Welcome to the

[location]CASA

Information Meeting

Welcome to the

[location]CASA

Information Meeting

Introductions

CASA Staff [NAME], Program Coordinator

[Location] CASA

Please share your name and how you heard about the CASA program

Today’s Meeting

Share roles and responsibilities of a CASA volunteer.

Watch the DVD titled “Unpacking Hope”.

Answer questions you may have. Is CASA the right match for you?

The Beginning…

In 1977, Judge David Soukup of Seattle, Washington dreamed of using citizen volunteers to advocate for children in dependency court.

He founded the CASA program, beginning a nationwide grassroots movement that is over 70,000 strong today.

His vision allowed for ordinary people to focus solely on a child’s best interest.

Alaska History

Alaska CASA began in 1987. CASA programs are now in Anchorage, Palmer, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai and Bethel.

Alaska CASA is administered through the Office of Public Advocacy, Department of Administration, State of Alaska.

[Location] CASA began in [Year].

Who are CASA volunteers?

Everyday people who care about youth

Come from all backgrounds and specialties—no legal experience required

Many work full time, other are students or retired

Screened, trained, and supported by professional program staff

What does a CASA volunteer do?

Investigate

Facilitate

Advocate

Monitor

A CASA volunteer is not A best friend or “Big Brother/Big Sister” A babysitter A parent advocate An attorney representing only what the youth

wants A social worker representing the position of OCS

or the Tribe Responsible for providing transportation to family

contact appointments Responsible for supervising family contact

between parents and youth Required to take youth on outings

What does it take?

Commitment

Objectivity

Perseverance and dedication

Good communication skills

Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality

Confidentiality & Conflicts Confidentiality

CASA volunteers may not share case information with anyone outside the case (e.g. family, friends, work colleagues)

CASA volunteers sign a Confidentiality Agreement

Conflict of Interest CASA volunteers may not be closely related to

the child or the family CASA volunteers may not know the child or the

family well (either personally or professionally)

Essential Advocate Expectations

Twice a month contact with child Communicate monthly with staff Participate in court hearings and

other case meetings Complete monthly reporting

requirements Remain an active advocate until case

closure

How does a CASA volunteer get a State Court case?

Report of suspected child abuse/neglect

OCS investigation Court intervention GAL appointed by the court CASA volunteer assigned to a case

Why are CASA volunteers needed?

High rates of child abuse/neglect in Alaska

High caseloads for professionals

CASA volunteers are assigned to less than 15% of all youth in custody

CASA volunteers improve case outcomes

Cultural Competence: Why is it important?

Work with a wide range of people; their backgrounds may not be similar to ours

Youth may be separated from their culture and communities

CASA volunteers can Support family connections Locate cultural

groups/activities/resources Advocate to preserve culture

Cultural Competence: Why is it important?

Overrepresentation High percentage of Alaska Native

children and youth in custody Limited Alaska Native foster homes

Youth lose cultural identity

Indian Child Welfare Act

Is the CASA program right for me?

Do I have the time?

Can I be objective?

Is this the way I want to help youth?

How do I become a CASA volunteer?

Attend an information meeting Submit a written application Participate in a personal interview Undergo a background check

Personal references Child protection Criminal records

Complete core training course Attend court swearing-in Accept case assignment

Core Training

Must attend all sessions

Must complete all assigned work

Arrive on time; stay for entire session

Complete at least one court observation

Permanency

CASA volunteers work to ensure that a child’s time frame is in the forefront to achieving one of the following:

Return to Parent Adoption Guardianship Another permanent planned living

arrangement

The Ending…

Once permanency is achieved, the CASA volunteer says goodbye to the child, the family, the providers, the parties, the foster family and the courts.

The case closes!

The CASA volunteer is matched with a new case…

Fostering Futures Alaska Fostering Futures Alaska is an initiative

launched by Alaska CASA in 2014, supported by a grant from the National CASA Association.

The goal is to train and equip CASA volunteers from around the state to work alongside older foster youth to improve outcomes as the youth transition into adulthood.

Fostering Futures volunteers serve as a mentor in addition to an advocate.

How Do I Become a Fostering Futures Volunteer?

1. Complete the screening and training process required to be sworn in as a CASA volunteer.

2. Fill out the one page supplemental application form for Fostering Futures Alaska.

3. Successfully complete the Fostering Futures training course.

4. Get matched with a foster youth (age 14 – 21).

Where Can I Learn More?

Visit the Fostering Futures page on our website:

http://alaskacasa.org/FosteringFuturesAK.aspx

THANK YOU!

Questions?Contact:

Valerie Dudley, Program CoordinatorYK Delta Program

545-3003YKDeltaCASA@alaska.gov

www.alaskacasa.org