CASA Roles & Responsibilities Child Advocates of Silicon Valley Stacy Castle, Director of Programs 408-761-3437

Why be a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtr--uo_WMc Share a story about another person that had a positive influence in your life Share some of the benefits as a group Why did you select this volunteer experience?

Role of the CASA See the child once a week for 2-3 hours Provide consistent one-on-one companionship as child’s adult friend Consult with parties involved in the case Determine if appropriate services, including reasonable efforts, are being provided to the child Investigate facts of case independently and provide recommendations to the court by means of a written court report Attend court hearings Maintain complete records about the case Submit monthly reporting form to Advocate Supervisor Maintain confidentiality Be a collaborative partner - Advocate on behalf of the child!

Team members and support Child SW CASA Care giver Atty Bio parent Counselor Teacher Support Services Bio parent

Agency Approach Child Centered Always using the lens of ‘what is best for the child?’ Objective Focused Child Directed (child development) Responsible

Agency Approach Strength Based Focusing on what’s right Assuming the skills needed are present When they’re not, seeing that as an opportunity

Agency Approach Asset Building (Developmental Assets, 1990) Self-Esteem Building Trust & Relationship Building Cultural & Community Events New Experiences Education Support Extracurricular Activities Healthy Choices & Behaviors Developmental Milestones/Independent Living Skills

Agency Approach Trauma Informed Definition : “Trauma-informed” care is an approach to engaging people with histories of trauma that recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role that trauma has played in their lives.

Teams…. Team CASAs Mentors Specialist Current (2016) 8 Specialists 783 children Team CASAs Mentors Specialist Team CASAs Mentors Specialist

How do we know where to start?

We deliver impactful programs specialized to meet the needs of our children Priority outcomes Program Support 8 key Areas of support Specialties We encourage positive sense of self with education, experiences and connections Extracurricular activities Cultural & community events New experiences Education Community Cultural events Self-fulfillment needs Education Special needs LGBTQ NMDs Mental health We support a child’s engagement in school, community and life Developmental milestones Education support Healthy choices and behaviors Participation in education Mental health Healthy choices Psychological needs Physical Safety Placement Trauma-informed services Medical We ensure a safe, stable home and a trusted relationship with an adult Domestic violence CSEC Substance abuse DIY Trust and relationship building Self esteem building Basic needs

Engage and prioritize an ecosystem of partners to scale our impact Priority outcomes Program Support Critical Partners Collaborative Partners Peripheral Partners We encourage positive sense of self with education, experiences and connections First 5 Uplift Family Services Etc. AACI Boys and Girls Clubs Buildon.org Etc. Education Community Cultural events Self-fulfillment needs We support a child’s engagement in school, community and life DFCS DFCS Edu Unit SCC Office of Education Etc. Billy DeFrank Center DFCS LGBTQ SW II First 5 Etc. Participation in education Mental health Healthy choices Psychological needs We ensure a safe, stable home and a trusted relationship with an adult Physical Safety Placement Trauma-informed services Medica DFCS DFCS CSEC Unit DIY unit LACY. Bill Wilson Center Billy DeFrank Center DFCS LGBTQ SW II Etc. YMCA YWCA Silicon Valley Etc. Basic needs

Concern/worries? Safety? What don’t I know? What do I do the first time I meet the child?

What you can expect Assumptions & beliefs tested Boundaries tested New appreciation of self and others

Recent text…. Stacy thank you for everything you've done for me I know I'm annoying sometimes but that's just my personality and I can only imagine how hard it would be to deal with me. I know at first we miss understood things but I'm glad I got over it and I just want you to know that I'm glad to have you as a house “casa” 😂

Questions?