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Transcript of CASA of Pima County Newsletter · CASA of Pima County Newsletter CASA of Pima County 2225 E. Ajo...
CASA of Pima County Newsletter
CASA of Pima County 2225 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713
Main office: 520-724-2060
Volume 4, Issue 1 January/February, 2017
CASA Support Council News
Holiday Party – record-breaking attendance!!
The CASA Support Council was delighted that so many CASA
children attended this fun event, along with their CASAs, on
Sunday, December 4th. The total number attending was 97!! If
you were unable to attend, there are still teddy bears available
for your child. Please contact your CASA Coordinator to
obtain one. See the article in this issue with pictures and details
of this event.
CASA Support Council’s Holiday Activity
A number of CASA children enjoyed the Tucson Symphony
Orchestra’s, “The Magic of Christmas” on December 17th and
18th. The Support Council sincerely appreciates the Symphony
for donating free tickets to us. Please see the article in this
issue for what this experience meant to our CASA kids.
CASA Support Council’s Annual Christmas Giving Tree
Event
The Support Council would like to thank everyone who
purchased retail gift cards at supermarkets and business
locations around Tucson. This is always a wonderful way for us
to spread the word about CASA children and the CASA
Program. This was a very successful year! The gift cards will
be used throughout the year for celebrating children’s
birthdays, graduations, adoptions, etc.
JC Penney gift cards are still available!
As the 2nd semester of school begins soon, the Support Council
would like to remind CASAs that JC Penney gift cards worth
$110, are still available to purchase clothing, including
uniforms, for school aged children. The gift cards are provided
by the Assistance League under their nationwide “Operation
School Bell” program. To pick up your card, please contact
Krissa Ericson ([email protected] or at 724-
2069.) The Support Council will continue to provide for
clothing needs of infants and toddlers.
Goodbye 2016; Welcome 2017!
We would like to wish CASAs and the CASA Program Staff a
happy and healthy 2017. In 2016 we supported 278 CASA
children. We’re looking forward to supporting even more in
2017. Thank you to the CASAs who contacted us with requests
for new activities and experiences for your CASA children. We
will be updating our website soon with the Dec., 2016 revision
of “Things to Do”, a list of free and discounted activities.
Thank you CASA! A note from Christa…
After several attempts to write this, it has become
overwhelmingly clear that I do not know how to say goodbye to
the CASAs or to the CASA Program. Over the last 4 years, I have
learned so much and I have had the pleasure of working with so
many wonderful people- it is no wonder I don’t want to say
goodbye.
To the CASAs that I have supported, worked with, or even just
met- It takes a special kind of person to say, “I want to help a
child in need, and I want to do it for free.” It takes strength, a
big heart, and thick skin to do what you do. You fight for the
children that do not have a voice, you inspire children that have
lost hope, and you are a safe constant in a frightening and
changing world.
To the CASA Program- I have learned so much working with you
all. We all are so different, but somehow we were able to all
mesh together and make an amazing team. I am thankful for all
the support I have received and I will miss venting, celebrating,
and working with you all.
As I start my new adventure in nursing school (and getting
married), I will take with me
countless wonderful memories
from my time here. Even just
knowing that there a so many
people out there that care and
want to make the world a better
place makes me smile and gives
me hope for the future. I wish you
all the best in 2017 and can’t wait to come back as a CASA!
Inside this Issue:
Pg. 2 - CASA Kudos Pg. 4 –Things to Remember in 2017 Pg. 8 – CASA Recruiting Update by Jill LaBrie Pg. 9 – Community Agency Spotlight: Aviva Children’s Services Pg. 12 – Siblings, together or apart? By Dr. Jacobs Pg. 13 - 15 – Announcements, Upcoming CASA Events Pg. 16 – CASA Book Club & Case Support Dates Pg. 17 – 19 – CASA Support Council Information Pg. 20 & 21 - January & February Calendars Pg. 22 – Contact Information Page
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
CASA Kudos
Welcome to our newest CASA trainees, Ron,
Tom, Barbara, Jennifer, Melody & Denise! It’s exciting to end the year with a strong training class!
Congrats to CASA Lucille Boilard-Harkin for helping your two CASA children find their forever home!
Kudos to CASA Anne White for a great first court report and hearing in November. The Judge stated that "the CASA has diligently been involved with the minor and has appropriately and aptly informed the Court regarding any relevant issues concerning the child, with the thanks of the Court for her work".
Kudos to CASA Mike Treacy for your diligence and ongoing professionalism that has "won over" challenging team players.
Kudos to CASA Kathy Anderson for going above and beyond to visit your child out of state so
he can see a familiar face. Dr. Tobiason mentioned “She has been incredible in her advocacy for
J., she has visited him twice out of state, and she has been a vital team player (often driving the
team).”
Congratulations to CASA Jennifer Anderson for helping your CASA child find permanency through adoption! Thank you for providing the Judge with all the important information and all your hard work throughout the long case.
Thank you to CASA Andie Cohn for balancing two very interesting and different CASA cases.
Thank you to CASA Sariah Bechtel for creating exceptional Contact Log entries and providing several key insights to help your young lady.
Kudos to CASA Nathan McDonald for your work to help move your case toward reunification of a 5-year-old boy with his father.
Kudos to CASA Lesa Jensen for getting up to speed quickly with a large number of people involved in the Case of two little sisters.
Kudos to CASA Allison Wannemacher for quickly establishing rapport with your CASA teens! Kudos to new CASA Sigrid Hooijmeijer, CASA Patty Dean, CASA Cheryl Zormeier, and
CASA Cathy Brizendine for accepting their first cases. Kudos to Co-CASAs Susan Canty and Carolyn McGorray for your excellent court report.
Judge Butler noted, “It was very helpful and instructive to the Court” and expressed that she was very grateful to the CASAs for giving her a great picture of what is going on in the case. FCRB also expressed their gratitude to the Co-CASAs.
