The CAAVA Volunteer and the Courts

Code of Ethics | Duties of CAAVA Volunteer | Role of CAAVA Volunteer | Volunteer Brochure
these links will download pdf documents

CAAVA is a unique concept for the court system in Oklahoma that seeks to better serve the needs of vulnerable adults. Through formal agreements with participating judges, CAAVA utilizes community volunteers in matters of families involved in the court system. An CAAVA volunteer is an appointed officer of the court and works alongside attorneys, adult protective service workers and social workers. The CAAVA volunteer is responsible for gathering information that will enable the court system to better understand the situation of the vulnerable adult.

The volunteers, acting as guardians ad litem for the vulnerable adults coming before the court, bring to the proceedings significant information about the vulnerable adults. An CAAVA volunteer can be effective in helping prevent inappropriate and unnecessary changes in the lives of those vulnerable adults who face the possibility of losing all their legal rights.

The CAAVA volunteer serves as a vital information link between the court and the vulnerable adult. The volunteer becomes the eyes and ears of the court, making independent, objective recommendations regarding the best interests of the vulnerable adult.