76 replies to this topic

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

From the current CASA Newsletter:

Meet Felicia (name changed due to confidentiality) age 7:

Felicia is one of four siblings removed from her mother’s home due to abuse and neglect. Being the oldest child, she often took care of her younger siblings and misses them terribly now that they are placed in separate foster homes. She is receiving intense therapy but still struggles with emotional issues and has problems calming herself down when she gets upset.

Felicia wants to be reunited with her family and hopes her mother will get help so she and her siblings can go home. Because her mother has not been consistent with her services and case plan, Felicia and her siblings are not yet able to visit with their mother and “going home” is not an option at this time. More than anything, Felicia would like to see her brother and sisters and be placed in a foster home with them, if possible.

Felicia is currently on our wait list and needs a CASA.


Felicia is just one of many children who needs a supportive adult in her corner. If you would like information on becoming a CASA, you can sign up to attend an orientation/information meeting April 13, 6 - 7 pm, at the CASA Office in Sacramento. For further information and to sign up for the orientation, contact Kathy: Kathy@SacramentoCASA.org .

[SacKen]

This brings up one of the many problems I see with the foster care system. They are too quick to split siblings. It's bad enough they are being yanked from their parents (abuse or not, most kids just want mommy/daddy), but we go the extra step of breaking up the entire family and making the emotional distress even worse. It is well documented that siblings can provide a great deal of comfort to each other in times when nobody else can.

There are so many issues like this where I see how the system we've put in place to help has morphed into one that doesn't have a very good track record of making things better in the long run. The immediate relief from whatever situation the child was in counts for something, but we need to get better at what comes after that. CASA shouldn't be needed as much as it is.

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

This brings up one of the many problems I see with the foster care system. They are too quick to split siblings. It's bad enough they are being yanked from their parents (abuse or not, most kids just want mommy/daddy), but we go the extra step of breaking up the entire family and making the emotional distress even worse. It is well documented that siblings can provide a great deal of comfort to each other in times when nobody else can.

There are so many issues like this where I see how the system we've put in place to help has morphed into one that doesn't have a very good track record of making things better in the long run. The immediate relief from whatever situation the child was in counts for something, but we need to get better at what comes after that. CASA shouldn't be needed as much as it is.

Unfortunately there aren't as many foster parents as are needed and even fewer who are willing to take on sibling groups.

[SacKen]

Agreed. I think the answer most likely involves improving the commercial foster home situation so that they are monitored and ran better. I think a sibling group staying together in a well run commercial home would be better than splitting them amongst various foster parents.

The poor state of the commercial foster sector has actually made me consider looking into what it would take to start a non-profit to run some homes in a manner that actually focuses on the children (especially with the low property prices right now). Creating a nurturing environment rather that the low-security jail environment that most of them operated as right now. Much like the lack of availability of foster parents, few commercial homes treat the kids well.

Ugh, I'm sad Steve left CASA. He was interested in trying to fix the systemic issues as well as picking up the pieces through CASA. I was looking forward to working with him.

[doj_gal]

Hello DebB...I have a question for you. I am currently in a juvenile delinquency class, which is about to end. I would love to be involved with the CASA program but with all my current commitments, I know it's just not a possibility. I know however that this teacher is a networker. I think it could also be a great thing for you to speak about what the CASA program involves. We learned about the CASA program and thanks to you, I had heads up with some of the job duties.

I guess my question is would you like me to get his information? Maybe you could speak to the classes as a guest speaker for the CASA organization. I just thought about you and know that you do a lot for your organization and maybe this can be another way to get more people involved. I would also love to pick your brain. I am taking an exam for a job with parole. I spoke with a parole agent and she said the best thing I could do is be familiar and network with other programs that provide assistance to foster, at-risk and juvenile delinquent youth. Anything you could tell me about, I would greatly appreciate.

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

Hello DebB...I have a question for you. I am currently in a juvenile delinquency class, which is about to end. I would love to be involved with the CASA program but with all my current commitments, I know it's just not a possibility. I know however that this teacher is a networker. I think it could also be a great thing for you to speak about what the CASA program involves. We learned about the CASA program and thanks to you, I had heads up with some of the job duties.

I guess my question is would you like me to get his information? Maybe you could speak to the classes as a guest speaker for the CASA organization. I just thought about you and know that you do a lot for your organization and maybe this can be another way to get more people involved. I would also love to pick your brain. I am taking an exam for a job with parole. I spoke with a parole agent and she said the best thing I could do is be familiar and network with other programs that provide assistance to foster, at-risk and juvenile delinquent youth. Anything you could tell me about, I would greatly appreciate.

Thank you for thinking of this. It's a great idea. I partnered with a CASA staffer (Kathy) for a presentation for Sacramento Kiwanis and am scheduled to participate in two upcoming panels. PM me and I'll take it to CASA for approval/partnering.

Thank you again!

Deb

PM me and I'll ask the

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

This is a great PSA about children in the foster care system and the role of CASAs: .

I've been a CASA now for 1.5 years and am on my second placement. The first youth emancipated a few months after I was assigned to her. My second youth has had three social workers, two placements, two schools, and a change in therapeutic services since I took on her case in April; oftentimes the CASA is the only thread of continuity in a foster child's life.

Please consider becoming a CASA. If you have questions, you can post them here or call the Sacramento CASA office at (916) 875-6879. I have volunteered for numerous nonprofit organizations for more than 30 years and this is by far the most important and most meaningful way I've served my community.

If you can't become a CASA at this time, please consider making a donation to Sacramento CASA. There are always a few hundred children on the wait list to get a CASA and it costs $1,509 to train and supervise each advocate; 80% of CASA's funding has to be raised.