The FCRB thanked CASA Roberto Estillore for his support and commitment to advocate for his CASA youth’s best interests and thanked him for attending the Board review.
Kudos to CASA Mary Hudson for coordinating with the CFT team, in order to work together for her CASA teen, and for transporting her CASA teen to school from her group home many times.
Thank you to CASA Rufus Tamayo for your dedication to your CASA teen. You definitely are the one person who knows him and consistently voices his needs as well as what is best for him to the team.
Kudos to CASA Edith Connors for commitment to your CASA children while navigating a full-time job and family life!
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
Judge Butler thanked CASA Margo Lunsford for her report, stating, “I found it very helpful.” Judge Metcalf stated to CASA Rosalie Greenfield, “I appreciate your time and attention to
your CASA child.” At the same hearing, the child’s attorney commended CASA Rosalie’s work with her CASA child. She stated, “(CASA child) loves her CASA.”
Thank you to CASA Howie Adams for finding recruitment and grant opportunities for the CASA Program.
Judge Pratte noted her appreciation to CASA Steve Lautenschlaeger for his advocacy for his CASA youth, and for the time that he has devoted to his CASA youth’s case.
Kudos to CASA Patty Dean within just 3 weeks of being appointed to her first case she composed an excellent report for the court filled with information she quickly gathered. Good work!
Congrats to CASA Alan Dankwerth for being a consistent figure in your CASA case and helping the child find permanency. The case closed in December with an adoption celebration!
Kudos to CASA Tanya Ivey for your handy work in helping a potential adoptive placement understand one of your CASA youths needs and strengths. Your ability to build rapport with her from afar is proving to be very beneficial for your CASA child and the potential adoptive placement. A special thank you to Peer Coordinator Robyn Kessler for helping Tanya transport the boys on December 24th!
Kudos to CASA Susan Hirsch for her research and application of how the ICWA pertains to her CASA child’s case.
Judge Butler thanked CASA Linda Sherrill for her reports on all four children in her new case, even though she had been appointed to the two youngest children only three weeks before the Dependency Hearing. Judge Butler acknowledged that it was a hard task, and thanked CASA Linda, as the CASA report was very helpful to her.
Kudos to CASA Kristin Thompson for advocating for her CASA child in a very complex case. Kudos to CASA Jane Dobrovolny for accepting her second case. Thank you to CASA Sylvia Canelos for being on the CASA panel at December Academy. Kudos to CASA Sal Quijada for spending quality time with your 3 CASA children around the
holidays! Thank you for your willingness to take on a sibling group of three. Kudos to CASA Sheryl Brown for helping your CASA children find permanency.
Congratulations on your case ending in Family Reunification. Thank you to CASA Kathleen Elsberry for mentoring two new CASA’s. Kudos to CASA Pam Flint for writing a great court report that helped the Court decide to
change the case plan. Kudos to CASA John Swiencicki – you have done so much to bring comfort and the right
medical services to your CASA child! Thank you CASA Judy Price for having a new CASA attend your Dependency Review and for
helping another CASA out at the CASA Support Council Holiday Party. Thank you to Peer Coordinator Ginger Tonkin-Sugimoto for your willingness to mentor
and support others as a Peer Coordinator. Thank you to CASA Robin Rosenthal, Peer Coordinator Robyn Kessler, and CASA
Margaret Mishra for helping out at the CASA Support Council Holiday Party. A special thank you to CASA Ardie Banks for your continued advocacy, on all fronts, on behalf
of your CASA child. Ardie’s constancy and belief in the child as well as her persistence in being a true team member are truly rewarding to see.
Thank you to Peer Coordinator Sandra Rohen for accepting the Educational Surrogate responsibility for 3 CASA children.
Kudos to CASA Dayle Lansman for reaching out to the biological father of her CASA child and supporting his efforts to work on his case plan. Congratulations Dayle, for a great first court report and for being thanked by the Judge for your work on the case.
Congratulations to CASA Lorna Boon for your advocacy and hard and fun work on behalf of your CASA child. The child’s adoption was finalized at the recent Adoption in the Park and along with Lorna, the adoptive family’s family and friends from all over participated in the celebration! Also, thank you so much Lorna, for hitting the ground running on your second case.
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
Thank you CASA Lisa McDaniel, for your hard and thoughtful work on your case as you also planned your recent wedding. Congratulations on completing your first court report and on the Judge addressing your recommendations in Court.
Thank you to Peer Coordinator Richard Cook for all the support you give to several CASA advocates AND for being a strong, stable and reliable adult for your CASA teen.
A special thank you to CASA Marsha Luttrell for your diligent and dedicated advocacy work on behalf of your CASA children. Two of the children in Marsha’s case were recently adopted at the November Adoption in the Park. You and your efforts are truly appreciated, Marsha!
Congratulations to CASA Andi Dempsey for your thoughtful advocacy, through many twists and turns, on behalf of your CASA child. The dependency on the child’s case was dismissed as permanent guardianship was established with the child’s wonderful relative placement.
A special thank you to CASA Sally Sumner for your persistent and diplomatic teamwork and constant belief in the CASA child’s abilities and dreams. Sally’s case was dismissed as permanent guardianship was finalized with her child’s relative placement.
Thank you to Co-CASAs Katie Espinoza and Aimee Felix for all of your work on behalf of your CASA children. Aimee’s and Katie’s persistent advocacy has helped ensure the children are in appropriate placements and that they are receiving the therapeutic and educational services they need.
Thank you CASA George Franklin for your continued advocacy and support of your CASA child. Thank you for traveling out-of-county as you help ensure what is absolutely best for the child.
Thank you to CASA Susan Barrable for being a stable and vocal CFT member – without your efforts your case would have “gone off the rails”!
Kudos to CASA Marsha Gary for writing an excellent first court report & for providing much needed 1:1 time to your CASA child.
Kudos to CASA Conny Swacha for taking a second case, engaging with members of the team, and introducing the child to new opportunities and learnings!
