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"Sarah Sawyer is an excellent, reliable, and compassionate advocate for her CASA children. She's a person who cares about others and helps them despite not gaining anything in return. Sarah's hard work and dedication will never be forgotten and is appreciated. CASA is thankful for Sarah and the acts of service she chooses to do each day. " - Flora Hernandez, Volunteer Supervisor - |
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A Message from Our Executive Director Happy February!
It’s the time of year for surveys and signatures. Would you please complete your 2023 Volunteer Survey on the link in this newsletter? Your thoughts and comments are invaluable and will guide us in supporting your advocacy. Please let us know what works and what needs work. This information will allow us to craft the most beneficial volunteer experience for you and, ultimately, help foster children and their families. Also, national and state requirements ask us to review and sign policies annually that guide our work. Kelcey and Monica will be sending out in the next week several documents via DocuSign for your review and signature. Do let me know of any questions, I’ll be glad to get answers for you.
Last week, the board held their annual elections and Tracy Gore is board president, Amanda Bedgood-Collins is our vice-president, Jennifer Farris is our treasurer, Tammy Kotzur is our secretary, and Marco Porras is immediate past president. Erica Bancuch, Jennifer Farris, and Nick Perez were elected to the board for their first term, Amanda Bedgood-Collins was elected to her second term. Jeanie Bauer, Luther Easley, and Pam Lahodny were elected to their third term. The board is eager to meet volunteers and has recently adopted impressive fundraising goals to support volunteer advocacy.
I see in Optima; volunteers have been busy seeing children. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to visit with children, their families, social workers, attorneys, educators, and health professionals. Do let us know if we can be of assistance on needed visits or documentation. Also, let us know if you are having any difficulty entering your contact notes into Optima by the 25th of each month. Please know we are here to support you and your advocacy. Also, this Friday is a big day, we’ve three new volunteers sworn in! When you get a chance, please welcome Kristin Cantu, Melissa Hernandez, and Teresa Snider. I know each of them is excited to begin their CASA volunteer advocacy.
As always, a heartfelt thank you to all GC CASA Volunteers, Board, and Staff for your great work and dedication to CASA’s mission. All the best, Tim |
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An Update from Our Program Director Monthly Contact with Parents One of the duties of the CASA Volunteer/GAL is to obtain first hand a clear understanding of the needs and situation of the child by interviewing the parents of the child. Who knows this child better than the parent? From the very beginning of each case, reunification is the goal. What better way to obtain that first-hand knowledge that you will use to base your recommendations on.
In working with parents, you would contact their attorney (if they have been appointed one) to get permission. Based upon that response (documented in OPTIMA) you plan your contacts.
There are times when an attorney for the parent will deny your request. If this happens, you may communicate with the parent by writing letters and sending them to their attorney. You will be requesting information about the plans the parents have for the child (ren), and family members who were important to the child and parent and their contact information. You can also share information about their child. Letting the parent know you visit often and are making sure their child is well cared for during this time allows the parents to focus on healing their family.
Communication with incarcerated parents is equally important. No matter the reason for the incarceration, these parents are important in the lives of the child. Asking the parent about the plans they may have for their child and requesting contact information for family and friends who are important to the child is a must. Letting the incarcerated parent know you visit with their child often and giving them updates on how the child is doing is important.
There are times when the attorney for the parent will allow you to contact their client at any time. These face-to-face conversations are a great way to learn more about the parent, the plans they are making for their family, and the extended family and friends they consider supportive. During these conversations, parents may share the changes they are making, both personally and for their family. You can share about your visits with their child (ren) and how they are adapting to their current situation.
Not sure how to make that first contact? Talk with your CASA Supervisor. I have read many great contact notes by volunteers who are already building a relationship with the parents in their cases. This includes letters to and from incarcerated parents. I can’t wait to read about your experiences! - Diana Sneed |
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Unfortunately, the luncheon was cancelled due to inclement weather. See below for other ways to accrue continuing education hours this month! |
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If you haven't already, please take a moment to complete the Volunteer Survey!
This is your opportunity to tell us how we are doing and what you would like to see happening at CASA. Help us help you. Your feedback is valued! |
Hundreds of CASA advocates from all over the state will be visiting their legislative officials to spread the word about CASA and to raise awareness about challenges facing the child welfare system. This opportunity is for local CASA programs to interact with their legislators at the state Capitol in order to support Texas CASA’s funding and legislative priorities and to amplify CASA’s importance as a key participant in the child welfare system.
