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Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
11/21/2024

Part III. Volunteer Administration

6VAC20-160-50. Case assignment.

A. The CASA director shall be responsible for all decisions pertaining to the assignment or removal of specific volunteers to specific cases.

B. A CASA volunteer shall not be assigned to a case involving any professional connection or close personal relationship with the child client or family.

Statutory Authority

§§ 9.1-151 and 9.1-153 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR240-04-3 § 3.1, eff. July 1, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 5, eff. December 24, 1997.

6VAC20-160-60. CASA volunteer duties and responsibilities.

A. Volunteers shall follow specific policies regarding the nature of assistance:

1. Provided to the guardian ad litem;

2. Relating to their investigative role;

3. Relating to monitoring compliance with court orders; and

4. Relating to the submission to the court of written reports.

B. The CASA volunteer's investigation involves fact-finding via interviews, professional reports, observation of family and social interactions, and observation of the child's environment.

C. The CASA volunteer's investigation involves the observation of the child's circumstances. CASA volunteers may conduct interviews of children; however, CASA volunteers are specifically prohibited from questioning or inquiring of the child information regarding a precipitating incident or allegation involving child abuse and neglect.

D. The CASA volunteer should encourage interdisciplinary coordination and cooperation, whenever possible, in an effort to develop a plan of action in conjunction with other local agencies and professionals.

Statutory Authority

§ 9.1-151 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR240-04-3 § 3.2, eff. July 1, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 5, eff. December 24, 1997; Volume 25, Issue 2, eff. October 29, 2008.

6VAC20-160-70. Confidentiality.

A. All CASA volunteers shall follow specific policies regarding the following:

1. Reporting suspected child abuse and neglect, and the procedure for making such reports;

2. Confidentiality of records and information; and

3. Contacting, interviewing and responding to persons involved in the case.

B. To the extent permitted by state and federal confidentiality laws, CASA volunteers should share information gathered with other involved professionals whenever possible and practicable.

Statutory Authority

§ 9.1-151 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR240-04-3 § 3.3, eff. July 1, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 5, eff. December 24, 1997; Volume 25, Issue 2, eff. October 29, 2008.

6VAC20-160-80. Code of ethics.

A. CASA volunteers should conduct themselves in a professional manner, adhering to a code of ethics that is consistent with ethical principles established by local, state or national guidelines.

B. CASA volunteers should not become inappropriately involved in the case by providing direct service delivery to any parties that could (i) lead to conflict of interest or liability or (ii) cause a child or family to become dependent on the CASA volunteer for services that should be provided by other agencies or organizations.

Statutory Authority

§ 9.1-151 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR240-04-3 § 3.4, eff. July 1, 1992; amended, Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 5, eff. December 24, 1997; Volume 25, Issue 2, eff. October 29, 2008.

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