Voice for CASA Children

Tag: In Focus

  • Voices of Hope – Every Child Deserves a Treat

    Voices of Hope – Every Child Deserves a Treat

    As the season of giving and gratitude begins, we’re reminded that even the smallest gestures can make a big impact. From moments of joy to opportunities for connection, every act of kindness helps create brighter days for children living in foster care.

    May this season remind us that every child deserves the warmth of belonging, the comfort of safety, and the joy found in life’s simplest treats.

    My CASA Journey – It’s a Treat!

    For many, fall means selecting that perfect pumpkin to carve, decorating freshly baked cookies, or simply enjoying the cooler weather. VOICES helps CASA volunteers keep these exciting seasonal traditions alive for youth living in foster care by supplying tickets to visit local pumpkin farms, gift cards to purchase pumpkins, as well as cookies, decorating materials, and more!

    These are exciting experiences you can feel by the surprised squeal when petting a goat or dipping fingers into frosting. Even the skeptical teens smile as one CASA noted:

    “…we did have fun shopping for a pumpkin and haunted house cookie decorating kit at Fry’s! And we got black nail polish too!”

    It’s the treat of a shared experience that lasts longer than the season.

    In The Spotlight – Give Joy this Holiday Season

    The holiday season is almost here, and Voices for CASA Children is excited to kick off our Annual Holiday Gift Drive to bring joy to children who are not home for the holiday. For many of these kids, the holidays can stir-up feelings of longing and separation, but a simple gift can remind them that they are seen, cared for, and not alone. Each gift makes a real difference.

    Join us in making the holidays brighter and more joyful for these children in your community! Shop our Amazon Wishlist from November 3 to December 12.

    If you’d like to drop off gifts in person, please contact austin.truitt@voicesforcasachildren.org to coordinate.

    Shop Our Toy Drive

    Positive Outcomes – Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars, Inspiring the Future!

    VOICES proudly applauds the mission and impact the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust has made here in Maricopa County. Honoring the philanthropic heart of its founder, the Trust supports women, children and families in ways that enrich individuals and the community.

    The Trust sought to make an even greater impact through support for individuals seeking higher education. In 2001, the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program was launched. The program is open to former foster youth, individuals living with disabilities, and adults with dependents, who are seeking their first degree through Arizona State University or Maricopa County Community College. If selected, individuals receive a full scholarship plus living expenses. Additionally, awardees are connected to a dedicated Nina Scholars team that provides mentorship and support for each individual student’s academic journey, turning barriers into a springboard for success!

    Over 400 Nina Scholars have earned college degrees and 85% are working in their chosen field.

    This life-changing opportunity opens December 1, 2025. Please help spread the word. Their future awaits!

    Learn More.

    In Focus – Give Back, Get Back.

    We all believe that every child living in foster care deserves a strong advocate and a voice that’s heard. That’s why we need you by our side.

    As an Arizona taxpayer, you have the power to help make a life-changing difference for a child at no additional cost to you. Through the Arizona Qualified Foster Care Tax Credit, every eligible dollar you give is returned to you on your state taxes.

    Important note: You can contribute the full QFCO amount to Voices for CASA Children in addition to your QCO, school and other tax credit donations.

    QFCO Thresholds:
    $626 if single
    $1,251 if married filing jointly

    Don’t wait. Your gift today helps us ensure youth experience joy this season and have the support of a trained and dedicated CASA volunteer.

    Learn more about Tax Credit.

    Tax Credit Benefits

    VOICES is a Qualified Foster Care Organization. You can receive tax credit benefits for your donations in the 2025 tax filing year! QFCO #10010, #BeTheirVoice

    Donate Today

    Education – Behind the Mask

    Many children learn to wear invisible masks. When early experiences include fear, neglect, or instability, showing emotion can feel risky. To stay safe, kids may hide what they feel. They may act calm, quiet, or even defiant on the surface while managing big emotions underneath.