Interested in joining, please RSVP below! |
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We currently have 21 cases without a volunteer. If you are interested in taking a case or an additional case, please reach out to your Supervisor or to Kelcey at gccasa@goldencrescentcasa.org for more information.
Several of these cases are brand new! We also have several that have been in care for quite some time and could really use a CASA Volunteer on their side! |
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| Testifying in Court – Tips and Technology Feb 22, 2023 11:00 AM
Testifying in Court can be a daunting part of the CASA/GAL volunteer role. This webinar provides CASA/GAL volunteers and staff with guidelines for preparing for court, as well as testifying in person and via video conference. The instructor will provide information regarding dealing with common issues that may occur during a CASA/GAL volunteer's testimony. |
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The Girl from Plainville is an American drama miniseries. Inspired by the true story of Michelle Carter's unprecedented "texting-suicide" case. Explores Carter's relationship with Conrad Roy III and the events that led to his death and, later, her conviction of involuntary manslaughter. Available on Hulu | |
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This Is Us - The series follows the lives of siblings Kevin, Kate, and Randall, and their parents Jack and Rebecca Pearson. Kevin and Kate are the two surviving members of triplets, born six weeks premature; their brother Kyle was stillborn. Believing they were meant to have three children, Jack and Rebecca decide to adopt Randall, an African-American child born earlier that day and brought to the same hospital.
Available on Hulu |
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Manchester by the Sea is a 2016 American drama film written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan that stars Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, and Lucas Hedges. Centered around the themes of depression, guilt, grief, responsibility, dysfunctional families, and post-traumatic stress disorder, the plot follows a depressed and grief-stricken man who was accidentally responsible for the deaths of his three children and must care for his teenage nephew after the death of his brother.
Available on Amazon Prime |
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First, I believe you by Carol Boyce
First, I Believe You is an astonishing memoir of resilience and recovery from complex trauma--with no memory of it. Terrifying flashbacks haunted her for decades despite an affluent, advantaged childhood, resulting in severe depression, food addiction, anxiety, and nightmares. Delving into her deepest fears, and PTSD, refusing to give up, she pushed through every barrier with unflinching courage. Don’t miss this compelling and gritty story of hope for recovery from severe trauma.
Recommended by CASA Volunteer |
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| NOBODY'S ever cried for me... by Dave Roever
This is their story-- the story of those who have more scars on the inside than I have on the outside.
I quietly wept for the high school student as she poured out the story of abuse she'd endured at the hands of her father...then her trembling hand reached to my face and wiped my tears away. "Nobody's ever cried for me before," she whispered.
Available at the CASA Office |
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Reflecting on Anti-bias Education in Action: The Early Years A Film by Debbie LeeKeenan • John Nimmo • Filiz Efe McKinney |
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| We want to see people everywhere supporting the foster care community and experiencing Jesus together. So, in this podcast, we are sharing the stories of the foster care community to bring awareness that leads to action! |
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This podcast series, produced on behalf of the Children's Bureau, presents a series of interviews and group conversations intended to provide beneficial information for busy child welfare and social work professionals. The podcasts cover a wide range of topics and provide perspectives from communities served by child welfare agencies along with tips and stories from professionals about implementing new services and programs, working across agencies, and improving practice.
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On the Seen Out Loud podcast, formerly Seen and Heard, host Matt Anderson engages in stories and conversations that recognize transformation of the U.S. foster care system starts with seeing families for who they truly are. Through deeply personal stories from families who’ve experienced the child welfare system, we understand the value of human connection in affecting change. And through conversations with leaders on the front lines of the family well-being movement, we see real possibilities for shaping a future where families are seen, engaged, and have what they need to thrive.
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| CASA on the Go: Continuing Education for CASA Volunteers |
Hosted by Texas CASA’s own Margaret Halpin, CASA on the Go connects CASA volunteers and staff with engaging and relevant training designed to help strengthen advocacy for children and families. Each short, dynamic episode features informative discussions with subject matter experts exploring topics connected to child welfare and practical tips for informed CASA advocacy. |
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