(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.
(i) Each CASA shall be considered court personnel for purposes of subdivision (a) of Section 827.
(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 71, Sec. 3. (AB 424) Effective January 1, 2016.)