A special thank you to Peer Coordinator Roger Pinkstaff for all of your years as a CASA advocate, for being such a wise and thoughtful mentor to new CASA advocates, and for participating in many recruitment and training activities with your former CASA child. Roger’s leadership and kindness continue to help build and strengthen the CASA program and to remind us all of the meaning of our work and the importance of our children.
Congratulations to Co-CASAs Ken Browning and Cynthia Dean for accepting a second case. Thank you Ken, for quickly beginning your work on behalf of your CASA child.
Kudos to CASA Barbara Baehler for accepting your first case! A special thank you to Peer Coordinator Bonnie Lawrie-Higgins for your invaluable work
as a CASA peer coordinator! Thank you for recently participating on the CASA Panel for our new CASA advocates.
Thank you to Peer Coordinator & Support Council President Linda Koral for presenting to our new CASA Advocates every other month in 2016!
Thank you to CASA Penny Cheshire for your enthusiasm in taking on a sibling group of 3 as your 1st CASA case – you are doing a wonderful job!
Kudos to CASA Tori Elkins for taking such a challenging case!
Things to Remember in 2017
1. DASHBOARD & CASAAZ.GOV EMAIL: All advocates are strongly encouraged to log in to
the Dashboard & CASAaz.gov email on a regular basis. We are sending important announcements
and information via the email system and want you to be able to take advantage of all that CASA of
Pima County offers!
Remember the Dashboard is our online case management system.
Link: https://apps.azcourts.gov/Casa/Login.aspx
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
Use this tool to view documents disclosed on your case; enter your case activities such as
outings with your CASA child; submit your court report; and account for your training hours
throughout the year.
Remember your CASAaz.gov email is for all things CASA. Link: https://p3plcpnl0711.prod.phx3.secureserver.net:2096/
Use this email to communicate with individuals on your CASA case as well as with your
Peer Coordinator & Program Coordinator.
2. TRAINING: All CASA Advocates & Peer Coordinators will complete 12 hours of training per
year. Four hours should be completed through in person or interactive training.
Eight out of the 12 hours can be Independent Study activities. Some examples are:
1. CASA website Online Trainings (www.azcasa.org under “Online Training”)
2. Movies
3. Books (30 minutes per 50 pages read).
Four hours should be in person or interactive training. For example:
1. Monthly Learning Events (MLE)
2. Case Support Meetings, Teen Case Supports, Infant & Toddler Case Supports
3. CASA Book Club Discussion
4. Community Trainings
In June of 2015 CASA of Arizona stated that helping with recruitment activities could be
logged as training hours. For example, 2 hours spent helping with Tucson Meet Yourself
will be logged as 2 hours towards your training requirement. Talk to Krissa, Jill or your
Program Coordinator if you have questions about this change.
Don’t forget to log your trainings into the Dashboard. This will give you a record and cumulative
total of your completed training hours for the year!
If you attend a Community Training, your Coordinator may ask you for the Certificate or
PowerPoint for this training so it can be documented that it is an appropriate training. The CASA
office only receives sign in sheets from MLE, Court Facilitated Trainings, Case Support
Meetings, Teen & Baby Case Supports and CASA Book Club. *Due to space constraints and
other logistics some trainings and events will require you to RSVP in advance. Please pay close
attention to all announcements.
3. CONTACT ENTRIES ON DASHBOARD: All advocates are required to submit a contact log
every month. With our new online case management system, advocates are encouraged to enter
case activities (contacts) on an ongoing basis. If you enter your activities throughout each week
you will be all set come the last day of the month. If needed, a contact log can be completed on a
word document and sent into the CASA office but this is only done on a case by case basis. Please
talk with your Program Coordinator. These entries & logs are due to the CASA office by the 1st of
the following month. It is very important to have everything submitted by the 1st day of the
following month because the CASA office has to submit reports containing that information
by certain deadlines.
Once the CASA picks up there case file, they will start to document case activity on their
contact logs.
CASA Advocates are to document all contacts with all parties on the case, including the
CASA Coordinator. Document your phone calls, emails and even times you just leave a
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
voice message! Document your outings or visits with your CASA child as well as your
attendance at meetings and trainings.
CASA Advocates will submit contact logs until there case is dismissed by the Judge. (Ex:
Case is dismissed on November 2nd; the volunteer will still need to submit this log on
December 1st). If you will be unavailable for a period of time, please let your CASA
Coordinator know so this can be documented.
4. COURT REPORTS: CASA Advocates will submit their court reports TWO weeks prior to the
hearing. Court reports will be submitted for ALL Dependency Reviews & Permanency Hearings.
Court Reports should be entered into the online case management system, the Dashboard.
For editing purposes, a word document version of a court report can be emailed to your Peer
Coordinator and Program Coordinator using your CASAaz.gov email address.
If your COURT REPORT is submitted late, it may not be processed and submitted to the
court. You also might not be called upon by the Judge for your thoughts/ideas. It cannot be
EMPHASIZED enough as to how critical these reports are to the Judges, the CASA
Program, to your Coordinator and to the CASA children.
5. ADVOCATE & PEER/PROGRAM COORDINATOR CONTACT: At minimum we ask that
personal contact between CASA Advocates & Coordinators is once a month. We anticipate it will
be more regular. This is an important way for CASA Advocates to update Coordinators on their
cases as well as meeting our CASA State Program requirement.
To remain active/not assigned (such as working on a special project), an advocate must
complete 3 hours of organized program activities per month (and meet other active
advocate requirements, including training hours).
Advocates participating in SPECIAL PROJECTS must have regular contact on these
projects & submit a contact log every month. This is a requirement per the State of
Arizona CASA program. (Ex: Educational Consultant, ALERT Team Facilitator, CASA
Support Council, etc.).
To remain inactive and not be exited from the CASA program, an advocate must complete
12 hours of in-service annually. It is also State policy that a CASA Advocate cannot be
inactive for longer than six months.
If a CASA Advocate has not been on a case for a year or longer, then the CASA is required
to complete the CASA Flex Training or CASA Advocacy Academy (CAA), in its entirety as
a refresher.
