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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
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