BEST INTEREST CASA REPORT
DOCKET NUMBER: --- JA ----
In the Best Interest of:
DOB:
Age:
Number of Placements:
Months in Foster Care:
CASA:
ASA:
Date of Hearing:
Case History: Briefly describe why child came into care. Repeat the Case History you
provide in your Permanency Reports.
Placements: Describe type of placement i.e. relative vs. traditional and how many months
at each placement. If child was moved, explain why. Please do not use names or
relationships such as aunt, uncle.
EXAMPLE:
Doris and Frank were originally placed in a relative foster care placement until April 2011, when
they were removed due to allegations of corporal punishment and the paternal father, Clark, was
found to be living in the home. The children were then placed in the present foster home where
they currently reside.
EXAMPLE:
Frank has been in foster care since October of 2010. He has always been in a relative foster
placement. Frank has adjusted very well to placement with his foster parents and appears to be
happy and thriving in this environment.
EXAMPLE:
Frank and Doris have been in foster care since August 11, 2010. Since coming into foster care,
they have been in the same traditional foster home placement. Both children have adjusted very
well to this placement and appear to be happy and thriving in this environment.
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Visitation: Detail the visitation schedule for child/children with their biological parents and
siblings.
EXAMPLE:
Doris has a visit every other Wednesday with her biological father and mother. Each parent has
an individual visit with Doris for one hour. This CASA has observed one visit each with both of
the parents. At each visit, both parents were attentive to the needs of Doris, provided nutritional
snacks and were interactive in playing with her. Doris did not express any separation anxiety at
the end of the visits.
EXAMPLE:
Frank visits with his biological mom, Shari, once a week for 1 hour at the Catholic Charities
office. Shari may also contact Frank by telephone three times a week.
Currently, Frank does not have scheduled visits with his biological father. The biological father
has not had contact with the caseworker or this CASA since December 1, 2011.
EXAMPLE:
Frank no longer visits with his mother, Elizabeth Smith. She irrevocably surrendered her parental
rights on August 23, 2011. Baby Frank visited his biological father, Clark Gable on a monthly
basis several times during Mr. Gable’s incarceration. After Mr. Gable was released from prison,
weekly one hour visits began on August 9th, 2011 at Mr. Gable’s relative’s apartment where he is
currently residing. These visits are supervised by the Baby Fold case aid, Allison Jones.
CURRENT CASE STATUS
EXAMPLE:
Mother: Pamela Anderson
Pamela Anderson was making progress with her service plan when this CASA entered the case.
Ms. Anderson was able to meet the minimum requirements as long as she followed the plan
provided to her by Catholic Charities. It should be noted that this CASA’s interaction with Ms.
Anderson and her children only took place in supervised visits, family team meetings, and court
hearings.
After the court hearing on January 25, 2011 when Ms. Anderson was found fit, she completely
dropped out of services and had no further interaction with her children. During sibling visits
after that point both girls would refer to other female foster parents supervising visits as “new
mom”.
EXAMPLE:
Mother: Susie Snowflake
Susie Snowflake surrendered her parental rights on July 27, 2011.
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EXAMPLE:
Father: Don Johnson
Don Johnson, Tom’s father, began visits with Tom in late April, 2011, when Tom was almost
seven months old. Don has been scheduled for weekly visits with Tom over the last five months
but he has not been consistent in attending those visits, offering multiple excuses for their
cancellation. Don’s last visit with Tom was on September 20, 2011.
Don Johnson also has made very minimal progress in attaining the goals of his Service Plan. He
began Domestic Violence group, but he has not participated since August 14, 2011. He will not
be allowed back into the group until he is reassessed. He also had a domestic violence incident
which involved Tom’s mother. This occurred the day following the August 23rd court hearing in
which his parental rights of Sally Jones were terminated.
Since Tom has not had consistent contact with Don Johnson during his year of life and Don
Johnson has not demonstrated a desire to parent, it is the opinion of this CASA, that it would not
be in Tom’s best interest to be placed in Don Johnson’s custody.
EXAMPLE:
Father: John Smith
The biological father, John Smith has not participated in services since this CASA was
appointed. This CASA has never met John nor had the opportunity to see him interact with his
daughter. Based on his lack of participation with his service plan and the court, this CASA
strongly feels he has no desire to parent.
EXAMPLE:
Child: Frank Sinatra
Frank is a happy, active and well-adjusted 4-year-old boy. He shows a great deal of confidence
and self-assurance. He is very articulate and does not hesitate to tell this CASA about special
things that he has done since this CASA’s last visit regarding his dogs, his building tools, and his
school projects.
Frank has adjusted very well to living in this placement and is developing and thriving in this
environment. He has formed a strong attachment to his foster parents and his sister, especially
with his foster mother. Frank appears to feel secure, valued and loved in his foster home.