If you do not maintain contact with the program we may be required to exit you from
the program, based on guidelines set by the state CASA Office. So please stay in touch!
6. COURT HEARINGS: Attendance is vital. On the rare occurrences that you cannot attend, notify
your Coordinator as soon as possible so they can try to attend in your absence or notify the Judge.
7. FOSTER CARE REVIEW BOARD (FCRB): It is important for the CASA Advocate to attend
the FCRB, however, if you cannot attend, please be prepared to submit a statement by:
Phone: #388-4300
Fax: # (602) 307-1220
Email: [email protected] - CASA of Pima County requires that you only use your
CASAaz.gov email to submit emailed statements.
All statements should be received by FCRB four days prior to the scheduled review date.
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
8. CHILD AND FAMILY TEAM (CFT) Meetings: It’s very important for CASA Advocates to
attend monthly CFT meetings. It’s a great opportunity to get updates on the case plan tasks,
placement, behavioral concerns, medical concerns, education needs, visitation, etc. Most
importantly it gives the CASA the opportunity to provide case input to the team.
Notify your Coordinator if you cannot attend so they can try to attend in your absence.
9. PROGRAM COMPLIANCE: Ongoing Certification Statement and fingerprints must be done
every two years. You are also required to submit proof of your automobile insurance every year.
10. CONFIDENTIALITY: Everything related to the case you are assigned is confidential. Please
talk with your CASA Peer Coordinator and Program Coordinator about confidentiality and sharing
case information with any parties; specifically sending/receiving email messages.
In June of 2015 CASA of Arizona released CASA specific government email to eliminate
some of these extra barriers for our CASA advocates. If you have not attended a computer
training – contact your Coordinator to get in to an upcoming class! Please remember there
are many folks involved in a case and not everyone is an official party to the case. Your
Coordinator will assist you in maneuvering through the aspects of confidentiality.
11. REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS: See summary of reimbursements later in this newsletter!
Outings, Special Requests & Mileage reimbursement requests are to be done on the CASA
Support Council Website: http://pimacountycasa.org/casa-links/current-casa-forms
TUTORING: CASA Support Council will no longer be providing funds for tutoring.
Arizona Friends of Foster Care (AFFC) will fund a variety of activities and items for
your CASA child. The AFFC website has a list of items that they award money for, such as
tutoring, school pictures, bikes and more. For Tutoring, AFFC website has a 12-week
funding periods with renewals up to one year. You will need to identify the tutor you
would like. The AFFC website is: http://www.affcf.org
12. GIFT CARDS are available to all CASA Volunteers for your CASA child’s birthday, Holiday’s,
& special occasions, etc. Please contact your Program Coordinator ahead of time so they will have
the gift card ready for you to pick up or have it mailed to you. This effort is also provided by the
CASA Support Council for Pima County, Inc.
13. ACTIVITIES: The CASA Support Council for Pima County, Inc. has provided the CASA office
with zoo passes, Desert Museum Passes (very limited supply) and Children’s Museum Passes.
Please contact your Program Coordinator to find out how to get a pass! Also watch for updates
regarding the work of the CASA Support Council in our bi-monthly newsletters. They are always
working hard to provide support to our CASA advocates & CASA children.
Share the work of CASA of
Pima County with a
friend and help us give more
children hope for a bright
future in 2017!
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
CASA Recruiting Update by Jill LaBrie
Thanks to each and every Advocate and staff who assisted in recruiting in 2016. Whether you assisted at
a formal event, participated in commercials/interviews, distributed CASA material in the community,
talked to potential applicants when they wanted more information from someone who is an Advocate,
gave me contact information for potential presentations/events or told people about the program and
encouraged them to think about becoming an Advocate. This was so greatly appreciated. I continually
say the CASA Advocates are my most valuable resource, and I, by far, have the very best of the best
when it comes to resources!
2016 has been a very successful year, and the bar is set to be even more successful in 2017. We are
again this year going to be running television ads on KVOA and radio ads on all Cumulus radio stations
beginning the last week of December or early January running through June. We will continue to have
print ads run in various papers and periodicals in the greater Tucson area. Our State Office will also be
running some television ads on a local station in February.
We will be at lots of events in the community in the next several months that you may be interested in
helping with or just stopping by to say hello. We will be down in Green Valley for the Green
Valley/Sahuarita Volunteer Showcase on Wednesday February 1 from 10:00 to 12:00, the HOPExpo on
Tuesday February 21 from 10:00 – 2:00 (this would be great for any of our college students to help with),
Tucson Festival of Books Saturday and Sunday March 11 and March 12, Pima County Fair Thursday April
20 through Sunday April 30. I am guessing that there will be more events coming up, but I don’t have
dates as of yet.
I am going to resurrect the Coffee with CASA events beginning in January. These are pretty informal
information session that take place at local coffee shops (Posada Java in Green Valley and all three
Beyond Bread locations in the Tucson area). If you know of other locally owned business like this that
may be willing to partner with us, especially in the Marana, Vail/Rita Ranch area, south side of Tucson or
anywhere else in town please let me know. I will be sending out the dates and locations in the next
week or so. I will be working on developing a targeted recruitment plan aimed at recruiting more male
Advocates. Thanks to the gentlemen who have agreed to be part of that project.
If you have any recruiting ideas you would like to share with me or would like to help with please let me
know. Again thank you for helping to make 2016 the year we went over 200 Advocates!
Jill LaBrie
CASA Recruiter
(520)724-9238
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
Community Agency Spotlight
THE TRUTH OF AVIVA MAGIC: the Disposition to do Good
By CASA Jennifer Anderson
Benevolence means “The disposition to do good.” For me, this is the virtue that describes every
individual that works, volunteers, donates and spends anytime in any capacity at and with Aviva
Children’s Services.
Aviva, is more than an agency, it is more than a building, it is a community of men and woman, who at
their core want to be a part of the Aviva Mission Statement, “The Mission of Aviva is to enhance services
that improve the quality of life for children who are victims of neglect, abuse and poverty and are in the
care of The Department of Children’s Services.”
