1. CASA of Adams and Broomfield Counties
Introduction to the peer Coordinator Model
A CASA Child Advocate for Every Child

3. Our Mission
Built around deep seeded values and beliefs. We will stand for something, the basic human rights of a child! “CASA is central to fulfilling society’s most fundamental obligation by making sure a qualified, compassionate adult will fight for and protect a child’s right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect and to learn and grow in the safe embrace of a loving family.”

4. Our Basic Concept….
Our children need to do more than simply survive, they need to thrive, in the safety and love of a family throughout their childhood and into adulthood.

5. What we believe….
At it’s heart, this is not merely an issue of abuse, or neglect, or a broken system, or overburdened workers, but of the unalienable rights of a child. This is a human rights issue. This is about ensuring that every child has the right to learn, and grow, and be treated with dignity and respect.

6. What we believe…
It is therefore our duty to spread the word so that every single American understands that the lives and wellbeing of children are hanging in the balance. So that every child, who cannot live safely at home, has a CASA Volunteer Advocate, who will help ensure their safe passage out of foster care, to the benefit to their children, and generations to come.

7. Appeal to our common humanity and shared values.
What we do…
Appeal to our common humanity and shared values.

8. National CASA has a Goal that every child that needs a casa will have one by the year 2020.
The Peer Coordinator Model uses seasoned volunteers to support, coach, and supervise advocate volunteers. The model is the result of a collaborative effort between National CASA and several CASA programs. It is useful for all CASA/GAL programs—big and small, urban and rural, government run and nonprofit—and is supported by National CASA.

9. What is the purpose of the peer coordinator model?
To create a fluid system of coaching and support for advocates.
To strengthen connections to the program, rather than to its people.
To expand the shared knowledge base.
To build solid relationships between all staff, paid and unpaid.
To provide a CASA advocate to every child in care that needs one.

10. To work smarter, not harder.
What is the goal of the peer coordinator model?
To serve more children without having to equally increase staff and budget.
To work smarter, not harder.
To increase retention by building stronger relationships between all of the program members: paid staff, unpaid staff and advocates.

11. What’s in it for us?
Increased Funding Opportunity - Funding is based on the number of children served and an increase in the number of children served increases the potential for revenue from funders and supporters.
Meeting Our Mission – The Peer Coordinator Model allows for the provision of an advocate for every abused and neglected child that needs one. We are currently serving 30-40% of the cases in Adams county base on the number of dependency and neglect filings. The Peer Coordinator Model Allows for a greater number of children served without having to substantially increase the annual budget.
Better Serve the Community – Engages staff in new responsibilities and opportunities to support the program and provides a greater emphasis on professional development and continuing education experiences for both staff and advocates.

12. Fiscal Year 2015 Goals Goal FY 2014-2015
Number of Training Sessions Offered 6
Number of New Advocates Sworn In
120
Number of Advocates on Cases
335
Number of Children Served
800
Number of Cases Served
370
Minimum Number of Peer Coordinators to recruit and train for FY 2015 12
Conduct Staff and Peer Coordinator 2 Day Training
August 2014

13. Frequently asked questions
How much time does it take to be a Peer Coordinator?
We estimate Peer Coordinators will be giving 6-30 hours per month of volunteer service outside of the pre-service and ongoing training. Peer Coordinators will be asked to give a 2 year commitment to the role.
Can Peer Coordinators have a CASA case?
Peer Coordinators will remain on any current cases but will not take a new case once their cases close during the time they are serving as a Peer Coordinator. This is to ensure they have the time to focus on the Peer Coordinator role.
What is the staff’s role in the new model?
Senior Program Coordinators will coach and support Peer Coordinators and their current CASA advocates while overseeing and implementing the direct service of the CASA program. They will also become subject matter experts on specific topics to provide expertise for the
entire program.

14. Frequently Asked Questions
How do you recruit the “right” person for the Peer Coordinator position?
We have developed a Peer Coordinator Job Description that we believe captures the role, responsibilities and desired qualifications for the position. Peer Coordinators will be recruited from our CASA Advocate base so we will have a history of working with them. We also have nomination & selection processes in place.
Will Peer Coordinators have sufficient training?
Peer Coordinators will complete 2 days of pre-service training and participate in ongoing trainings as needed. Peer Coordinators are also encouraged to attend any CASA 201 class that they need a refresher on.
How will CASA Volunteers be assigned to a Peer Coordinator?
The Director of Advocate Development will work with the Program Director and Senior Program Coordinators to match new CASA Advocates with a Peer Coordinator.

15. Questions, Concerns, Comments
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ---Mother Teresa Thank you for being here!