CASA OF TRAVIS COUNTY, INC.
7701 N. Lamar Blvd. Suite #301
Austin, Texas 78752
(512) 459-2272 FAX (512) 459-4550
Cause No.
CASA Child Consult Form
IN THE INTEREST OF:
CHILD/CHILDREN
DATE OF HEARING:
Explain the nature of your work. Describe CASA’s role and, more specifically, the role of the Family Finding Program. Explain that you are interested in getting the child’s perspective and learning more about the child’s family. Keep expectations low by stating that you are here to simply gather as much information as possible so that good decisions can be made for the child and that you want the child to be part of the process.
Remember: Be aware of the delicate nature of the conversation. Allow the child to lead the conversation.
Also, use Checking Questions to make sure you understand what the child is saying.
“Is this what you mean?”
“As I understand it, you would like this? Is that correct?”
“Are you saying that was a negative/positive experience?”
Also, use Tell Me More Questions if you think the child can elaborate on a topic.
“Can you be more specific?”
“Then what happened?”
______
Permission Questions
Are there any questions you have about the process before we begin the interview?
Would you like anything before we begin? A glass of water?A toy?A pen and paper?
Factual Questions
What grade are you in at school?
What is the name of your school?
What activities do you like? Sports? Art? Reading? Music?
How long have you attended this school?
Tell Me About Questions
Tell me about your time in foster care.
What do you know about why you came into care?
Tell me about your family.
What can you tell me about your parents?
Tell me about your favorite relative/caregiver.
Tell me where you felt the safest.
Feeling Questions
How did you feel when you came into foster care?
What do you like best about your current situation?
What do you like least?
How do you feel about talking about your family?
What the Child Wants
Where do you want to live?
Who would you like to contact?
What do you want to know about your family?
Can you name your relatives?
Do you have pictures of your family? Would you like pictures?
Who do you have contact with now (even if you are not supposed to have contact)?
If PMC, how do you feel about adoption?
In Closing
Is there anything else you would like me to know?
How do you feel about what we talked about today?
After the interview, let the child know he/she is very brave for having this conversation. Tell the child you know it can be difficult to talk about the past, but that CASA’s goal is to create a better future for him/her. Thank the child for their time and notify the caregiver when you are finished.