During my work as a Pima County CASA, I have been blessed to meet so many wonderful and caring
people who want to help our community’s children. Being a native Tucsonan, I take for granted that I
never have to use my GPS, and that “hidden gems” are what I seek when I travel. Well, for me Aviva was
a “hidden gem.” In early 2015, I attended a training that had something to do with life books. I had no
idea what I was going to learn, but I was open to learning about life books. The result, I literally moved
by a person I have never met that exuded the Virtue of Benevolence.
To this day, Cindy Lingel, Community Resources Coordinator/Life Books and Bags for Kids Coordinator,
with Aviva has no idea that she, moved me further out of my comfort zone and challenged me to
continue to strive for the desire to actively have a disposition to do good for others. Two years ago,
Cindy Lingel shared in that training what Aviva offers children in DCS custody, and specifically what her
program of Life Books is all about. She shared with us a few finished albums, and expressed the meaning
of what theses collections of pictures, stories (sad and happy), and events (positive and negative) are to
a child who in the foster care system, and has found permanency. Cindy impressed upon us that our
children in foster care should not feel shame for their life’s experiences, but rather be given the chance
to be told the truth of what brought them into care away from their mom, dad, sister/s, brother/s,
grandparents, and extended family. These albums document this time in their lives that include where
they were placed to live, what happened with their parents, and why adults in the court community
were deciding their lives for them. These beautiful albums made with creative hands, and a loving heart
are meant to be shared when the child’s permanent parent/guardian feels they are ready to take in their
individual story.
Shortly after the training on Life Books, I went online and read all about Aviva Children’s Services. I
eventually called Cindy and asked her if I could take her up on her invitation to have a tour of Aviva. She
was more than cordial, and I went. The facility is stunning! From the west end which includes the
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
offices of the community resource team to the Bags and Quilts for Kids Closet which houses the precious
gifts that were sewn and quilted by the AVIVA DIVA’s. Cindy shared with me, “Our Diva’s are the heart of
our agency, and it is their spirit that lightens our day…when it is a DIVA day.”
This past September 2016, I sat down with Cindy Lingel, Christine Barfield, one of the creative forces
that bring to reality a child’s Life Books, and Monica Durand, Community Relations and Development
Manager with Aviva. They were so happy to tell me that this awe inspiring DIVA spirit has grown and
that the sewing room is no longer used only on Thursdays but Tuesday was added when the DIVA spirit
found its way to 12+ more woman that have this gift of quilting and sewing. This program was created
with the belief that not one child should be taken out of their house with their belongings in a garbage
bag, slung over the investigator’s shoulder. The AVIVA DIVA’s are sewing bags for foster care babies,
youth, and adolescence as well as quilting blankets. The bags are given to any Police or DCS investigator,
case specialist, and CASA at any time. In the same vein, the quilts that are bundled with a stuffed animal
or stuffed toy are given to babies, toddlers, and young children and can be accessed with a phone call
and a signature. The DIVAs do not stop there they also sew toiletry bags for pre-teen/teen boys and
girls, that are filled with age appropriate personal essentials.
For my CASA child, two years ago, I was so lucky, the DIVA that quilted the quilt I picked out for baby girl
was at Aviva, ironing masterpieces. Cindy introduced me and I asked her if she would sign her work of
art. Now that “my” baby girl has been officially adopted, I will be delivering a very large box to Christine
Barfield that will be filled with pictures and written documentation that illustrate the story of her
beginning and the first two and half years of her life in foster care and why she was not with her birth
parents. The box will also include every picture of her at the zoo, the Children’s Museum, our park
adventures, and her weekly class at Music Together. Christine will be creating her Life Book.
The east wing of the Aviva building is an amazing place where children and their families can spend their
scheduled visits together. When I entered for the first time, I was literally astounded. It was beautiful,
with toy houses, age appropriate toys, books, a place where young children could explore, use their
imaginations with their loved ones, and create memories. There are private rooms that are themed with
murals painted on the walls, couches, chairs, and every space is spotless and cared for with respect.
There is an adolescence/teen room with ping-pong tables, foozle ball tables and many games. The
kitchen and dining room is a common area for all visiting children and their families and observer to join
together for meal times. It does not stop there, outside is a wonderful covered playground padded with
the safest and highest quality material.
During our time together in September, the three women spoke about all the incredible programs, one
being the Parent Peer Program, which allows parents who are at different stages of their dependency
cases at Pima County Juvenile Court to come together for support and growth while they are working
through their DCS case plans and have peer support. This program is run by two individual’s whose own
children were in the foster care system at one time, and when Monica Durand spoke about the success
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
these parents are having, was yet, another example of this communities desire to have the disposition to
do good. Monica was smiling from ear to ear when I asked her to tell me all about Aviva’s community
outreach, and Cindy joined in again with the incredible news of the opening of the new Aviva East.
It is my desire to showcase these programs and community events in upcoming CASA Newsletters. I say
thank you to the Aviva Board of Directors, and to each and every person who works or volunteers with
Aviva. Thank you for your selfless work on behalf of every child in the foster care system, within each of
you resides the Virtue of Benevolence.
For more information on Aviva visit:
Aviva Children's Services
Pictures of bears, blankets
and other resources
provided by Aviva to
children in foster care.
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
Siblings, together or apart? By Dr. Elizabeth Jacobs
I recently met with a grandparents group in El Mirage to discuss a number of issues they were having
while caring for their grandchildren. Some grandparents were concerned that their grandchildren had
been separated between kinship placements and asked me to research policies on keeping siblings
together.
“Sibling” is generally defined more by relationship than by their genetic relatedness. Unrelated children
who have lived in the same family together are “siblings” more than children who share the same parents
but have not lived together.
An article from the Child Welfare Information Gateway (January 2013) highlights the pros and (a few)
cons of siblings placed together.