    Research shows that chronic stress can alter how the brain processes and regulates emotion. When the brain’s fear center (the amygdala) is frequently activated, the areas responsible for managing emotion (the prefrontal cortex) can become less effective. This makes it difficult for children to recognize, understand, and share their feelings in healthy ways. Emotional suppression isn’t defiance, it’s protection.

    CASA volunteers play a vital role in helping children feel seen and safe. By showing up consistently, listening without judgment, and speaking up for their needs. Advocates offer the kind of stable, trusting relationship that teaches the brain it’s safe to express emotion and still be cared for. Over time, that steady presence helps the mask come off – revealing not resistance, but resilience.

    Learn about Helping kids cope.

    (This was the Voices of Hope, October 2025 newsletter. Subscribe to receive more.)

  • Voices of Hope – Our Circle

    Voices of Hope – Our Circle

    At VOICES, we believe ‘kinship’ extends beyond traditional families and encompasses the broader power of connection. Our community shows us this every day. Corporate partners invest in our mission so CASA volunteers can walk alongside these youth and stay connected. Each relationship reminds us that ‘kinship’ can be what we make it.

    Let’s honor kinship in all forms throughout our community; neighbors, businesses and volunteers who create their own circle of belonging

    In The Spotlight – Our Corporate Community

    As summer comes to a close, the VOICES community came together in a powerful way to ensure that children started the school year with confidence, joy, and the tools they need to succeed! As a community, we ensured that these youth entered the school year with backpacks, supplies, and the confidence to thrive in the classroom.

    VOICES is especially grateful to Deloitte, DEPCOM, and M.G. Properties for their incredible support, along with all of the donors and volunteers who made this possible. Because of you, CASA volunteers were able to deliver encouragement and hope to the children they serve through these backpacks!

    Thanks to this community for showing up in a big way!

    My CASA Journey – Sometimes Family Finds You

    The average time for youth living in foster care can vary, but for some youth it may be years. During that time, the foster or group home where the child lives can change due to a variety of factors. Finding stability is challenging, but finding a connection and kinship with someone can happen with a CASA Volunteer.

    Read this CASA volunteer’s story:

    “I have been with the same youth since she was 11. Although the past 6 years have been rough as she struggled being a teenager in the system (19 placements and a few runaway times), she is now 17 and thinking about what she will do once she turns 18. She reflects that as her CASA, I have always been with her, even through all the difficulties. She knows that there is someone that will be waiting when she is ready. Someone who will drive distances to pick her up, visit her, and ensure she knows she is not alone. Even during the time she had run away, I was the person she would communicate with. She and I have had some very fun activities thanks to VOICES. We think back about our outing at the Phoenix Symphony in 1999 when we watched Nightmare before Christmas with the symphony. We had fun at MIM, especially during Hip Hop week. This past month, she went to her first spring training game. I am so glad I chose to be a CASA and I am grateful for the support given by VOICES. Thank you for all you do in engaging the community to support these youth!”

    These experiences and support for a CASA exist because we have a community that cares – one CASA and one child (now a teen!) at a time.

    Community Voice – Shop, Sip, and Support your Community

    Our volunteers, donors, and corporate supporters are more than partners; they’re family. Together, we create a circle of care for youth, ensuring every child feels seen, heard, and valued.

    We’re excited to welcome a new member to that family: Kendra Scott. Known for their generosity and commitment to giving back, the Kendra Scott Foundation empowers women and youth through health, education, and entrepreneurship. Their values align beautifully with ours, and this partnership is a meaningful step toward brighter futures.

    Join us on Saturday, September 20th, from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Scottsdale Quarter or Chandler Fashion Center for an afternoon of sips, sweets, and shopping with purpose. 20% of every purchase will be directed to VOICES so we can continue to elevate the crucial role of Court Appointed Special Advocates.

