Court Opinions

State Laws

US Code

US Constitution

California Welfare And Institutions Code Section 103

Legal Research Home > California Lawyer > Welfare and Institutions Code > California Welfare And Institutions Code Section 103

(a) Persons acting as a CASA shall be individuals who have
demonstrated an interest in children and their welfare. Each CASA
shall participate in a training course conducted under the rules and
regulations adopted by the Judicial Council and in ongoing training
and supervision throughout his or her involvement in the program.
Each CASA shall be evaluated before and after initial training to
determine his or her fitness for these responsibilities. Ongoing
training shall be provided at least monthly.
   (b) Each CASA shall commit a minimum of one year of service to a
child until a permanent placement is achieved for the child or until
relieved by the court, whichever is first. At the end of each year of
service, the CASA, with the approval of the court, may recommit for
an additional year.
   (c) A CASA shall have no associations that create a conflict of
interest with his or her duties as a CASA.
   (d) An adult otherwise qualified to act as a CASA shall not be
discriminated against based upon marital status, socioeconomic
factors, or because of any characteristic listed or defined in
Section 11135 of the Government Code.
   (e) Each CASA is an officer of the court, with the relevant rights
and responsibilities that pertain to that role and shall act
consistently with the local rules of court pertaining to CASAs.
   (f) Each CASA shall be sworn in by a superior court judge or
commissioner before beginning his or her duties.
   (g) A judge may appoint a CASA when, in the opinion of the judge,
a child requires services which can be provided by the CASA,
consistent with the local rules of court.
   (h) To accomplish the appointment of a CASA, the judge making the
appointment shall sign an order, which may grant the CASA the
authority to review specific relevant documents and interview parties
involved in the case, as well as other persons having significant
information relating to the child, to the same extent as any other
officer of the court appointed to investigate proceedings on behalf
of the court.

Last modified: January 12, 2009