervisor or another available staff member if you have any questions and concerns.
Reporting Child Abuse
When you are sworn in as a CASA volunteer, you become something more: you become a “mandated reporter” of child abuse. During the COVID-19 crisis, child welfare professionals have expressed concern that children are no longer interacting with some of the most common reporters of abuse, teachers and daycare providers. If you suspect child abuse, you can call the Child Abuse Hotline at 800-344-6000. You may also contact your Advocacy Supervisor for guidance.