ADVOCATES FAQs
Below you will find answers to questions, links to information, and various how to’s. Check back as more is added to this section.
How to Write a Contact Log
How do I Enter Self Study hours into Optima?
- To do this, go to your Volunteer Dashboard and click the “Training Logs” tab.
- Add the date and be sure to include a “Complete Date” (they can be the same day).
- Under “Training Topic”, scroll down and choose the appropriate Self Study option (e.g. “Self Study – Article – 1 hour – Cultural Competency).
- Add the time as indicated on the link (not the exact time it took you to read it).
- Under “Training Format” choose Self Study and under “Trainer” choose CASA, Staff.
- In the “Notes” Section, please enter the Title (and publication where appropriate), copy and paste in the online address, and add a few sentences with your reflections or thoughts on the book/article/movie etc.
How do I Tally My Total Case Hours in Optima?
Step 1: Log into Optima and go to your case
Step 2: Click on the contact log tab at the bottom of the page (see image below)
Step 3: Click on the search icon (see image below)
Step 4: Enter the start date and end date you want for the report (see image below)
Step 5: Click preview (see image below)
Step 6: Once the report comes up click on the >| symbol to go to the last page where the total hours will appear at the bottom of the page (see image below)
How do I log in to Zoom Court?
Please check in with your Case Supervisor in advance to make sure the Judge knows you are coming. Then, go to the below page and click on the Zoom link for Courtroom C, Juvenile, Judge Clou. Please refer to the instructions below to change your display name before your hearing.
How Do I Change My Zoom Display Name for Court Hearings?
While it’s ideal for CASAs to attend court in person, sometimes it isn’t possible. If you need to attend a court hearing virtually, give your Case Supervisor a heads up and follow the below steps:
Please note: It’s very important to add a display name BEFORE entering the Zoom waiting room because your display name is what alerts the Court Clerk to let you in when it’s time for your youth’s hearing!
- Make a free Zoom account, using your Marin CASA email: zoom.us/signup
- Edit your display name by visiting zoom.us/profile and clicking “Edit” beside your profile picture and name.
- Change Display Name to “CASA [YourName] (for [YouthName])” and click Save. It should be something like, “CASA Mikayla (for Sonny).”
- On the date and time of your hearing, enter the Juvenile Courtroom via Zoom here.
- Double check that your video and audio are working while you wait for your youth’s matter to be called. You must be alone and have your camera on during the hearing!
Please note: It’s very important to add a display name BEFORE entering the Zoom waiting room because your display name is what alerts the Court Clerk to let you in when it’s time for your youth’s hearing!
Where Can I find Information On Criminal Cases in Marin County?
Marin County Public Booking Log
Marin County Court Appearance Calendar (just Criminal and Civil, not Dependency or Family Courts)