What You Need to Know: CASA programs currently rely on scheduled re-fingerprinting every four years to screen their volunteers and staff for any instances of child abuse. This creates a gap during which individuals listed on the Child Abuse Central Index may continue working with children undetected. Additionally, April is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Sacramento, CA - Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom’s bill, AB 741, has just passed the State Assembly with unanimous support. This bill requires the Department of Justice to immediately notify the California Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association if any of their advocates appears on the Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) after those individuals have completed their background checks. This bill ensures that any potential advocates with any recent incidents of child abuse are immediately identified, allowing CASA to respond appropriately to safeguard the children they support.
Sharon Lawrence, Esq., Chief Executive Officer at California CASA Association added “We are thrilled this bill has passed in the Assembly, as it will reinforce the safety of children in foster care while streamlining background checks for our CASA volunteers and employees. This means an added layer of protection for all children and teens in foster care, since our CASA programs will be notified immediately if there is a new concern. We hope this ongoing monitoring will keep our programs and all the children we serve safer than ever.”
“CASA volunteers step in during some of the most uncertain moments in a child’s life. AB 741 ensures we’re not just trusting their intentions… we’re actively verifying them over time,” said Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom. “This bill puts our children first by strengthening protections for foster youth. I’m proud the bill passed the Assembly with strong support, and I look forward to working with our Senate colleagues to get it across the finish line.”
