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Introduction

Overview of CASA
What Is CASA? 
Conditions That Led to CASA
The Search for Solutions
CASA Offers a Solution
Growth of the CASA Idea
Who Supports CASA?
The National CASA Association

Section I: Planning a Quality Program

Chapter 1: Initial Planning Steps
Become Educated About the Problems
Assess the Community’s Response to Child Abuse
Make the Case for CASA
Determine if the Program Will Succeed
Obtain Judicial Support
Enlist the Right People to Help
Form a Steering Committee
Plan the Committee’s First Meeting
Next Steps

Chapter 2: Creating the Organization
The Mission
Establish a Plan

Chapter 3: Organizational Structure
Establishing CASA as a Nonprofit Organization
  - Articles of Incorporation
  - Bylaws
  - IRS Tax Exemption Letter
Establishing CASA Under Another Organization
  - Compatible Missions as a Starting Point
  - Questions for Consideration
  - Factors Supporting Successful Umbrella Arrangements

Chapter 4: Establishing the Board
Board Recruitment
Considerations in Selecting Board Members
  - The Judge
  - Social Services Personnel and Public Attorneys
  - Foster Parents
  - Relatives
Board Responsibilities

Chapter 5: The Power of Image
Developing Community Support
  - Explaining the Benefits of CASA
Explaining How CASA Relates to Others in the System
  - CASA Volunteers and Attorneys
  - Social Workers
  - Citizen Review Panels
  - Foster Parents
  - School Personnel
  - Mental Health/Substance Abuse Therapists and Counselors
  - Medical/Public Health Professionals
Responding to Common Objections to the Program
Gaining Visibility in the Community
Getting Started: The Basics

Chapter 6: Funding the Program
Developing the First Budget
Developing the Right Approach to Fundraising
Possible Funding Sources
Federal Funding for CASA Programs
National CASA Resource Development Protocol
  - Introduction
  - Research
  - Submission of Funding Requests

Chapter 7: Staffing the Program
Where to Begin
Developing the Job Description & Qualifications
  - Getting the Word Out
  - Reviewing Resumes
  - Interviewing
  - Other Screening Requirements
  - Selection and Hiring
  - Employee vs. Contract Consultant
  - Additional Staff

Chapter 8: Establishing an Office
Office Space
Office Environment
Furniture and Equipment
Computer System
Telephone System
Copying

Chapter 9: Establishing a Relationship with the Court
Role of the Volunteer
Guiding Principles
Agreement with the Court
  -Frequent Communication

Section II: Volunteers

Chapter 10: Recruiting the Right Volunteers
Where and How to Find Them
Getting Prepared
  - STEP ONE: Determine the Type of Volunteers Needed
  - STEP TWO: Determine How Many Volunteers You Need
  - STEP THREE: Create a Recruitment Plan.
  - STEP FOUR: Develop a Written Volunteer Job Description
  - STEP FIVE: Develop a Volunteer Application
  - STEP SIX: Screening Volunteers
  - The Initial Contact
  - The Application
  - Reference Checks
  - Central Registry and Criminal Records Checks
  - The Interview
  - Training as a Screening Tool
  - Spotting Red Flags
Saying "No"

Chapter 11: Volunteer Training
Designing Your Training Program
  - Schedules
  - History
  - Speakers
  - Frontline Experience: Courtroom Observation
  - A Question of Balance
  - In-Service Training
  - Volunteer Mentors

Chapter 12: Volunteer Management
Volunteer Supervision/Consultation
Volunteer Policies and Procedures
Retaining Volunteers
Performance Evaluations
Disciplinary Action
Volunteer Recognition

Section III: Managing the Program

Chapter 13: Financial Management
What is the Accounting Process?
Establishing an Accounting System
Establishing a Bank Account
Internal Controls
Financial Statements
Audits
Tax Returns

Chapter 14: Risk Management
Fear of Legal Liability
  - Liability of the Individual Volunteer
  - Liability of the Organization to the Volunteer
  - Liability of the Organization Because of the Actions of Volunteers
Minimizing the Risk
  - Liability Insurance

Chapter 15: Program Operations
Policy Considerations
  - Confidentiality
  - Procedures for Handling Complaints and Grievances
  - Personnel Policies
Keeping Records
  - Master File and Working File
  - Schedule of Hearings (Docket)
Gathering Statistical Data
  - COMET

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