    Can’t make it in person? You can still give back! Shop online September 20–21 using code GIVEBACK-JNIKW, and your purchase will be included in this important mission for youth. Mark your calendar, bring a friend, and celebrate what makes our community strong: connection, compassion, and the power to create change together.

    In Focus – Arizona DCS Citizen Review Panels – FY 2025 Annual Report

    The Arizona Citizen Review Panels serve as independent, community-based oversight bodies tasked with reviewing the policies and practices of the Arizona Department of Child Safety. Their mission is to foster public accountability and ensure that children’s safety and well-being remain central to DCS operations.

    Included within the annual report are recommendations from the Community Advisory Committee, Aspiring Change for Older Youth and Prevention panels. VOICES is appointed to the CAC. Themes within the recommendations include youth aging out of care, Kinship support, missing/runaway youth and community collaboration.

    Read the full report.

    Strengthening Advocacy Through Education – Navigating Foster Care

    Podcast Guest: Neil Underwood

    Our newest episode of By Their Side is here!

    This time, we sit down with Neil Underwood, General Manager at Autonation Toyota-Tempe, to talk about the many ways people can show up for kids living in foster care. Growing up in the system himself, Neil didn’t have a strong network of support and often had to navigate challenges on his own. Today, he gives back by being that person for others, showing that even small gestures of empathy and understanding can change the course of a young person’s life.

    Here in Arizona, hundreds of young people age out of foster care every year without permanent family connections to lean on. That means far too many are left to face adulthood without the kind of stability and guidance most of us take for granted. Neil’s story is a powerful reminder that it doesn’t have to be this way- support can come from anyone willing to step in, whether you’re a volunteer, a mentor, or simply a caring neighbor. Take a moment to listen and reflect on how your role, whatever it may look like, can be part of the bigger picture of care. Together, every role truly does matter.

    Listen to Neil’s Story.

    Tax Credit Benefits

    VOICES is a Qualified Foster Care Organization. You can receive tax credit benefits for your donations in the 2025 tax filing year! QFCO #10010, #BeTheirVoice

    Donate Today

    (This was the Voices of Hope, September 2025 newsletter. Subscribe to receive more.)

  • Voices of Hope – Heatwave of Hope

    Voices of Hope – Heatwave of Hope

    Summer in Arizona can be long and hot, but it also means a break from school and a chance for indoor fun. In this issue, we highlight how CASA volunteers and community partners are helping youth living in foster care to find moments of connection, joy and healing, from museum visits to ice cream outings.

    This season, even the smallest experiences can leave a lasting impact, all thanks to caring adults like you.

    In The Spotlight – Waves of Change, VOICES welcomes new Executive Director

    Bonnie Brown, Executive Director

    Change is happening at VOICES! As more communities embrace the importance of child advocacy, VOICES is ready for the waves of change to lift us into the future – with intentionality and purpose.

    It is with great pleasure that I introduce Bonnie Brown, a visionary leader, as the incoming Executive Director at Voices for CASA Children. Bonnie brings transformative thinking and strategic marketing experience to the organization. She will maintain continuity of the VOICES principles by leveraging her business-minded approach to achieve mission-driven outcomes; and spring us forward by keeping advocates and youth front and center.

    I take great pride in knowing that under Bonnie’s proficient leadership, VOICES will continue to grow, evolve, and champion a more promising future for the children we are all committed to serving.

    As I prepare to transition my role as Executive Director, I’ve found myself reflecting deeply on the incredible journey that began in 2011, when Voices for CASA Children was founded. It has been nothing short of extraordinary—an adventure fueled by purpose, passion, and a steadfast belief that children living in foster care deserve more than momentary support; they deserve a lasting foundation to thrive and succeed.

    I am deeply grateful to each Board member, donor, volunteer, staff member and champion we’ve had along the way. I know this is a strong community that will continue their support with urgency and hope.