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

I'm hoping this PSA will air nationally. Let me know if you see it. Thanks!

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

My current foster youth and I have been together one year already and I am still in touch with my former foster youth, who emancipated.

If you have considered becoming a CASA but the timing wasn't right before, perhaps you can reconsider now. Sacramento CASA will be holding two informational orientations to provide an overview to the duties and responsibilities of CASAs. These orientations will be held on:
Wednesday, May 16th, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Tuesaday, May 22nd, 6:00pm-7:00pm

To sign up for an orientation, contact Kathy at kathy@sacramentocasa.org or 916-875-6606.

As always, if you have any questions for me about being a CASA, don't hesitate to ask.

If you can't be a CASA for any reason, please consider making a donation to Sacramento CASA; the number of youth served through this program is directly related to the funds they can raise to recruit, train, and supervise CASA volunteers.

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

My current foster youth and I have been together one year already and I am still in touch with my former foster youth, who emancipated.

If you have considered becoming a CASA but the timing wasn't right before, perhaps you can reconsider now. Sacramento CASA will be holding two informational orientations to provide an overview to the duties and responsibilities of CASAs. These orientations will be held on:
Wednesday, May 16th, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Tuesaday, May 22nd, 6:00pm-7:00pm

To sign up for an orientation, contact Kathy at kathy@sacramentocasa.org or 916-875-6606.

As always, if you have any questions for me about being a CASA, don't hesitate to ask.

If you can't be a CASA for any reason, please consider making a donation to Sacramento CASA; the number of youth served through this program is directly related to the funds they can raise to recruit, train, and supervise CASA volunteers.

The next information orientation will be held Wednesday, June 27, 6 - 7 pm.

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

The more involved with CASA I get the more I understand the need for every child in foster care to have a CASA. It is an important role to be a stable adult in the child's ever-changing life and to advocate for the child in court and with various service providers.

The more money CASA programs can raise the more volunteers they can recruit and train.

Sacramento CASA is holding a meeting on August 2 at 6 pm to brainstorm ideas for increasing resources and to discuss moving the Friends of CASA committee forward. If you have a soft spot in your heart for this organization, but can't commit the time to actually serve as a volunteer CASA, please consider attending this meeting, especially if you have prior experience in fundraising.

I will attend this meeting and am glad to carpool with you if you'd like to go.

The meeting will be held at the CASA office, 301 Bicentennial Drive, Suite 220, Sacramento (traffic court building).

As always, if you have any questions about the CASA program I am happy to try to answer them. If you work or volunteer for an organization that looks for worthy causes to support, please consider Sacramento CASA.

If you'd like to go with me I'll RSVP on your behalf. If you would like to attend on your own, you can RSVP to the Executive Director, Carol Noreen, at Carol@sacramentocasa.org.

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

Would you like to support this very worthy organization, but don't have time to be a CASA? You can help by volunteering your time at one or more fundraising events. The Friends of Sacramento CASA will meet on August 16, 6 - 8 pm, to discuss volunteer opportunities at the fundraising events listed below. The meeting will be held at the CASA office: 301 Bicentennial Circle, Suite 220, Sacramento (Traffic Court Building).

1) Wine Event at a private estate – September 22, 2012
Needed: food servers, shuttle van drivers, event check-in/table runners, and a bartender

2) Rhythm N Rims at Power Balance Pavilion– October 28, 2012
Needed: 25 team captains to help raise awareness and funds for CASA through an online campaign and special event with The Kings Foundation.

3) Crab Feed at St. Mary’s Church in Sacramento – January 19, 2013
Needed: food servers, bartenders, silent auction committee, kitchen help, setup/decoration of the hall.

If you are interested in attending you can RSVP to Kathy: Kathy@sacramentocasa.org; you can let her know Deb Boogaard told you about these volunteer opportunities. Lots of volunteers are needed, so if you know of others who might be interested, please do not hesitate to spread the word. If you have any questions about Sacramento CASA, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll be attending this meeting; let me know if you'd like a ride.

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

Bump.

[benning]

Would you like to support this very worthy organization, but don't have time to be a CASA? You can help by volunteering your time at one or more fundraising events. The Friends of Sacramento CASA will meet on August 16, 6 - 8 pm, to discuss volunteer opportunities at the fundraising events listed below. The meeting will be held at the CASA office: 301 Bicentennial Circle, Suite 220, Sacramento (Traffic Court Building).

1) Wine Event at a private estate – September 22, 2012
Needed: food servers, shuttle van drivers, event check-in/table runners, and a bartender

2) Rhythm N Rims at Power Balance Pavilion– October 28, 2012
Needed: 25 team captains to help raise awareness and funds for CASA through an online campaign and special event with The Kings Foundation.

3) Crab Feed at St. Mary’s Church in Sacramento – January 19, 2013
Needed: food servers, bartenders, silent auction committee, kitchen help, setup/decoration of the hall.

If you are interested in attending you can RSVP to Kathy: Kathy@sacramentocasa.org; you can let her know Deb Boogaard told you about these volunteer opportunities. Lots of volunteers are needed, so if you know of others who might be interested, please do not hesitate to spread the word. If you have any questions about Sacramento CASA, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll be attending this meeting; let me know if you'd like a ride.

Deb, This is a fantastic thing you are doing. I don't have time to be involved right now but can donate some time at our beach house for the silent auction. Please PM me for more details.
L

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

Deb, This is a fantastic thing you are doing. I don't have time to be involved right now but can donate some time at our beach house for the silent auction. Please PM me for more details.
L

You're an angel.