How Can CASA Staff and Board Members
Recognize and Manage Conflicts of Interest?

GOALS FOR WORKSHOP:

1. DIALOGUE
2. DEFINITION (S)
3. CONSISTENCY

POLICY AND PRACTICE
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

4. PREVENTION AND RESPONSE

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Potential Conflict of Interest:

• When possible danger is inherent in the situation.
• Example: a volunteer or board member is related to the judge.

Actual Conflict of Interest:

• When opposing loyalties must be confronted.
• Example: a volunteer becomes the friend of the assigned child.

Self-lnterested Decision:

• When a course of action is chosen which represents personal advantage• Example: a volunteer recommends termination so s/he can adopt the child; a board member intervenes with the CASA to influence on behalf of a party to the case who is a personal friend or relative.

GUIDELINES FOR BOARD MEMBERS TO AVOID CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

• Serve the organization and not any special individual, interest group or constituency.
• Avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.
• Disclose any possible conflicts to the board in a timely manner.
• Maintain independence and objectivity. (Avoid prejudiced judgments on the basis of information received from individuals.)
• Avoid asking special favors of staff.
• Urge those with grievances to follow established policies and procedures through their supervisor.
• Know the organization's mission, purpose, goals, policies, program, services, strengths, and needs.

GUIDELINES FOR CASA's TO AVOID CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

• Know your program's mission, purpose, goals, policies, services, strengths, and needs.
• Know your role as a CASA: to serve the best interest of the child.
• Know your responsibilities as a CASA: investigate; advocate; facilitate; monitor; report.
• Maintain independence and objectivity.
• Avoid even the appearance of conflict of interest.
• Allow others their role and their responsibilities.
• Know the environment within which you work.
• Disclose any potential conflicts of interest to your supervisor.

PREVENT AND RESPOND TO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

KEEP IT F R E S H in their minds.