    What began as a bold step into the unknown became a life-shaping mission. My heart remains deeply connected to the VOICES mission and the CASA Community.

    Always for the children,
    Robin

    My CASA Journey, Just Like These

    An example of her grandfather’s traditional silver and turquoise rings, a cherished symbol of his Native heritage.

    It’s an Arizona summer and for youth living in foster care, these hot summer days can seem endless without school and outside activities to distract. CASA volunteers and community partners step up with resources for summer camps and opportunities to play indoors at local museums, movie theaters and sporting events. The time spent cooling off rises to a new level when the indoor experience truly connects with the child.

    Recently a CASA and youth spent time at the Heard Museum. In the CASA’s words: “She made a beeline for the fantastic exhibit of Apache artifacts. She loved it, but it was even more of a thrill for me to hear her talk about having her Sunrise ceremony, her grandma taking pictures of her in a native cradle, grandpa having silver and turquoise rings on every finger ‘just like these.’ It was a special experience for both of us, and I really thank you for your efforts in making these very high quality experiences available.”

    Around every corner is an opportunity to truly connect with a child and these “cool” experiences will live with a CASA volunteer forever.

    Positive Outcomes, Supporting the Youngest Children

    It is essential for CASA volunteers working with young children to understand the unique needs of early childhood development. With this knowledge, volunteers are better equipped to recognize signs of developmental delays, recommend timely interventions, and advocate for critical services.

    Babies and young children are deeply affected by trauma, even when they can’t express it in words. Early trauma can lead to developmental delays, difficulty forming secure attachments, behavioral difficulties, and other long term impacts. These early disruptions can have lasting effects on a child’s future.

    At VOICES, we are proud to work alongside mission-aligned nonprofits who share our commitment to improving the lives of children in our community. One such partner is Southwest Human Development (SWHD)—a nonprofit organization in Arizona dedicated to early childhood development and a positive future for every child. SWHD offers more than 40 programs that support families, children, and professionals, including a Birth to Five community hotline, special support services for families with newborns, Easterseals disability services, free community training, trauma-informed resources, and more!

    Have a little in your family or extended circle? Check out the following quick-read SWHD resource, Supporting Young Children’s Mental Health: Tips for Positive Interaction which highlights simple ways you can help support children as they experience big emotions.

    Community Voice, SCHEELS Wave of Love

    SCHEELS has been in business for over 120 years and is in 16 states. While they are still fairly new to Arizona, VOICES has already felt the generosity they bring to the community through their employee-led Giving Campaign.

    SCHEELS gives their team the chance to support local nonprofits, and VOICES was honored to be one of their choices.

    As part of their support, SCHEELS has also treated CASA volunteers and the youth they serve to simple joys like complimentary ferris wheel rides, ice cream cones, and refreshing summer drinks. These moments have created meaningful experiences for youth living in foster care, giving them the chance to laugh, have fun, and just be kids.

    For CASA volunteers, it has been a fun and relaxed way to build trust and deepen their connection with the children they advocate for. SCHEELS is more than a sporting goods store. They are a true community partner and VOICES is grateful and proud to stand alongside them

    In Focus, DCS Extended Foster Care

    Youth who turn 18 and have not been placed in a permanent home, either through family reunification, guardianship or adoption, face a big decision. They can exit into the world with potentially little support or they can choose to transition into the DCS Extended Foster Care program. CASA volunteers help guide these young adults to make the choice that is in their best interest. Even though the youth may be excited to be on their own, they may not have the transportation, financial means or life skills needed to stay safe, housed and in school.

    While the CASA volunteer will no longer be appointed to that youth once the dependency is dismissed, their guidance at this crucial stage can be life altering. Youth can retain support, including for therapy and medical needs, until they reach 21 years of age.

    In this past session the Arizona legislature approved permanent funding for the Extended Foster Care Program.

    Learn more about this and other DCS programs targeted for youth transitioning to adulthood.

