Voice for CASA Children

Tag: Champions For Positive Outcomes

Voices of Hope, Be A Star

Welcome back! This month, we are celebrating the shining stars in our midst – the incredible CASA volunteers! As we bask in the glow of our recent “Stars of Advocacy” annual event, we’re reminded of the profound impact each and every one of you has on the lives of children living in foster care. So, let’s embrace our inner stars and illuminate the path towards brighter tomorrows.
Thank you for all that you do!

In The Spotlight – Stars of Advocacy

On April 20th, Voices for CASA Children and CASA of Maricopa County proudly hosted the “Stars of Advocacy” CASA volunteer annual event. On this special morning, CASA volunteers came together to connect, share experiences, and further strengthen their advocacy.

This year, we were honored to welcome our panel of keynote speakers, including David Lujan, CEO for the Arizona Department of Child Safety, Kris Jacober, who in addition to her community leadership also shared compelling insights as a foster parent, and Kristy Dupree, Parent Navigator for the Family Involvement Center who shared her powerful, inspiring story as a birth parent.

We also deeply appreciate Consilium Consulting for being an event sponsor, as well as dignitaries who joined us in honoring CASA volunteers.

These guests included the Honorable Judge Pamela Dunne, Caroline Lautt-Owen, Director, AZ Dependent Children’s Services, Kappa Alpha Theta philanthropic leadership, and Christine Arians, this year’s ‘Star of Advocacy’ Award recipient and an ardent champion, advocate and supporter of CASA programs and the vulnerable youth we serve.

The Stars of Advocacy theme was a fitting tribute to CASA volunteers, who are the shining stars in the lives of children living in foster care. Through their committed advocacy – as well as the support of our community of supporters – we all work together to amplify the voice of these vulnerable children, shine a light on their potential, and instill hope for a brighter future.

See the Christine Arians tribute video.

Christine Arians – A Beautiful Partnership (Video)

Christine Arians and the Arians Family Foundation have had a memorable partnership with Voices For CASA Children for over 10 years now. Join us as we celebrate some of the great moments we shared during our time together.

My CASA Journey Lifetime Achievement Winner: Kathleen Kater (Video)

Congratulations to Kathleen Kater, the recipient of CASA of Maricopa County’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award! Kathleen has served as a CASA volunteer for over 19 years, and has advocated tirelessly for 11 children. She has also served as a peer coordinator, assisting other CASA volunteers, for 10 of those years. To hear Kathleen’s compelling story, check out this this video!

Champions For Positive Outcomes, The Arians Family Foundation

The Arians Family Foundation was created in 2013 at the same time Coach Bruce Arians came to the Arizona Cardinals. The Foundation’s motto ‘A Voice for Children’ calls out their focus and dedication to Court Appointed Special Advocates. AFF is committed to the communities in five states which they have lived.

Over the past 10 years, the Arians’ have continually worked to create a broader and deeper understanding of the importance of child advocacy and the difference a CASA volunteer can make to a child. They made many youth experiences possible, such as events at the AZ Cardinals practice games and being on the field with the players. Moments that help youth feel seen and inspired.

The Arians family is also the VOICES family and we hold them with deep gratitude.

Check out this amazing family!

Community & Youth Connections, Family Involvement Center: Empowering Families, Protecting Children -Together

Family Involvement Center’s Vision: To foster healthy, resilient children and families who are valued and involved in shaping their own care, as well as programs and policies impacting children’s services.

We are grateful to the Family Involvement Center for participating in the Stars of Advocacy program. The CASA volunteers were moved by the courageous life that was shared by Parent Ally, Kristy Dupree. FIC was founded in 2002 in order to help families navigating the complex child-serving systems and do it with empathy and understanding. Every day and with every family they champion a paradigm shift where the family voice is heard and valued.

Their Parent Assistance Center focuses on parent/family peer support and coordination of care services. This peer model is staffed by Parent Ally’s, many of whom have walked a similar life path and are now ready to share their life experiences to help others. We recognize the importance of family resources centers, like FIC. Learn more here.

Strengthening Advocacy Through Education, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

We are excited to announce the release of our latest podcast episode,

“What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)? with Barb Clark”.

Have you ever wondered about the lifelong impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure? FASD is a condition that encompasses a range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive challenges that may affect individuals differently.

We are excited to announce the release of our latest podcast episode,

“What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)? with Barb Clark”.

Have you ever wondered about the lifelong impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure? FASD is a condition that encompasses a range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive challenges that may affect individuals differently.

(This was the Voices of Hope newsletter, May 2024. Subscribe to receive more.)

May 30, 2024
Voices of Hope, Let’s Talk

Spring Greetings to our VOICES Community!

In this season of growth and renewal, our March newsletter blooms with stories of resilience and compassion. Just as nature awakens and fosters growth, CASA volunteers listen and nurture the potential within each child, cultivating a future filled with promise and possibility.