EXAMPLE:
Child: Tom Jones
Tom was placed in foster care at 9 months old. He was not very responsive, he rarely cried,
smiled, etc. Tom remains in the same foster home and now appears very content. This CASA
has observed the foster parents showing Frank love and affection, and they treat him as a son.
The foster parents are very organized and take Tom to all his doctor appointments and therapies.
Tom requires several medications to be administered daily.
Since the last court hearing, this CASA visited Tom at his daycare, Katie’s Kids. Tom
recognized this CASA immediately. The staff feels he is doing wonderfully. His language skills
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have improved; he is showing emotions in his language, he can follow simple directions, and has
shown improvement in his growth motor skills.
Best Interest of the Child: Do not delete any of these questions, and every question needs to
be answered.
The following is a detailed outline of what this CASA believes to be in Tom’s best interest:
1. Where the child actually feels love, attachment, and a sense of being valued (as
opposed to where adults believe the child should feel such love, attachment, and a
sense of being valued).
EXAMPLE:
It is this CASA’s opinion that Tom is currently in a home where he is loved and
appreciated. He has developed a strong attachment to his foster family as well as his
older sister. This CASA has seen Tom showing affection to his foster mother and
receiving this same affection in return. Tom shows positive, age-appropriate behavior,
which is nurtured and encouraged by his foster mother, and in this CASA’s opinion is a
result of Tom feeling loved and valued in his foster home. This is extremely important
for Tom since he has never lived with either of his biological parents.
EXAMPLE:
Both Doris and Frank are receiving love and affection, feeling secure, and are bonding
with their current foster families. Doris is in a family setting and is treated as a member
of the foster family. She seems to have adjusted well and is fond of the foster mother.
She has told this CASA that she likes her foster home. The foster father has developed a
good relationship with Doris as well. Doris seems to respect and trust him. Doris seems
to thrive in a scheduled environment which the foster home offers. Doris has made great
strides in school and with developing friendships. Doris’ needs are being met by her
foster family.
Frank’s foster parents show Frank love and affection, and treat him as a son. He seems
very content. Frank has health and physical challenges that are being handled by the
foster parents in an organized and efficient way.
2. The child’s sense of security.
EXAMPLE:
Through this CASA’s observations in the foster home, Frank exhibits a complete sense of
security. Frank expresses recognition of this CASA when this CASA comes to visit by
smiling and laughing. Frank is comfortable approaching this CASA, asking questions and
including this CASA in his play activity. He takes direction from the foster family
politely and without any fuss.
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EXAMPLE:
Whenever Frank needs something during this CASA’s visits, whether it is comfort or
reassurance, he immediately approaches his foster mother to address his needs. Frank
appears very confident and comfortable in his foster home, which this CASA feels, is a
direct result of the foster parent’s providing a routine and stable environment.
3. The child’s sense of familiarity.
EXAMPLE:
Frank was placed in his foster home 12 months ago, immediately following his birth. His
older sister had been placed in the home 10 months prior to Frank’s placement. The
foster parent’s home is the only true home that Frank has ever known. Frank is very
comfortable and familiar with his home and his foster family members.
EXAMPLE:
This CASA feels that while Frank and Doris have only been in their new foster home for
less than five months, there seems to be a sense of comfort and they seem to feel they are
at home with the foster parent and foster siblings. The children’s’ foster parent seems to
continuously keep the children engaged in family activities that involve the foster
parent’s extended family and friends, and the children seem to interact well with them.
4. The continuity of affection for the child.
EXAMPLE:
Frank is continually shown affection by his foster family. This CASA observes Frank
demonstrating his affection towards his foster family during this CASA’s visits at the
foster home. He loves to clap his hands, bounce and smile in response to his foster
parents’ interactions with him. Recently it appears that Frank recognizes this CASA and
readily smiles when spoken to by the CASA.
EXAMPLE:
Both Frank and Doris have been shown constant loving affection by their foster families.
Doris is included in family and holiday events and is provided assistance with her
homework. Frank and Doris are integrated into their foster families and are treated like a
member of the family. Frank responds to his foster parents in a comfortable and trusting
manner.
EXAMPLE:
Frank is the more affectionate of the two children in the foster home. Frank often
verbalizes his love for his foster parent with words and a quick hug around his leg or
waist. Doris at times has mimicked this behavior, however usually after Frank has
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expressed his feelings. The children have been seen playing together, and are able to
resolve their differences in a healthy manner.
5. The least disruptive placement alternative for the child
EXAMPLE:
It is this CASA’s opinion that the foster home is the least disruptive placement for Frank
and Doris. The foster parent has shown the children consistency and a daily routine,
without the disruptions of “non-allowed” visits from their biological father. Frank and
Doris live in the foster home with the foster parent’s son, and a foster brother. The foster
parent seems to be able to provide them with a balance of discipline and love to help
foster a true family atmosphere.