    Tax Credit Benefits

    VOICES is a Qualified Foster Care Organization. You can receive increased tax credit benefits for your donations in the 2025 tax filing year! QFCO #10010

    #BeTheirVoice

    Donate Today

    Strengthening Advocacy Through Education

    August is National Family Fun Month—a time to celebrate joy, bonding, and the simple pleasures of being together. For many children, it’s a season filled with late-summer adventures, cherished family traditions, and the kind of unstructured, joy-filled play—splashing in a pool, running through a park, or building a blanket fort—that creates lasting memories and a deep sense of belonging.

    Research shows that these positive experiences—even small, everyday ones—have a measurable impact on child development and long-term outcomes. According to the National Institute for Play, “playing literally wires the brain for the skills we use our whole lifetime—physical agility, social confidence, emotional regulation, creativity, and resilience.”

    When we got back to the car, she SCREAMED, and I asked her why. She said, “I just had the BEST TIME of my whole life.”
    (CASA Volunteer sharing the joy of a child following an outing together).

    For children living in foster care, joyful everyday moments can be especially powerful. Amid the uncertainty they face, simple experiences—like a trip to the zoo, building a LEGO set, or sharing an ice cream with a caring, consistent adult—can spark healing and hope. These moments offer something even deeper: the reassurance that they are seen, valued, and BELONG.

    Join us!
    Every child deserves to experience the magic of being a kid. Please join us in bringing more moments of connection, laughter, and joy into the lives of children living in foster care. Here’s how you can help:

    • Attend an Information Session to learn how you can be a steady, compassionate presence in a child’s life as a CASA volunteer.
    • Spread the word—many CASA volunteers first heard about the opportunity through a friend, neighbor, or colleague. Your voice can inspire someone else to step up. (Check us out on social media – including Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.)
    • Invite us to speak to your workplace, school, or community group. We’d love to share how CASA volunteers make a meaningful and lasting difference.

    (This was the Voices of Hope, August 2025 newsletter. Subscribe to receive more.)

  • Voices of Hope – New Year, New Hope

    Voices of Hope – New Year, New Hope

    The New Year brings a natural crossroad to reflect on our current state in life. We revel in all that has been good and learn from challenges. We remember times when hope came from within and times when others helped us see the way.

    Now, it is time to consider the future. Find your purpose, elevate community and enrich lives. For VOICES, 2025 will bring an ever more intentional focus on recruiting CASA volunteers. Each new volunteer is a chance for renewed hope for youth. Each day is precious to a child so we must act urgently. Thank you to all who have joined our mission.

    We hope 2025 is your best yet! May you also bring hope to others along the way.

    In The Spotlight – My CASA Journey

    When you combine the generosity of our community with the creativity of a CASA, the holidays take on an even warmer glow. Two CASA volunteers were hiding bicycles in the foster family’s garage for a Christmas morning surprise.

    Other CASAs combined gift cards to purchase a full toddler kitchen set for two young sisters in kinship care – a gift that will delight all year round for that family. One CASA shared her joy about being there on Christmas day with special gifts for a child who had no other visits that day.

    Still another CASA volunteer carefully selected baby bottles and blankets to make sure her aging out CASA teen with a newborn had supplies – but also successfully encouraged her to sign up for extended care and arranged with a local agency for diaper resources – focusing on today and tomorrow.

    The connection between community, CASA and child is always surprisingly ever present. With the toy drive, VOICES received an outpouring of support from our community this holiday season (thank you)! One Fedex employee remarked he was glad to be delivering toys as he (and his sister) were also in foster care and “one of the lucky ones” as he was adopted at age five. May they all be the “lucky ones” as the CASA journey continues.

    To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, jump on an upcoming Information Session or check out info online; please join us this year in being a voice for a child!

    Positive Outcomes – Activity Ideas to Help Create Connections

    At VOICES, we provide activity ideas and tickets to help create connections between the CASA volunteer and child. For outcomes, we measure the number of children supported and tickets delivered (and more), but it’s the immeasurable moments that guide our efforts.

