Thank you to all the advocates who participated in the volunteer meetings in Santa Maria and Lompoc. Below are all the tips you shared for writing court reports:
General tips
- Remember- it has to be accurate, in your words and on time…. Not perfect
- Your advocate supervisor is there to help you write the best report you can… Not grade you
- Start early and turn the draft in on time 4 weeks before the hearing
Note Taking/ information gathering tips-
Tools and tips that help you to make sure that you have all of the information you need before you start your court report.
Things that work:
- A CASA Journal
- A CASA Planner- write notes down on the days
- Email Advocate Supervisor after every contact- Saves the time and date
- Take notes right away
- Write down exact quotes
- Write notes directly on the temple (electronic or paper)
- Use Zillow to get info on the placement home (size, rooms, neighborhood/ school)
- Use voice memo on phone before leaving the visit
- be familiar with the template and know what they need to be focused on before the template it sent out to them.
- Do their initial meeting with services providers (teachers, therapist, doctors, etc.) and do regular follow ups. Asking for report cards, progress report, attendance and or evaluations.
- Have regular contact (build rapport) with the care providers/parents to get the information you need.
- Check in with other CASAs on the same case to get different perspective or capture more information about your child(sometimes).
- Inviting self to appointment/meetings..ie with SW, doctors, therapist. Be involved.
- Using computer to keep track of visits (google calendar – provide reminders and log time). Keep notes electronically.
- Journaling. Organizing notes visits with kids, parents and service providers by dates.
Things that don’t work
- Relying on memory
- Not keeping regular contact with AS
- Waiting to contact professionals
Getting your court report draft in on time
Tools and tips for getting your court report draft in on time
Things that work:
- Starting the template with at least three things when you get it from your Advocate Supervisor
- Having your notes organized so it’s easier to pull what you need for the report
- keeping things in chronological order
- being clear and concise
- working with your advocate supervisor
- keeping your notes in the court report template so everything is in one place
- Write and revise your court report as you go
- Start with recommendations section or CASA Comments, concerns and Questions…. Then work backward
- Remember it is a draft and it doesn’t have to be perfect
Things that don’t work:
- not keeping notes
- waiting until the last minute to get started
- waiting till it is perfect to submit a draft
Getting additional information
Tools and tips for getting extra information when you are in the draft phase
Things that work:
- Building relationships with all of your contacts.
- Letting them know when you will be writing the court report and setting up a time to call during the draft phase
- Be specific- have questions written down/ email in advance
- Ask your Advocate Supervisor for help- especially with Social Workers
- Prioritizing your questions- get most important information first
Things that don’t work:
- Making first time calls while you are in the draft phase
Last minute information
Tools and tips for getting last minute information into your reports
Things that work:
- Making a last round of calls the week before the hearing. A final check up
- Taking your child to court… use that to ask what they want the judge to know
- Filing an addendum
- Attending court
- Emailing a statement to be read in court to your Advocate Supervisor
Things that don’t work:
- Turning in a late Court Report