The benefits of keeping siblings together are obvious: siblings provide a sense of safety and emotional
support. As a foster child myself, I was always placed with one (or more) of my three older
brothers. This gave me an ever present feeling of protection when surrounded by strange people in an
unfamiliar environment. Research indicates that these supportive relationships last throughout childhood
and into adulthood, i.e., forever. In addition, research indicates that siblings placed together have a higher
probability of family reunification than siblings placed in different foster homes.
Siblings placed together also tend to have better academic performance than separated sibs. Having the
children in the same placement also makes communication between placement, children, case managers,
and birth families easier than having to include two or more placements in the communication loop.
But there are some roadblocks to placing children together, the most obvious of which is the size of the
sibling group -- the most common reason for not placing siblings together. Sibling groups of three, four,
five, or more may be difficult, if not impossible, to place because of the licensing requirements for
differing numbers of children. Siblings may also be separated if one (or more) of the children needs a
higher level of care than other siblings, requiring a therapeutic foster home which may not be able to care
for all of the children.
In addition to the number of siblings and required level of care, research has uncovered other factors that
discourage keeping some siblings together. They include: serious behavior problems in one child that
may place siblings/foster siblings in danger; and the tendency of siblings placed together to focus on each
other and ignore the foster family’s efforts to include them in family activities. Separating siblings may
also provide "parentified" children, who have spent their lives taking care of younger children, an
opportunity to find their own childhoods.
The take-away from the research is that keeping siblings together is best but, in the end, this decision, like
all foster care decisions, should consider the best interest of each of the children.
For more information about this topic, visit: www.childwelfare.gov
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
Announcements
Don’t forget to use your CASAaz email to
correspond with parties on your case! Also
check it regularly for important items such as
announcements from the CASA office.
Fixes, enhancements & upgrades are on their
way for the Dashboard. Thank you for your
patience with this new system.
We will continue to host computer trainings
each month in 2017– if you need a refresher or
just starting to use these tools for the first time
please plan to attend. If you’d like a 1:1 session
to help you navigate these tools on your own
equipment – that’s an option as well!
CASA Statistics at a Glance
143
193
163170
214
184
210
280
208
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
# of Cases # of Children w/ a CASA # of CASAs
CASA of Pima County 3 Year Comparison
2014 2015 2016
Follow CASA of Pima
County on Facebook &
Twitter to stay up to
date on local,
statewide and National
Child Welfare News.
https://www.facebook.com
/casaofpimacounty
https://twitter.com/CASA
PimaCounty
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12 Years
Peer Coordinator Linda Koral (2/2005)
11 Years
CASA Linda Pejchar
Peer Coordinator Terri Anderko
CASA Gloria Olvera
(2/2006)
5 Years
CASA Marsha Luttrell (2/2011)
4 Years
CASA Marianne Vivirito (2/2013)
3 Years
CASA Tina Lee
CASA Tina Whittemore
(2/2014)
2 Years
CASA Albert Carr (1/2015)
CASA Sheryl Brown
CASA Andie Cohn
CASA Tanya Ivey (2/2015)
1 Year
CASA Tina Aprahamian
CASA Katie Espinoza
CASA Roberto Estillore
CASA Rachel Gardner
CASA Marsha Gary
CASA Mary Hudson
CASA Lisa McDaniel
CASA Paula Walton
CASA Julie Wesley (2/2016)
Announcements Continued
CASA Library:
Did you know CASA of Pima County
has a library? We do!
We invite all Advocates to visit our CASA library
to help you with your case; to get training credit;
and ultimately to expand your knowledge!
Please remember to return library items as
soon as possible so we can share them with
someone else! Our library also has
books for you to take to your CASA child or
CASA teen.
Stop by the CASA Library next time
you are at Court.
Years of Service Recognition
Pima County CASA Advocate Oath
I, (INSERT NAME), AM A CASA ADVOCATE!
I AM DEDICATED TO MY CASA CHILD &
I WILL ADVOCATE FOR THEIR BEST INTEREST.
I PLEDGE TO PERFORM THE FOLLOWING DUTIES:
SEE MY CASA CHILD 1X PER MONTH (AT LEAST)
SUBMIT MY CONTACT LOGS BY THE 1ST OF THE MONTH
SUBMIT MY COURT REPORT 2 WEEKS BEFORE THE
HEARING
AND ATTEND COURT TO PROVIDE A VERBAL UPDATE!
I WILL SUPPORT CASA OF PIMA COUNTY BY
REFERRING FRIENDS & FAMILY MEMBERS TO
JOIN OUR TEAM!
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
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Training & Event Reminders
January CASA Trainings: Working with Victims of Sex Trafficking
Jan 19th – RSVP Required
Understanding Jacobs Law
Jan 25th – Currently Full – RSVP required
February CASA Trainings: Grief & Loss Series – Part 1
February 7, 2017 10:00 – 11:30am
Court Report Writing (for New CASAs)
February 22, 2017 2:30 – 5:00pm
RSVP information to follow –
check your CASA email!
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
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CASA Book Club
Day & Time Book Location Wed. January 25, 2017
5:30 – 7pm
I hate you--Don’t leave me
By J. Kreisman & H. Straus
Beyond Bread –
Wilmot/Speedway Location
Sat. February 4, 2017
10:00 – 11:30am
The Glass Castle: A Memoir
By Jeannette Walls
Wood Memorial Library – 3455 North 1st Ave., Tucson, 85719
Wed. March 22, 2017
5:30 – 7pm
Growing up in the Care of Strangers
By W. Brown & J. Seita Beyond Bread –
Wilmot/Speedway Location
Sat. – April, 2017
10:00 – 11:30am
I hate you--Don’t leave me
By J. Kreisman & H. Straus
Wood Memorial Library – 3455 North 1st Ave., Tucson, 85719
Note: We try to have 2 – 3 Copies of each book are available to check out via the CASA office.
Some titles are also available at the Pima County library. Thank you to the CASA Support
Council & various advocates who are donating books to our book club!
