76 replies to this topic

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

You don't need any luck. I have full confidence you will be a good advocate always keeping the best interests of the child in mind.

Thank you for your kind words, Bill.

[MrsTuffPaws]

I have some friends with a foster kid (not sure what agency). Cutest little 3 year old boy. I have no idea how they're going to give him back next month, and I only met the kid once.

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

I have some friends with a foster kid (not sure what agency). Cutest little 3 year old boy. I have no idea how they're going to give him back next month, and I only met the kid once.

Getting attached to a child you have on a temporary basis has to be hard. All you can do is put in perspective that you were there for the child during a time of great need.

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

President Obama has decalred May 2010 National Foster Care month to call attention to the half million American children and youth in the foster care system.

http://www.whitehous...ster-care-month

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

I've only been on my CASA case for a few weeks and in this short time it has already been an awesome experience. As budget cutbacks reduce the number of social workers and other service providers, it is clear to see the need for and value in this volunteer experience. If you are looking for a way to give back to your community, I urge you to look into becoming a CASA.

Sacramento CASA has the following upcoming orientations scheduled:

Thursday, July 8th, 6-7pm;
Thursday, August 12th 6-7pm;
Tuesday, September 7th 6-7pm.

Please contact Kathy at kathy@sacramentocasa.org or 916-875-6606 to RSVP and/or for more information.

If you live in Placer County and would prefer to volunteer there, you can contact their CASA program: http://www.casaplacer.org/ .

[supermom]

Give us an idea of what your experiences have been like-so far?

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

Give us an idea of what your experiences have been like-so far?

I would love to share, but I have to be mindful of confidentiality.

[MrsTuffPaws]

I would love to share, but I have to be mindful of confidentiality.

Don a disguise, go to the library, make a new account, and you're good!

[supermom]

I would love to share, but I have to be mindful of confidentiality.

Ok--that is pretty much a given.

What type of activities are you doing to help this kid? How much access to the kids personal life are you going to be given? IE: help tutoring the kid, helping with drop off and pick up for piano lessons, assisting the kid in getting to doctors and mental health counseling appointments...etc.

or do you just do research on court appointments and keep the foster parents updated? Are you just a friend for the kid just when they have Court appearances or are you more involved?

When I was asking for an idea of activites you do--I don't need to know age, name, gender or childs personal circumstances.

Frankly-those are the kind of "very personal" information that just makes one depressed about the state of our society, anyway.

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

Ok--that is pretty much a given.

What type of activities are you doing to help this kid? How much access to the kids personal life are you going to be given? IE: help tutoring the kid, helping with drop off and pick up for piano lessons, assisting the kid in getting to doctors and mental health counseling appointments...etc.

or do you just do research on court appointments and keep the foster parents updated? Are you just a friend for the kid just when they have Court appearances or are you more involved?

When I was asking for an idea of activites you do--I don't need to know age, name, gender or childs personal circumstances.

Frankly-those are the kind of "very personal" information that just makes one depressed about the state of our society, anyway.

Ah, I thought you were inquiring about specifics of what I was doing.... I've got it now....

A CASA looks out for the best interest of the foster child/youth. The position is sort of like Big Brother/Big Sister in that you spend time with your child throughout the month -- going to a park, out to lunch, for a walk, to the mall.... obviously this depends on the age and interests of your child.

While you're getting to know your child you are also making connections with the child's foster parent(s), social worker, teachers, therapist (if there is one), attorney (all foster children are appointed attorneys). As an officer of the court, a CASA has the authority to gather the information necessary to find out how the child is doing, to make sure needed services and activities are taking place, and to advocate for the child's best interests.

Let's say a child is struggling in school. Every time a child changes schools (which can happen a lot if they change foster homes frequently), the child falls behind several months. Students can also fall behind due to learning disabilities, depression, etc. So if your child is struggling, you would make calls and talk with related professionals to determine whether the child has been mandated for services; if so, are those services taking place and if not, are they needed? Some foster parents feel they are able and have the time to assist with studies/tutoring; others do not. Does the child need tutoring? Testing for special needs? Therapy? Some services can be advocated for at the school; others the CASA might have to recommend to a judge in court.

A good percentage of youth who need CASAs are 16 years of age and older. The focus becomes graduating from high school and emancipation. The CASA can help make sure that the youth has critical documents (social security card, birth certificate, etc.) and get involved with the transition plan. The CASA would work closely with the social worker and Independent Living Program (ILP) coordinator to make sure that emancipation programs/plans are taking place. The CASA could help the youth explore career options, visit schools, hunt for jobs, etc.

The CASA has the authority to take the child in his/her car, and can provide rides (if time allows) to critical services. This all has to be coordinated with the foster parent.

The CASA maintains a log of all activities. Shortly before the child's case is to come up in court (two times per year or more), the CASA submits a report to the court, which would include any observations and/or recommendations (with justification) the CASA feels the court should know. The CASA appears in court and can answer any questions asked by the judge/referee. Judges look with high regard on the CASA's input as the CASA is likely spending substantially more time with the child than the social worker or the attorney.

The CASA has a Case Manager at the CASA office. This Case Manager guides the CASA and is there in case of questions or issues. All court reports go from the CASA to the Case Manager for review before the report goes to the court.

If any legal issues arise the CASA could contact the child's attorney. If there are any issues of concern with the foster placement itself, the CASA could contact the social worker.

With budget cutbacks, a lot of children get bounced to new social workers frequently, and sometimes things can fall through the cracks. When a child is bounced from social worker to social worker and from foster home to foster home the CASA sticks with that child for continuity. And while social workers and attorneys have huge caseloads, the CASA has one child (or sometimes a small sibling group) to assist.

That's a brief synopsis of what a CASA does. I'll add to it later and please don't hesitate to ask for clarification.

P. S. Yes you can help tutor the child/assist with homework if needed occasionally. However, that is not the main purpose of a CASA and a child who needs substantial help should be connected with services. Also, while a CASA is developing a helping relationship with a child, the CASA is not functioning in a therapist's role and should not embark on counseling.

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

By the way, not all children in the foster care system need CASAs. Children who have pressing needs are referred by social workers, attorneys, teachers, and other professionals. Foster youth can also self-refer. There is always a need for more CASAs to meet demand.

[SacKen]

I start my training June 1. I'm both excited and a little freaked out by the responsibility.

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

I start my training June 1. I'm both excited and a little freaked out by the responsibility.

You'll be great! The responsibility is to be a friend, be eyes and ears, drive processes, and make recommendations. The judge, social worker, attorney, et al make the decisions about what needs to be done.

[Bill Z]

How many hours a week are you spending being a CASA?

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

How many hours a week are you spending being a CASA?

Most CASAs put in between 10 - 20 hours per month.