Qualifications

Interest in children, their rights and special needs.
  1. Time to devote to training sessions, investigations and follow-up of a case (usually a one year commitment approximately 8 - 10 hours a month).
  2. Ability to work with a child, family members, and professionals using tact, concern, and basic human relations skills. 
  3. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing. Making verbal and written reports to the court, to the PARACHUTE staff, and others as needed.

Requirements

  1. Attend volunteer training sessions, approximately 30 hours classroom time and 4 - 6 hours Juvenile Court observation time.
  2. Maintain strict confidentiality.
  3. Have the capacity to remain objective.
  4. Be 21 years of age.
  5. Have a suitable background (knowledge of & concern for children, no criminal record or record of child abuse).
  6. After training, serve at least one child until a permanent plan has been implemented, often a period of one year.
  7. Keep the PARACHUTE staff informed of all case activities and confer with them regularly. 
  8. Maintain an up-to-date file on each case assigned.
  9. Complete continuing education requirements on an ongoing basis, this includes In-Services, conferences, related reading materials, etc.
  10. Be aware of deadlines and timetables involving a case and turn in all reports and time sheets on time.
  11. Be available to attend court hearings and to confer with Butler County Childrens Services (BCCS) and other professionals involved in the case during business hours. 

Specific Duties

  1. Upon assignment to a child's case, review the childs' records and all available documents to obtain a clear understanding of the childs' needs and situation.  
  2. Interview the child, parents, family members, foster parents, teachers, social worker and other interested parties to determine the facts and circumstances of the child's situation. 
  3. Identify and advocate for the best interest of the child.
  4. Meet with child on a regular basis (at least bi-monthly) to ensure in-depth knowledge of the case and monitor progress toward the goal of a safe, permanent home. (An exception may be granted at the discretion of the PARACHUTE staff, however the justification and reasons for a decision to permit less frequent in person contact must be appropriate and documented.)
  5. Advocate for the child's best interest in the community by interfacing with mental health, education and other community systems to assure that the child's needs in these areas are met. Seek cooperative solutions by acting as a facilitator among parties.
  6. Make recommendations for appropriate services for the child, and when appropriate, the child's family. 
  7. Monitor implementation of service plans and court orders assuring that court-ordered services are implemented in a timely manner and that review hearings are held in accordance with the law.
  8. Participate in regular supervision with PARACHUTE staff. 
  9. Inform the court promptly of important developments in the childs' case through appropriate means as determined by PARACHUTE, court rules and statue.
  10. Determine if a permanent plan has been created for a child.
  11. Maintain complete records about the case, including appointments, interview and information gathered about the child and the child's life circumstances.
  12. Prepare a fact based written report stating findings and recommendations for each court hearing, and submit the report no less than 4 days prior to the court hearing.
  13. Appear in court as needed for all hearings and provide testimony when necessary. 
  14. Continue follow up contacts with child. Bring any significant changes in the family to the attention of the PARACHUTE staff and the court. 
  15. Submit supplementary reports, and make new recommendations as needed at future court hearing, until final disposition
  16. Ensure that reviews by the court are done in a timely fashion.
  17. Participate in in-service training.