Whether it is helping their appointed youth to maintain fulfilling relationships that transcend barriers or recognizing seemingly small, but ever-important, needs that might otherwise be overlooked, CASA volunteers sow seeds of hope. Seeds that will blossom into bright tomorrows.

In The Spotlight – “By Their Side” Podcast

VOICES is thrilled to announce the launch of our new podcast series, ‘By Their Side!’ Join us as we engage industry professionals in candid discussions on topics such as trauma, attachment, and effective advocacy strategies. Listeners can tune in monthly to gain invaluable insights and empower their advocacy journey.

We believe in providing quality education for every CASA, regardless of their situation or availability.

Whether they’re commuting to work, tidying up the kitchen, or simply unwinding on the couch, our podcast series allows them to learn anytime, anywhere! By Their Side isn’t just for CASA volunteers; it’s for everyone in our community. With a diverse range of topics applicable to various relationships and aspects of life, this podcast is inclusive and engaging for all.

As we deepen our understanding of subjects like trauma and attachment, we strengthen our ability to support children and families effectively. Join us on this educational journey and be a part of positive change!

Listen To The Podcast

My CASA Journey – Maintaining Sibling Connections

The importance of maintaining sibling connections is well known. The reasons they are not kept together when removed from their home may not be as well understood. One of the most common reasons for separation is the lack of foster homes that can accommodate sibling groups, especially large ones. Or sometimes siblings enter foster care at different times.

CASA volunteers can be instrumental in seeing that siblings stay connected. One CASA volunteer found ways to connect the older sibling who had aged out with those still in foster care. Another accepted additional cases in order to advocate for all the siblings. Recently, VOICES hosted an Organ Stop pizza outing which helped bring siblings together to fill their stomachs and their hearts.

Said one CASA: “We will make Organ Stop a special occasion! I know they will enjoy it!”

DATA: Casey Foundation research indicates “that between 65% and 85% of children in foster care have a sibling in care and it is estimated that 53% to 80% of children with siblings are separated from one or more of their siblings.”

Learn More at Casey.org

Champions For Positive Outcomes – The Giles W. and Elise G Mead Foundation

The ‘By Their Side: Advocating for Children in Foster Care’ Podcast launch is made possible by a grant from The Mead Foundation.

This grant continues a focus on leveraging technology to strengthen advocacy skills through education. The Mead Foundation has been by the side of VOICES for several years. Their support in prior grants have allowed us to expand the depth and breadth of our flagship Education Program. These include offering both a virtual and on-demand curriculum for CASA volunteers and engaging with highly-skilled expertise in the fields of trauma, behavioral health, etc.

The Mead Foundation supports organizations dedicated to improving the environment, advancing medical science and addressing societal needs. VOICES is deeply grateful to be included in their vision for a better world. Their support transcends directly to youth; for today and tomorrow.

Community & Youth Connections – Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation

Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF) has and continues to be a critical source of support to CASA volunteers and their court appointed youth. Throughout the years, they listen carefully to the needs and expand their offerings when these gaps arise.

For example, natural hair care is so integral to self esteem. It’s important for placement to understand the need and ensure proper hair care is available. A few years ago, VOICES held workshops for CASA volunteers to better understand the need, the products involved and care required.

Recognizing this need, AFFCF then expanded their award guidelines to include regular funding for protective styles for natural hair such as braids, extensions, straw sets, and twists for African American hair care. They also sought and continue to grow a list of preferred partners who provide these services.

Thank you for 40 years of commitment to Arizona Youth!

In Focus – Awareness and Education

VOICES participates in various opportunities to learn more about evolving thought in child welfare and how we can have collaborative and strong child welfare partnerships in Arizona.

Recently, we attended Advocacy Day sponsored by AZ Impact for Good, an association dedicated to the non-profit and philanthropic communities. Here we were able to engage in educational conversation with legislators and talk about the important role of Court Appointed Special Advocates.

We also met other non-profit leaders whose organizations are doing important work throughout our community.

VOICES attendees: Trista Guzman Glover, Board President and Victoria Strayer, Co-Founder

Strengthening Advocacy Through Education

Research shows that maintaining birth parent connections is beneficial in many ways for children living in foster care.

Regardless of the case plan, understanding their origins and cultivating meaningful relationships with biological relatives can provide children with a sense of belonging, stability, and emotional well-being.

These familial ties offer a vital link to a child’s roots, heritage, and identity. It helps them develop a more comprehensive understanding of themselves and their family history, contributing to a stronger sense of self-esteem and identity.

Having stronger connections to birth families can benefit not only the child but also foster and adoptive parents. These relationships contribute to smoother transitions and adjustments during the adoption or foster care journey, fostering healthier family dynamics and ultimately supporting the child’s overall development and well-being.

For insights into the significance of birth parent connections, tune in to this podcast episode featuring a birth mother’s perspective.

You can read more about it here: Helping Children and Youth Maintain Relationships With Birth Families

(This was the Voices of Hope newsletter, March 2024. Subscribe to receive more.)

April 15, 2024