1. Court Report Writing 101
CASA of Los Angeles

2. In-Service Goals
Discuss: How to write your report in a way to support your recommendations.
Review: Court report components
Practice: Interviews, Recommendations & Summary/Evals

3. Getting Started

4. Getting Started: Recommendations
ADVOCACY GOALS
HEARING GOAL
RECOMMENDATIONS

5. Recommendations
A 14 year old girl has a history of AWOLing from placement. Due to AWOL behaviors, as well as angry outbursts in which she verbally abuses group home staff, she is placed in a level 12 group home. ADVOCACY GOAL: CASA to assist youth transition to a lower level of care. HEARING TYPE: RPP HEARING GOAL: ????

6. Recommendations
A one year old boy is living with his maternal grandmother and has monitored visits with his mother. On several occasions, CASA has observed that mother is consistent with her visits and is appropriate with the boy. CSW tells you mother is making progress on most court ordered services, but has not yet begun parenting classes. ADVOCACY GOAL: CASA to support family reunification with mother. HEARING TYPE: 21e HEARING GOAL: ????

7. Recommendations
An 8 year old boy has had behavioral challenges (extreme tantrums) and enuresis since his removal from his mother, approximately one year ago. After multiple placements, he is placed with his aunt. She states she wants to be his legal guardian, but has been expressing concern and frustration regarding his behavior.
ADVOCACY GOAL: CASA to assist child in maintaining stability in placement.
HEARING TYPE: RPP
HEARING GOAL: ????

8. Recommendations: Keep in Mind
What is “orderable”?
Are there particular orders/questions to address at this hearing?

9. Now that we have recommendations:
HOW DO WE TELL A STORY TO GET THERE?

10. Building Your Report
Interviews and Summary/Evaluation

11. Building Your Report Relevant Information Succinct Information
Capture big pictures, patterns, missing pieces and themes.

12. Interviews Child’s Position CASA Interviews Recommendations Activity:
What Interviews are Relevant/Not Relevant
What connections/themes would you want to make clear

13. Summary and Evaluation
IMPORTANT!
SUMMARIZE:
Advocacy Goals
Your efforts to address those goals
How your recommendations will support those goals
Look at the Big Picture
Point out common themes around successes and challenges, identify missing pieces.

14. Building Your Report
Case History and Case Status

15. Case History/Case Status
FACT BASED
Short, Simple and Specific

16. Overview

17. Overview: Key Points
Use your advocacy goals as your jumping off point.
Use information/interviews/opinions that support your recommendations and your advocacy goals.
Use your team : Talk to your CSW, attorney and SPC/PC about your goals for the case and the best way to get there.