“What Judges Want to KnoW from GAL/CASA Volunteers: A

VieW from the Bench,” Judge John D. Potter, Jasper Circuit Court

Judge Dana J. Kenworthy Grant Superior Court

Magistrate Jennifer J. Hubartt, Marion Superior Court, Juvenile Division

THINGS JUDGES DO NOT LIKE

THINGS JUDGES DO NOT LIKE

In CHINS cases silence is not golden.

Courts rule on the record in front of them.

No report, no input, leaves us to guess or worse, to order something for the child that is wrong because the person closest to the child said or filed nothing.

“I agree with DCS’ recommendation” is all you need sometimes, but your own recommendation is better.

THINGS JUDGES DO NOT LIKE

Advocating for the child sometimes means recommending which parent. Don’t start advocating for a parent, against the other parent.

THINGS JUDGES DO NOT LIKE

We do not want a list of what the child wants. We want your recommendation as to what is best for the child considering, if appropriate, the child’s wants.

© Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, 1971, Paramount

THINGS JUDGES DO NOT LIKE

Do not get upset and quit if the Order does not go your way. There are many factors Judges consider and the law requires us to do things we do not want to do. DON’T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY!!!

THINGS JUDGES DO NOT LIKE

Not listening to or communicating child’s caregivers and providers.Not speaking with parents when the child is removed and placed.Not seeing the child or observing interaction of child and parent.

THINGS JUDGES DO NOT LIKE

Your Honor. The CASA is lying. They don’t know the law. The CASA hates men because of her divorce, etc.

CASAs being attacked.

THINGS JUDGES DO NOT LIKE

Dear Judge SoandSo: I am a CASA in another County and I have known the mother (father) for years. She should have custody of her kids. She loves them, etc., etc., etc., …….

THINGS JUDGES DO NOT LIKE

Overcritical or nitpicky reports and comments. Remember the DCS parental standard is a D-, not an A or B or C or D+.

THINGS JUDGES DO NOT LIKE

Summary of past events is fine. We like to hear what has happened since the last time—not read the same cut-and-paste report with one or two new sentences.

Regurgitation and copying of DCS reports. We already read those.

THINGS JUDGES DO NOT LIKE

Please dress appropriately.

THINGS JUDGES LIKE

Judge, my recommendation is…….

We like it when you are present in Court.

THINGS JUDGES LIKE

REPORTS !!

THINGS JUDGES LIKE

Services are working. Mom has learned to……….. Child has started ………. Father has realized and addressed…… etc. PRAISE FOR THE POSITIVE!

THINGS JUDGES LIKE

The caseworker’s report and recommendation are mostly correct; however, they did leave out some important information you should consider on behalf of the child…. Things the DCS misses!

THINGS JUDGES LIKE

Specific Recommendations

The child is doing well and benefitting from services provided; however, the child needs and would benefit by these additional services not being offered: ……………..

THINGS JUDGES LIKE

What investigative steps have been taken since the last report? With whom did you speak? What reports did you review? Showing what you did makes your report more thorough and carry more weight with the Court.

THINGS JUDGES LIKE

Disagree with other agencies/people in a respectful manner. A CASA report that is unduly critical or negative of a person or agency will result in that agency not wanting to deal with CASA in your case and in future cases.

THINGS JUDGES LIKE

BE PREPARED!Review your file and be ready to testify and to answer questions.

THINGS JUDGES LIKE

We like that you have visited the home where the children or parents live.

THINGS JUDGES LIKE

Non-judgmental communication and demeanor with children and families is important and hard. Remember, parents in a CHINS case are already at or close to rock-bottom—don’t kick them while they are down. Kindness goes a long way to obtaining answers and cooperation.

THINGS JUDGES LIKE

If the Court orders you to do something, do it. If the Court asks that something be done, do it. If the Court suggests something should be done, do it.

THINGS JUDGES LIKE

We like it when you are the voice of reason and not involved in the litigious aspects of a case. We can say to the arguing attorneys, parents, etc., “The CASA is right, we should do that.”

THINGS JUDGES LIKE

Tell us about the kids. We don’t ever get to see or to meet them.

THINGS JUDGES LIKE

CASA programs and partners.