    Moments like these:

    A child receiving a Disney Frozen doll (after receiving a few items earlier in her hope bag) said, “This is from them too? Because they love me?” The CASA said ”Yes, that’s exactly why.”

    The CASA who took her artistic teen to a “dress up experience” of the Nutcracker said “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the kiddos to see how people behave and dress, how/where to park, what time to go in order to have plenty of time — even the fact that the second floor restrooms are the place to go!”. How did the teen feel? The CASA said “When we got back to the car after the Nutcracker, she SCREAMED, and I asked her why. She said, “I just had the BEST TIME of my whole life.”

    A teen and his CASA volunteer attended an Arizona Cardinals game courtesy of an adult (himself a former foster youth) who donated the tickets. ”My CASA [youth] loved it. Was so much fun. The guy who gave the tickets away was awesome too, gave us good parking so we didn’t have to walk so far. What a treat. He won’t forget it.”

    We distribute tickets, but we also believe we distribute hope by helping a CASA volunteer show up for the child and make life transforming memories.

    Community & Youth Connections – Helen’s Hope Chest

    Helen’s Hope Chest is a valuable resource for youth and foster families. They have created a welcoming, boutique style environment that allows children to shop and select clothing, school supplies and other items for themselves. This experience builds self-esteem and self-awareness. The family can share a joyful shopping experience at no cost.

    Helen’s was founded in 2009 at a time when services for struggling families were limited by the economic crisis. They continue to help reduce the financial burden for foster and kinship families.

    Helen’s believes it is important that every youth who comes through their doors feels a sense of confidence, acceptance, and dignity. We appreciate their approach and collaboration.

    Helen’s Hope Chest is also a memorial to Helen Paula Simmons, a former foster child.

    Read their inspiring story at Helen’s Hope Chest.

    In Focus – Foster Care Review Board

    CASA volunteers are crucial to determining a child’s best interest. However, most children in Arizona do not have the benefit of a CASA volunteer.

    Another opportunity for oversight and advocacy for youth living in foster care is the Foster Care Review Board (established 1978).

    FCRB is an independent, volunteer program administered by the Arizona Supreme Court. Their primary role is to advise the juvenile court on progress toward achieving permanency.

    Key Functions

    • Case Reviews: Arizona Statute mandates that a child’s case must be reviewed every six months. The board assesses the child’s safety, well-being, and the progress of case plans, including efforts toward reunification, adoption or other permanency arrangements. All parties involved in the child’s case are invited to attend, including CASA volunteers.
    • Findings and Recommendations: The board makes recommendations to the juvenile court regarding the best interests of the child. It evaluates the performance of child welfare agencies, parents, and caregivers in fulfilling their case plan responsibilities. The board helps promote timely resolution of cases to avoid a child’s prolonged stay in foster care or youth reaching adulthood (18 yrs) without an appropriate transition plan.
    • Monitor Compliance: Reviews compliance with court orders and case plans.

    Volunteer Requirements

    • Must be 21+ yrs
    • Pass fingerprint and background check
    • Available one full weekday per month for virtual Board meetings and can spend approximately 6-8 hours reviewing case information prior to the meeting
    • Initial and on-going training provided

    If you have the heart for serving children in the child welfare system, but a CASA role is not quite right, consider becoming a FCRB volunteer.

    Explore Further at azfcrb.org.

    Strengthening Advocacy Through Education – School is Back in Session

    School is back in session, and students are returning rested, regulated, and ready to learn. Right? While we hope this is true for everyone, we know many children struggle with the transition back into routine. This adjustment can be especially difficult for youth who have experienced trauma, making a strong support network essential to soften the transition.