Contact Krissa with any questions about the Wednesday group –
[email protected] or 724-2069.
Contact Tricia with any questions about the Saturday group –
[email protected] or 724-2249
CASA Case Support Meetings
Infant & Toddlers Case Support: Wednesday Jan. 25, 2017 from 2:00 – 4:00pm Martha Cooper Library
Wednesday Feb. 22, 2017 from 2:00 – 4:00pm Martha Cooper Library
· Facilitator: Adelina – [email protected]
Case Support in Sahuarita/Green Valley: Monday Jan. 9, 2017 from 9:30 – 11:30am (South of Tucson)
· Facilitator: Peer Coordinator Cynthia Dean – [email protected]
Case Support @ Nanini Library: January 9, 2017 from 3:30 – 5:30pm (Northside of Tucson)
· Facilitator: Tricia – [email protected]
Case Support in Vail: Wednesday January 18, 2017 from 5:00- 7:00pm (Eastside of Tucson)
Friday, February 17, 2017 from 10:30am – 12:30pm
· Location is being finalized – contact Amy for details
· Facilitator: Peer Coordinator Amy Hogan – [email protected]
Teen Case Support: Friday Jan. 20, 2017 from 3:00 – 5:00pm at Martha Cooper Library
· Facilitator: Nicole – [email protected]
Case Support @ Sandra’s: Monday Feb. 13, 2017 from 2:00-4:00pm (North/Central)
· Location: Sandra’s Home - Contact Sandra for address
· Facilitator: Peer Coordinator Sandra Rohen- [email protected]
Case Support @ Wilmot Library (AT): Thursday Feb. 23, 2017 from 3:00 – 5:00PM (Central/Eastside)
· Facilitator: Nicole [email protected]
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
CASA Support Council Thanks 2016 Supporters & Partners!!!
The Support Council provided a wide variety of services to the CASA children, CASA advocates,
and the CASA of Pima County Program in 2016. We are sincerely grateful for the contributions of
these supporters and partners who helped make it possible.
Thank you to the Assistance League of Tucson for providing JC Penney gift cards to buy clothing for
school aged CASA children, as part of their “Operation School Bell” program.
Thanks to Kim Wilson of the YMCA for providing us Triangle Y Summer Camperships. CASA children
enjoyed many activities, including swimming, horseback riding, crafts, etc.
Thanks to the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority at U of A. They held numerous fund-raising events
throughout 2016 that benefit our CASA children and the CASA Program. We appreciate them so much!
Thank you to the Tucson Symphony Orchestra for donating tickets to each of their “Magic of Christmas”
concerts. CASA children enjoyed the singing, dancing, and Santa Claus
Thank you to Tucson Arena for donating tickets to Disney on Ice.
Thank you to Bashas and Safeway retail stores for allowing us to place Christmas giving trees in their
stores. These are the primary resources for the gift cards we use throughout the year.
Thank you to Dimon Sanders and her family for helping us at the Support Council’s Holiday Party for
CASA children and at the Theta Black and Gold Ball.
Thank you to Golf ‘n Stuff for providing a great holiday party, including Santa, his Elf, and lots of
activities. CASAs can also take their kiddos there for free (show your badge) during the rest of the year.
Thank you to Funtasticks for providing us discounted packages so our CASAs can take children there
throughout the year.
Thank you to Tucson’s Roadrunner Hockey team for providing discount tickets to games.
Thank you to the Children’s Museum for their generous discounted community membership that can also
be used at the Oro Valley location. Our CASAs can show their badge and get free admission for
themselves and their CASA children every day they are open.
Thank you to the Arizona Desert Museum for donating passes for our CASA children.
Thank you to the Mini-Time Machine Museum for giving us a grant for free admission for 100 kiddos,
through December.
Thank you to Reid Park Zoo for a discounted membership to provide passes for our kiddos.
Thank you to the Arizona Friends of Foster Children for providing services that the Support Council
does not provide.
That you to Fry’s Community Rewards Program, where linking your VIP card to us provides quarterly
donations.
Thank you to all Pima County CASAs; your desire to provide unique, creative and fun activities for your
CASA children constantly inspires us.
Thank you to Krissa Ericson and the CASA Program Staff for all their support!!
Thank you to our all-volunteer CASA Support Council Board Members who tirelessly worked to
improve the lives of our Pima County CASA children.
Thank you to the individuals and families who made donations to the Support Council throughout the
year. In 2016 we became certified by the Arizona Dept. of Revenue as a “Foster Care Charitable
organization”. Donation amounts up to $500 for individuals and $1000 for married couples filing jointly
are a dollar-for-dollar credit on Arizona state taxes.
Linda Koral President, CASA Support Council
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Reimbursement provided by the CASA Support Council
2017 Reimbursement Info for CASAs Mileage Reimbursement
Mileage reimbursement will continue to be paid at the rate of $.15 per mile.
Please remember that mileage can only be submitted for 3 months prior to the date of expenditure,
and must be associated with duties performed as a CASA or to benefit the CASA program.
Mileage should be submitted via the on-line form on our website – up to 3 months may be filled out on
the same mileage reimbursement form.
We will continue to monitor gas prices and trends and may change the mileage rate accordingly.
http://pimacountycasa.org/forms/mileage-reimbursement-request/
Outing Reimbursement
• Any number of outings in a given month may be reimbursed for an aggregate monthly total of up to $25
per person (including the CASA). All outings for a given month must be listed on the same
reimbursement form. NOTE: Receipts must be provided, either by scanning and emailing them to
[email protected], or mailing them to our P.O. Box 36017, Tucson, 85740.
http://pimacountycasa.org/forms/outing-reimbursement-request/
Special Requests under $100 or over $100 Fill out the applicable form completely on our website, including the "Details of the request" (service
and cost) and "Describe the need" (how will this request make a difference in your CASA child's
life). Receipts must be provided. NOTE: No expenditures over $100 should be incurred by the CASA
prior to receiving approval from the Support Council. If your need is urgent, email us
http://pimacountycasa.org/forms/special-request-over-100/ or http://pimacountycasa.org/forms/special-request-under-100/
Reimbursement for Clothing
Requests for clothing for school-age CASA children, whether emergency or regular need, will be
accommodated only through JC Penney gift cards, which should be requested from your CASA Program
Coordinator. These gift cards are donated by the Assistance League of Tucson to the Support Council.
