Welcome to the [location] CASA Information Meeting

1. Welcometo the [location]CASAInformation Meeting

2. Introductions CASA Staff • [NAME], Program Coordinator [Location] CASA • Please share your name and how you heard about the CASA program

3. Today’s Meeting • Share roles and responsibilities of a CASA volunteer. • Watch the DVD titled “Unpacking Hope”. • Answer questions you may have. • Is CASA the right match for you?

4. The Beginning… • In 1977, Judge David Soukup of Seattle, Washington dreamed of using citizen volunteers to advocate for children in dependency court. • He founded the CASA program, beginning a nationwide grassroots movement that is over 70,000 strong today. • His vision allowed for ordinary people to focus solely on a child’s best interest.

5. Alaska History • Alaska CASA began in 1987. CASA programs are now in Anchorage, Palmer, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai and Bethel. • Alaska CASA is administered through the Office of Public Advocacy, Department of Administration, State of Alaska. • [Location] CASA began in [Year].

6. Who are CASA volunteers? • Everyday people who care about youth • Come from all backgrounds and specialties—no legal experience required • Many work full time, other are students or retired • Screened, trained, and supported by professional program staff

7. What does a CASA volunteer do? • Investigate • Facilitate • Advocate • Monitor

8. A CASA volunteer is not • A best friend or “Big Brother/Big Sister” • A babysitter • A parent advocate • An attorney representing only what the youth wants • A social 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 youth • Required to take youth on outings

9. What does it take? • Commitment • Objectivity • Perseverance and dedication • Good communication skills • Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality

10. Confidentiality & Conflicts • Confidentiality • CASA volunteers may not share case information with anyone outside the case (e.g. family, friends, work colleagues) • CASA volunteers sign a Confidentiality Agreement • 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)

11. Essential Advocate Expectations • 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

12. How does a CASA volunteer get a State Court case? • Report of suspected child abuse/neglect • OCS investigation • Court intervention • GAL appointed by the court • CASA volunteer assigned to a case

13. Why are CASA volunteers needed? • High rates of child abuse/neglect in Alaska • High caseloads for professionals • CASA volunteers are assigned to less than 15% of all youth in custody • CASA volunteers improve case outcomes

14. Cultural Competence: Why is it important? • 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 • Support family connections • Locate cultural groups/activities/resources • Advocate to preserve culture

15. Cultural Competence: Why is it important? • Overrepresentation • High percentage of Alaska Native children and youth in custody • Limited Alaska Native foster homes • Youth lose cultural identity • Indian Child Welfare Act

16. Is the CASA program right for me? • Do I have the time? • Can I be objective? • Is this the way I want to help youth?

17. How do I become a CASA volunteer? • Attend an information meeting • Submit a written application • Participate in a personal interview • Undergo a background check • Personal references • Child protection • Criminal records • Complete core training course • Attend court swearing-in • Accept case assignment

18. Core Training • Must attend all sessions • Must complete all assigned work • Arrive on time; stay for entire session • Complete at least one court observation

19. Permanency 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

20. The Ending… • Once permanency is achieved, the CASA volunteer says goodbye to the child, the family, the providers, the parties, the foster family and the courts. • The case closes! • The CASA volunteer is matched with a new case…

21. Fostering Futures Alaska • 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.

22. How Do I Become a Fostering Futures Volunteer? • Complete the screening and training process required to be sworn in as a CASA volunteer. • Fill out the one page supplemental application form for Fostering Futures Alaska. • Successfully complete the Fostering Futures training course. • Get matched with a foster youth (age 14 – 21).

23. Where Can I Learn More? Visit the Fostering Futures page on our website: http://alaskacasa.org/FosteringFuturesAK.aspx

24. THANK YOU!

25. Questions? Contact: Valerie Dudley, Program Coordinator YK Delta Program 545-3003 YKDeltaCASA@alaska.gov www.alaskacasa.org