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. [LOCAL PROGRAM] CASA INFORMATION MEETING

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

1.What is a CASA volunteer? 2.What does it take to serve as a CASA volunteer? 3.Is serving as a CASA volunteer right for you? 4.Steps to 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 members, 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”? STATE COURT 1.Report of suspected child abuse/neglect by someone in the community 2.Investigation – by Office of Children’s Services (OCS) 3.Court intervention – CINA case opens 4.GAL assigned to the case through Office of Public Advocacy (OPA) 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 – luxury of focus CASA may have 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 references  Criminal records, including sex offender registry  Child protection records  Social Security number verification  Complete CASA core training (30+ hours)  Attend at least one court observation  Sworn in by a judge

Required elements  Minimum of 30 hours, including at least 10 hours in-person with program staff  Complete at least one court observation  Must attend all sessions  Must complete all assigned work  Arrive on time; stay for entire session CORE TRAINING

Flex Learning option  Blended learning: part completed online, part in-person  About 3 hours of online work prior to each 3 hour in-person session  Scheduled 5 weeks in a row  Must attend all sessions and complete all assigned work  Court observation still required CORE TRAINING – FLEX LEARNING

CASA volunteers work to ensure that a child’s time frame is in the forefront as we work to achieve one of the following: Reunification with 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?