    CASA volunteers play a vital role in providing that support for children during this time. They might plan a calming activity to help the child decompress after their first day back, offer encouragement to ease any anxieties about returning to school, or collaborate with teachers to ensure their CASA youth’s unique needs are met. CASA volunteers are not only strong advocates for a child’s education but also a source of emotional stability, offering insights and perspective to help children navigate challenges in the classroom and beyond.

    As children work through these transitions, the presence of a caring and consistent adult can make all the difference- turning moments of uncertainty into opportunities for growth and connection.

    To help CASA volunteers excel in this critical role, VOICES provides a Back-to-School live training series at the beginning of each school year. We also recognize that education is a year-round priority for many CASA volunteers, which is why we offer on-demand training videos available any time. These resources ensure CASA volunteers have the tools, knowledge, and support they need to advocate for the children in their care- every step of the way.

    Watch one of our featured training videos on Education!

    (This was the Voices of Hope, January 2025 newsletter. Subscribe to receive more.)

  • Voices of Hope – Be A Family

    Voices of Hope – Be A Family

    This month, we are celebrating families of all kinds in honor of both Family Reunification Month and Pride Month. We know that the essence of a family is not defined by its structure, but by the boundless love, support, and resilience it provides. Whether reunited after time apart or standing proud in their uniqueness, every family is a testament to the unbreakable bonds that sustain us. Join us as we honor the incredible impact that loving families, in all their forms, have on the lives of children.

    In The Spotlight – Urgent Requests & Essential Needs

    VOICES works to provide temporary relief through referrals to non-profit partners. Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation offers funding for supplemental clothing.

    Foster Alliance and Helen’s Hope Chest offer a shopping experience for the youth to select and try on clothes at their location.

    If the timing is of an urgent nature, VOICES works to provide temporary relief through our Urgent Request and Essential Needs programs in addition to the referrals to non-profit partners.

    A child in foster care requires a variety of different resources and a community of organizations surrounding these children to provide that care. So much of the need is for clothes.

    Clothes are often “lost” or stolen when the youth are moved to a new placement. Some are wearing hand-me-down shoes four times too big or are pregnant and need maternity clothes. Warm jammies and soft slippers bring warmth and care to a youth in a new behavioral health facility.

    My CASA Journey – From Ballet to LEGOs™!

    Through their continual contact with a child, CASA volunteers are in a unique position to share in developing a child’s interest. For example, one CASA assisted her budding ballerina by applying for funding for ballet lessons, and then ballet shoes. Then, VOICES funded the performance fee so she could pirouette across the stage. Next, the CASA was able to take her to an Arizona Ballet amazing performance (courtesy of their Angel Nights program) sending her dreams soaring!

    But it can also be very simple – trying things they have never done. A recent VOICES Lego Challenge found both the CASA volunteers and the teens attempting to build a Lego animal for the first time.

    “We talked, we laughed, and we figured out the instructions together. She was so excited at the completed parrot and it was fun for me to see her exercise spatial skills. Her Foster Mom and Granny have two birds so she could not wait to show them our completed project! We decided that our parrot’s picture should be outdoors since that is where parrots naturally live. My kiddo took the attached pic using my phone.”

    And another CASA:

    “My CASA teen really enjoyed making this frog during our time together. During the build, there was not any discussion about appointments or the day-to-day life of being a teen in living in foster care. Rather, it was a child who simply got to be a “normal kid” (something she wishes for dearly). This was also a therapeutic, confidence boost as my teen (who had never worked with Legos prior) discovered that she has a genuine knack and skill at building a Lego creation.”

    Positive Outcomes – Families Together Again! Celebrating National Family Reunification Month

    The American Bar Association sponsors Family Reunification Month and Maricopa County has been celebrating Family Reunification Day since 2014 – 10 yrs of honoring families!

    To celebrate the accomplishments of families who have overcome an array of circumstances to reunify safely and successfully.

    To recognize the vital role that community partners – including mental health and substance abuse providers, courts and judges, foster parents, CASA volunteers and others – play in helping to reunify, strengthen, and support families.