Priority for the JC Penney gift cards will be given to kinship non-licensed foster placements. The only
exception will be for clothing that is for a CASA child younger than school age.
Clothing requests that are associated with Outings will also need to use the JC Penney gift cards.
If your CASA child is under the age of 5 with a need for clothing, fill out an “under $100” special request
form (Kinship non-licensed foster placements will be given priority). If there is an emergency need for
clothing– contact your Program Coordinator to discuss the situation and find out about a gift card or
other resources available.
Gift cards for birthdays, adoptions, etc.
Please request gift cards for birthdays and other special occasions from your CASA Program
Coordinator. The Support Council provides these throughout the year to the CASA Program.
Other occasions may include: adoptions, graduation, making the honor roll, or vast improvement in
grades or other occasions where it is appropriate to recognize your child.
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
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CASA Support Council Cont. –
2016 Holiday Activities for CASA Children
Golf N’ Stuff Holiday Party – December 4th
Santa and his Elf were there! Lots of teddy bears arrived!
CASA children had lots of fun!
Tucson Symphony’s “The Magic of Christmas” – December 17-18
CASA Barbara – “We were in the 5th row from the stage & almost smack dab in the center. The Tucson
Symphony’s Magic of Christmas was so, so magical for this little boy. For two hours, he didn’t have a care in the
world. There was snow falling, a snowball fight, Christmas carolers, big guitars, dancers and Santa. The dancers
were his favorite part of the program”.
CASA Conny – “We had a wonderful time. It was outstanding. And we even got to sing along for a while. My 8-
year-old CASA boy said, “it was AWESOME”. The conductor was very engaged with the audience throughout
the show. There was, indeed, Christmas magic”.
CASA Sal – CASA girl 10 – “I liked the dancers the most. They were really good. The Russians were amazing.”
CASA girl 9 – “Santa Claus was a big surprise. I liked him the best. CASA boy 10, “I liked the orchestra. The first
chair was wearing the Santa hat that means she is the best.”
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
Calendar of Events
JANUARY, 2017 SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT
1 2
CASA OFFICE CLOSED
3 4 5 6
7
8
9 Sahuarita/GV Case Support
9:30am – 11:30
Nanini Library
Case Support 3:30pm –
5:30
10 Peer
Coordinator Information
Session 4:30pm
Juvenile Court Conf. Rm B
11
12
13
14
15 16
CASA OFFICE CLOSED
17
Peer Coordinator & Staff Meeting
1:30pm
18
Vail Case Support
5:00pm – 7:00pm
19
Sex Trafficking Training
1pm @ Abram’s Building
20
Teen Case Support
3:00pm – 5:00
21
22 23
24
25 Jacobs Law
Training 10:00am
Cenpatico (RSVP Required)
Infant & Toddler Case Support 2 –
4pm
CASA BOOK
CLUB 5:30pm – 7
Beyond Bread - Wilmot
26
Years of Service Recognition
Dinner 5:00pm
Training Center (RSVP Required)
27
28
29 30 31
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
Calendar of Events
FEBRUARY, 2017 SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT
1 Initial Peer
Coordinator Training
RSVP to Krissa
2 3 4 CASA BOOK
CLUB 10 –
11:30am Woods Lib.
5
6
7 Grief &
Loss Series Part 1
@ Tu Nidito 10:00am
8
9
10
11
12 13
Sandra’s Case Support Meeting 2 pm – 4
14
15
16
17 Vail Case Support
10:30am – 12:30
18
19 20
CASA
OFFICE CLOSED
21
22 Court Report Writing – For NEW CASAs
2:30 – 5:00pm
Infant & Toddler Case
Support 2-4pm
23
Wilmot Case Support Meeting 3pm - 5
24
25
26 27 28
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Court Appointed Special Advocates
Pima County, AZ
Contact Information
CASA of Pima County 2225 E. Ajo Way, Tucson AZ 85713
Main Phone Number: (520) 724- 2060 - FAX 724-2211 http://www.casaofpimacounty.org
Program Supervisor: Krissa Ericson 724-2069
Coordinators: Nicole Stockett 724-9240
Christa Coxall 724-9241
Support Specialists: Maria Chavez 724-5024
Karen Abman 724-9242
Lupe Ornelas 724-2060
Adelina Altamirano 724-4516
CASA Recruiter: Jill LaBrie 724-9238 Tricia Keeler 724-2249
CASA Volunteer Screener: To Be Filled CASA Intern: Katie Espinoza 724-4589 CASA Trainer: Jania Wright 724-4579
If you are interested in writing a story or article for this newsletter, contact Krissa Ericson –
**Check Facebook and Twitter for more stories, events & updates**
www.facebook.com/casaofpimacounty
Twitter: @CASAPimaCounty
Photo Credit to: various CASA Staff
Special thanks to Linda Koral & Various CASA staff for offering their insight in an effort to develop
this great newsletter!
CASA Support Council for Pima County, Inc. P.O. Box 36017, Tucson AZ 85740 Phone Number: (520) 575-5130
www.pimacountycasa.org President: Linda Koral 465-4425
Directors: Sharon Inorio
VP, Programs: Eloise Williams 743-8603
Peter (Bud) Inorio
VP, Governance:
Frederica Leonardo-Torres
Treasurer: Karlene Nelson 591-4841
Jon Merritt
Secretary: Elda Lopez 269-3061 Jan Webster
Back Row: (Left to right) Nicole,
Adelina,
Jill,
Karen,
Maria,
Lupe,
Tricia
Front Row: (Left to Right)
Jania,
Krissa,
Christa