EXAMPLE:
It is this CASA’s strong opinion that the foster parents’ home would be the least
disruptive placement for Frank. The foster parent’s home is the only true home Frank has
ever known. He lives there with his sister and foster parents, for whom he has grown
much attached. Frank is in a stable and loving environment and if he were to be
removed, this CASA feels it would greatly hinder his development and trust of adults.
EXAMPLE:
It is this CASA’s opinion that the least disruptive placement for the children at this time
would be their current foster placement. Although, they have only been in the home for 3
months, a stable and consistent environment will allow the children to continue to
flourish.
6. The child’s wishes and long-term goals.
EXAMPLE:
Since Frank is only one year old, it is difficult for him to actually express his wishes or
long-term goals. From this CASA’s observations, it would seem reasonable to assume
Frank would prefer to remain living in his current foster placement. This home is a place
that Frank is familiar and secure with and he has a foster family that he loves and who
love him.
EXAMPLE:
From this CASA’s observations, this CASA feels that Frank would prefer to remain
living in his current foster placement. This home is a place that Frank is familiar and
secure with and he has a foster family that he loves and who love him. He addresses his
foster parents as Mom and Dad and refers to them as his parents.
EXAMPLE:
Frank is more aware of the meaning of adoption, and is very aware that the foster parent
wants to adopt him and his sister Doris. Frank displays some skepticism due to his
concern of his inability to see his paternal grandmother. Doris also expresses that she
wants to spend more time with her siblings and seems to want assurance of connecting
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more with them. Frank does, however, say that he would like for the foster parent to
adopt him.
7. The child’s community ties, including church, school and friends.
EXAMPLE:
Since Frank is only 11 months old, his ties to school, friends and the community are not
yet fully developed. While his foster parents are at work, Frank spends his day with the
daycare provider. She offers Frank a secure environment with a daily routine. She has
commented that Frank is one of the happiest babies she has had in her care. In addition,
this CASA noted the positive reaction to Frank by the other children when this CASA
visited the daycare. Frank also seems very attached to the daycare provider as he cries
when leaving her house with the case worker but stops once he returns back to her home.
EXAMPLE:
Frank has told this CASA that he enjoys school and his classmates. He has attended
various community events with his foster cousin’s family. As this is a relative foster
placement he has also met several of his relatives at family gatherings on his paternal side
of the family. The foster parents have also arranged for Frank to meet with his maternal
grandmother and his older brothers who are in her care. It is this CASA understanding
that the foster parents are willing to include both sides of the biological parents’ family
members in Frank’s life.
8. The child’s need for permanence which includes the child’s need for stability and
continuity of relationships with parent figures and with siblings and other relatives.
EXAMPLE:
Frank is thriving in his current, stable and loving foster home. He has developed a very
close relationship with his foster parents, especially his foster mother, and his older sister.
Frank is allowed to express himself and is given unconditional love in the foster family
home. It is this CASA’s opinion that Frank is being provided stability and continuity of
relationships with his foster parents, sister, and other relatives. Remaining with his foster
parents would provide Frank with the permanency that is needed to continue the progress
of his development and his trust in adults.
EXAMPLE:
Frank and Doris are thriving in their current foster home where there is stability and love.
Frank and Doris are developing a close relationship with the foster family. Frank has
expressed his love for the foster parent, and Doris shows her happiness and comfort at
each visit. It is this CASA’s opinion that Frank and Doris are being provided stability
and an effort to ensure they maintain a relationship with their siblings and other
appropriate relatives. Remaining with the current foster family would provide Frank and
Doris with an environment that seeks to offer them continued stability and trust they need
to assist in their healthy development.
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9. The uniqueness of every family and child.
EXAMPLE:
Frank is a very happy and loving child. He smiles most of the time while interacting with
people in his environment including this CASA. He is very active and appears to be
meeting all his developmental milestones at the appropriate times. He was placed in the
relative foster care as an infant immediately upon his release from the hospital. He has
lived with his foster family his entire life. His foster family and Frank have grown
together to become a family unit where love, care and concern for each other are apparent
to this CASA. It is this CASA’s belief that Frank’s positive development is directly
related to the loving and nurturing environment provided by his foster family.
EXAMPLE:
Both Frank and Doris are very happy and loving children by nature. While Frank tends
to be a bit shyer than Doris and less talkative at first, he is very expressive with art and
with non-verbal communication. Doris is very outgoing. Recently, she has become very
talkative, even to the point of answering questions for her older brother. At times, Doris
also more readily exhibits her strong will. Both children have made tremendous strides
in moving towards appropriate age behaviors, eating healthier, and appear more
confident. The children have developed a comfort level and appear calmer. This CASA
feels the development of both children is a direct result of the love, nurturing, and care
provided by the foster parents.
