I am for the child ™ A new initiative to fight for the rights of neglected and abused children. I am for the child ™ A new initiative to fight for the rights of neglected and abused children. [LOCATION]CASA INFORMATION MEETING

[Your Name] CASA Program Coordinator Share your name and how you heard about [Location] CASA INTRODUCTIONS

1.What is a CASA volunteer? 2.What does it takes to be a CASA volunteer? 3.Is becoming a CASA volunteer right for you? 4.How do you become a CASA volunteer? 5.Your questions TODAY’S MEETING

HISTORY OF CASA 1977, Judge David Soukup, Seattle, WA. Appointed by a judge Given access to all records & resources Spends more time with child

1987, Alaska CASA began ALASKA CASA HISTORY Tribal State Tribal & State

Research Get a clear picture of the case Facilitate Ensure progression towards permanency Advocate Report to the court Speak to the best interest of the child Monitor Ensure child’s needs are met WHAT DOES A CASA VOLUNTEER DO?

A best friend or “Big Brother/Big Sister” A babysitter A parent advocate An attorney (representing what the child wants) A social worker/ICWA 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 child Required to take the child on outings WHAT A CASA VOLUNTEER IS NOT

WHAT DOES IT TAKE?  Commitment  Objectivity  Perseverance and dedication  Good communication skills  Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality

Confidentiality CASA volunteers may not share case information with anyone outside the case (e.g. family, friends, work colleagues) CASA volunteers may not introduce their CASA child to spouses, family, friends, etc 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) CONFIDENTIALITY & CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

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 ESSENTIAL ADVOCATE EXPECTATIONS

HOW DO CASA CHILDREN “ENTER THE SYSTEM”? TRIBAL COURT 1.Report of harm filed 2.Investigation 3.Petition submitted to Tribal Court – CINA case 4.Tribal Court Judges order a CASA volunteer be assigned 5.CASA program coordinator assigns a CASA volunteer STATE COURT 1.Report of suspected child abuse/neglect 2.Investigation 3.State Court intervention – CINA case 4.GAL assigned to the case 5.CASA volunteer assigned when available

WHY ARE CASA VOLUNTEERS NEEDED? High rates of child abuse/neglect in Alaska CASA volunteers are assigned to less than 15% of all children in custody CASA volunteers improve case outcomes Tribal Court – only advocate for child/youth State Court – special skill set/GAL out of area Every child/youth deserves to have someone who is there ONLY for them and to be a consistent person during their time in care.

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 o Support family connections o Locate cultural groups/activities/ resources o Advocate to preserve culture CULTURAL COMPETENCE: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Overrepresentation o High percentage of Alaska Native children and youth in custody o Limited Alaska Native foster homes Youth lose cultural identity Indian Child Welfare Act CULTURAL COMPETENCE: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Do I have the time? Can I be objective? Is this the way I want to help abused and neglected children? How will I handle the information that I learn about my CASA child? Am I willing to invest my time, energy, and emotions when I might never know the impact I have made? IS THE CASA PROGRAM RIGHT FOR ME?

HOW DO I BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEER? Screening Process Attend an information meeting  Submit a written application  Participate in a personal interview  Undergo a background check  Personal Reference Check  Criminal Background Check  Child Protection Check  Social Security Verification Training Process  Complete CASA core training (30+ hours)  Attend at least one court observation  Sworn in by both tribal & state court judges

40 hours course (AK CASA & KIT)  Must attend all sessions  Must complete all assigned work  Arrive on time; stay for entire session  Complete at least one court observation NEXT TRAINING: February 2015 CORE TRAINING

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 PERMANENCY

1.Permanency achieved 2.CASA volunteer says goodbye 3.File returned 4.Case closed!! 5.CASA volunteer matched with a new case… ENDING A CASE

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. FOSTERING FUTURES ALASKA

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). HOW DO I BECOME A FOSTERING FUTURES VOLUNTEER?

Visit the Fostering Futures page on our website: WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?

QUESTIONS?