How should the agency collaborate with guardians ad litem or CASA volunteers?

• A. Coordinate case planning, provide required information, maintain confidentiality, and respect roles.
• B. Limit interactions to monthly summaries.
• C. Share all records with GAL/CASA.
• D. Let GAL/CASA volunteers override agency policies.

Answer: (A)

Collaborating with guardians ad litem and CASA volunteers centers on integrating their advocacy into the case planning process while safeguarding privacy and professional boundaries. The best approach is to coordinate case planning with them, provide the information they need to advocate effectively, maintain confidentiality, and respect each role. These volunteers are appointed to represent the child’s best interests and bring an independent perspective to decisions, so they need timely, relevant details—such as safety assessments, service progress, and changes in risk or placement plans—to contribute meaningfully. At the same time, sharing must be limited to what is lawful and necessary for the child’s case, with proper authorizations and protections to protect family privacy and agency security. Agencies should not allow volunteers to dictate policy or override agency decisions; policy and safety responsibilities remain with the agency, supported by clear protocols that outline who communicates what, when, and how records are shared.

Limiting interactions to monthly summaries would hinder timely coordination and responsiveness. Sharing all records with GAL/CASA would risk overexposure of sensitive information and may breach confidentiality. Letting GAL/CASA volunteers override agency policies would compromise accountability and safety standards.