10. The risks attendant to entering and being in substitute care.
EXAMPLE:
This CASA feels Frank is flourishing in his foster parent’s home. The foster parents’
home is a stable, loving, child-centered home in which Tom is being raised along with his
older sister. Frank’s foster parents encourage his development and ability to express
himself. This CASA had observed Frank’s trust in his foster mother and the love
between the two of them. This CASA strongly feels placing Frank in any substitute care
would be harmful to Frank’s development and trust in adults.
EXAMPLE:
This CASA feels Frank is flourishing in his foster home. Their home is a stable, loving,
child-centered home where Frank is cherished. They provide him with much
encouragement and delight in his development and his growing ability to express himself.
This CASA strongly feels placing Frank in any substitute care would be harmful to
Frank’s development and trust in adults
11. The preferences of the persons available to care for the child.
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EXAMPLE:
Frank’s foster parents have made it very clear that they wish to adopt Frank. This CASA
believes Frank was placed in their home with the possibility of this resolution in mind.
Frank’s foster parents are very loving and nurturing. This foster family has invested their
love and care in Frank for over half his life and have wanted only what is best for him.
They are providing him a good, stable foundation for his growth and development. Frank
has formed a strong attachment to his foster parents and it is this CASA’s belief that he
feels secure and loved in their home.
EXAMPLE:
Frank’s foster parents have stated to this CASA that they are willing to adopt. Doris’
foster parents have stated to this CASA they are willing to keep Doris indefinitely until a
suitable adoptive family is located.
Summary:
EXAMPLE:
This CASA has evaluated many aspects with regards to Frank’s best interest. This CASA is
confident that Frank is thriving in his current environment. Frank’s foster family has provided
Frank with unconditional love. In doing so, they have helped Frank to feel safe, secure, happy
and loved. Frank is very attached to his foster family and appears very content in their home.
It is this CASA’s opinion that Frank is very happy in current environment and that his current
placement meets his needs and is in his best interest. Frank has been in foster care for the entire
11 months of his life. His father has not provided full time care for Frank. Mr. Gable was
incarcerated for the first 10 months of Frank’s life and has just recently begun to see Frank on a
weekly basis. At his young age, baby Frank needs to know he can depend on adults. Baby Frank
deserves a stable, safe and nurturing home. Mr. Gable’s history of parenting indicates that he has
not been present long-term as an active participant in parenting his three older children. Mr.
Gable told this CASA he lived with the children during the first three years of their lives. His
contact with his children was more sporadic after those initial years. It is the opinion of this
CASA, that it would not be in baby Frank’s best interest to be placed in Mr. Gable’s custody.
Frank has not had consistent contact with his biological father during his first year of life and
given Mr. Gable’s history of incarcerations, substance abuse and inability to assume the
responsibility of on- going parenting, it is the opinion of this CASA, that it would not be in baby
Frank’s best interest to be placed in Mr. Gable’s custody.
This CASA strongly believes that Frank needs permanent placement, with his current foster
family. Therefore, this CASA recommends that it is in the best interest of the minor, Frank
Sinatra, that Clark Gable’s parental rights be terminated.
EXAMPLE:
It is this CASA’s opinion that the children are in a home that meets their needs and provides a
stable and consistent environment. The children have been in foster care for the past 19 months
of their young life and deserve closure. Their biological parents have not been able to provide
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full time care or have demonstrated their willingness to do so. The children both deserve a
consistent, nurturing home. At this young age, both girls need to know they can depend on
adults. This CASA strongly believes that the children need permanent placement. Therefore,
this CASA recommends that it is in the best interest of the minors, that the biological parent’s
rights be terminated.
EXAMPLE:
This CASA believes that Clark has not made sound decisions in the best interests of his
children’s safety and well-being. He did not show responsibility when he chose to not participate
in the services required to complete his client service plan or his decision to discontinue Doris’
medication. It is very important that both Doris and Frank continue to receive their medication
and Frank continue to be provided the therapy he requires. Clark has not shown that he places his
children’s welfare above his own desires. The foster families are providing stability and security
for the children while meeting all their needs. It is the opinion of this CASA that Clark will not
be able to maintain the necessary level of care required for the children, including maintaining
medication and therapy.
Recommendations: Number the recommendations
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
DCFS maintain guardianship
Father’s rights be terminated
Mother’s rights be terminated
Foster placement (should child remain in current foster placement)
The child has been in foster care for ---- months and the Permanency goal should be
changed to ______.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
CASA Volunteer
__________________
Date
___________________________________
CASA Case Supervisor
__________________
Date
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