Presented to[Group or Event] [Date] [City], Alaska

Brief history and glimpse of the CASA network Who are CASA volunteers? How do they serve foster youth? How you can help

In 1977 Judge David Soukup of Seattle, Washington dreamed of using citizen volunteers to advocate for children in dependency court. He founded the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, beginning a nationwide grassroots movement that is now over 70,000 strong. His vision allowed for ordinary people to focus solely on a child’s best interest.

National CASA Association State Organization: Alaska CASA Local Programs State Court Tribal Court

National CASA offers leadership and supports continued growth of the CASA network Specific activities include offering: Training & Curriculum Technical Assistance & Quality Assurance Volunteer Recruitment & Public Awareness Resource Development & Grants

Recruit, screen, train and support volunteers in their work with children and youth involved with the court system as a result of abuse and/or neglect Provide 30 hours of pre-service training Provide 12 hours of in-service training annually

Nationally in

Alaska CASA started in 1987 in Anchorage. Local programs are now also in Palmer (1996), Juneau (1999), Fairbanks (2000), Bethel (2010) and Kenai (2011). The Kenaitze Indian Tribe started the first tribal court CASA program in Alaska in Kenai Peninsula CASA (A partnership between Kenaitze Indian Tribe & Office of Public Advocacy) – first program in Alaska in which volunteers are trained to serve in state and tribal courts. First group sworn in October First CASA volunteers in Alaska

State agency mandated to provide a guardian ad litem (GAL) for every child and youth in OCS custody Alaska CASA is a program of the Office of Public Advocacy (OPA) OPA is appointed as GAL when OCS files paperwork in court seeking custody of a child or youth

Child Advocacy Section – GALs Public Guardian Section Criminal Defense Section Adult & Juvenile Representation Section Appeals & Statewide Defense Section Office of Elder Fraud & Assistance Conflict Counsel Alaska CASA

Staff GALs Anchorage CASA Alaska CASA Fairbanks CASA Juneau CASA Valley CASA YK Delta CASA Kenai Peninsula CASA A Partnership Between Kenaitze Indian Tribe and Office of Public Advocacy Contract GALs

The CASA program enhances the quality of child advocacy in Alaska. CASA volunteers are generally assigned to 1 case at a time – they have the “luxury of focus.” CASA volunteers increase our diversity - of backgrounds, experience, viewpoints, and demographics. CASA volunteers have more frequent contact with youth and get to know the child’s unique needs, personality, abilities, and goals.

In Six local programs 156 CASA volunteers 389 abused and neglected children 3,130 youth served by OPA statewide

CASA volunteers are everyday people who have undergone screening and training with their local program. No special background or education is required to become a CASA volunteer. We encourage people from all cultures and professions, and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds.

Screening: Be 21+ years old Be willing to undergo necessary background checks, provide references and participate in an interview Complete pre-service training course Be available for court appearances, with advance notice Be willing to commit to the CASA program until your first case is closed

Training: Minimum 30 hours of pre-service training is required – plus court observations and homework National CASA curriculum customized with state and local materials Pre-service training is part of the screening process 12 hours in-service training annually

The child is not forgotten The child’s sense of time is at the forefront The child finds a safe and permanent home as soon as possible The child’s case is not lingering in the system

Four responsibilities: Investigate, Advocate, Facilitate, Monitor Full access to the child’s information Bound by strict confidentiality Supported by staff – teamed with a GAL Remains involved until permanency is achieved Sworn into service by a judge

Gets to Know the CHILD!

CASA volunteers listen first. Then they act. Volunteers get to know the child by talking with everyone in that child's life: parents and relatives, foster parents, teachers, attorneys, social workers, health professionals and others. They use the information gathered to inform judges and others of what the child needs and what will be the best permanent plan.

Talk to everyone involved in the case Read all documents (school records, history with OCS, case plans, etc.) Find out the child’s needs: physical emotional educational medical cultural

Identify resources and services for the child Build collaboration between parties Help to get child’s needs met Bring people together so decisions can be made Ask for meetings, write letters, make phone calls when needed

Speak up for the child – in and out of court Attend all meetings relating to the child’s needs (e.g. school, treatment, case planning, placement, etc.) Share thoughts and position on the issues with those working with the family

Keep track of whether court orders are being carried out and report to the court as needed Keep track of services family and child are receiving Ensure child’s needs are met and permanent plan is achieved

Become a CASA volunteer!

Help spread the word about CASA: Share with your social networks

Invite CASA staff to make a presentation at your workplace, community or civic group meeting, place of worship, etc. Offer a job or internship to a youth in in custody Get CASA information out in your workplace via e-newsletter, posters, brochures, etc.

Recruit volunteers: public speaking, staffing tables at events, talking to friends, sharing on social media Hang CASA posters in your community Present an in-service training workshop on a topic about which you have expertise Add an Alaska CASA link to your website

Support Friends of Alaska CASA, our nonprofit partner: Donate to FAC and/or offer pro bono professional services Make your home, workplace or other facility available for training, special events, volunteer recognition. Organize a fundraiser or contact businesses for in-kind donations: food, prizes in connection with a special event or for volunteer recognition, etc. Serve on the FAC board or a committee

Visit our website: Sign up for our e-newsletter at To Donate: Friends of Alaska CASA website: National CASA Association