QuestionsCategory: Leadership and Staff (Human Resources)Court During the COVID Pandemic
Greg Dalton Staff asked 4 years ago

Hey team, hope you are all well and safe. I know we have some attorneys and have some folks with direct access to attorneys. Do any of you know if a CASA Director or CASA Supervisor can order a CASA not to go to court or can we order the CASA to only appear by telephone or video? Since the CASA is a party to the case, do we have that legal authority to restrict their physical presence?

2 Answers
Greg Dalton Staff answered 4 years ago

Attached is the most recent Chief Justice Order, dated 16 March 2020, addressing restrictions on dependency and other hearings. Paragraph 8 of the order addresses Expectations for Lawyers. I’ve asked for similar clarification to be added for CASAs (whether staff or volunteers).
There is an emergency JCIP Advisory Committee Meeting being held late this afternoon to seek stakeholder input into longer-term restrictions. If this lasts 1-2 months more, 3-4 months more, or longer than that — what are additional considerations for the court with respect to dependency hearings? Are there hearings that must take place other than what is in the current order? Are there additional restrictions or other specific modifications to the order that you’d recommend?

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Alysha Shipley answered 4 years ago

Here is something I put together for volunteers in Lane County.
The only hearings our courts are having right now are Shelter/Original Hearings-unless a motion is filed by a party and the court finds good cause to call parties to court (which would likely happen remotely).
We are not appointed until after jurisdiction in Lane County.
I am still having our staff submit any reports written for postponed hearings, after confirming with the court they would welcome that information.
I have another document I sent to the judges and community partners and can email it, since I can;t seem to attach it here if you comment with your email.
Feel free to contact me me if you would like to discuss anything. 541-868-3091 alyshas@casa-lane.org

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