    To inspire other parents – particularly those going through the recovery process – that it is possible to confront and resolve the issues that led to their separation, and to reunify with their children.

    Each year, partners across Maricopa County come together to rally for families who have reunified with their loved ones. Thousands of Arizona children are reunified with their families every year and the outpouring of love and joy our families have for each other inspires the entire community.

    VOICES is an annual sponsor along with Casey Family Programs, Prevent Child Abuse – AZ, Family Involvement Center, among others. We are also joined by members of the Juvenile Court, the Department of Child Safety, attorneys and other child welfare service providers.

    Maricopa County 10th Annual Family Reunification Celebration:
    Saturday, June 15, 2024
    1:00pm – 2:30pm

    Join us in celebrating this courageous community of families!

    To learn more and to register for the virtual event visit the Maricopa County Family Reunification Day Homepage.

    In Focus – The Governor’s Office of Youth Faith and Family

    Governor’s Office of Youth Faith and Family (GOYFF) has various commissions and advisory councils designed to focus on challenges facing our community. These include Human trafficking, substance abuse, a youth commission, among others.

    VOICES had the opportunity to partner with CASA of Arizona to present at the Council for Child Safety and Family Empowerment.

    This multidisciplinary council was created to align, leverage and coordinate faith-based and community resources to address challenges faced by vulnerable children and families who may be engaged with, or at risk of engaging with, the child welfare system.

    Council members, who are appointed by the Governor, and public attendees had the opportunity to hear about becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate. They also learned how VOICES supports the CASA volunteer experience and helps them make a difference in a child’s life.

    Learn More

    Strengthening Advocacy Through Education – As We Celebrate Pride Month

    As we celebrate Pride Month, we reflect on the rich history, ongoing struggles, and remarkable achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community. Amidst this celebration, it’s crucial to acknowledge the disparities and challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth, particularly those in foster care.

    According to Youth.gov, LGBTQIA+ youth are disproportionately represented in the foster care system, with approximately 30% identifying as LGBTQIA+ compared to 11% in the general youth population. This overrepresentation is accompanied by unique challenges, including heightened rates of mental health issues, experiences of discrimination, and exposure to trauma. This underscores the need for targeted support and intervention for LGBTQIA+ youth to address the unique obstacles they encounter.

    At VOICES, we are committed to providing ongoing educational opportunities for CASA volunteers, empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively support LGBTQIA+ youth in foster care.

    By equipping CASA volunteers with the tools to understand and address the specific needs of LGBTQIA+ youth, we strive to foster environments of acceptance, support, and inclusivity within the foster care system. Together, we can work towards a future where every LGBTQIA+ youth in foster care receives the care, understanding, and advocacy they deserve.

    Learn more about this important topic.

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

  • Voices of Hope, Let’s Talk

    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.)

  • Voices of Hope, Champions Together

    Voices of Hope, Champions Together

    As February unfolds, we embrace the spirit of champions and the strength that lives in all of us. Just like the athletes at the Super Bowl or the Waste Management Phoenix Open, CASA volunteers are true champions for children living in foster care.

    Yet, let us not forget the other half of this dynamic duo – the youth themselves. In the face of challenges, they showcase remarkable strength and courage. Together, CASA volunteers and the youth they support create the ultimate team, proving that strength is a shared journey.

    Follow along as we celebrate and highlight the power of advocacy and the champions who make it all possible.

    In The Spotlight – Their Story, Our Why

    There were many champions in 2023! CASA volunteers, youth, supporters…and the team here at VOICES honors each of them.

    Take a moment to read a few of the 2023 impact stories. These will help you gain a deeper understanding of the CASA volunteer role and, most importantly, how a youth’s day-to-day life was improved and their outcomes made more promising.

    Read These Impact Stories

    My CASA Journey

    As a CASA Volunteer, you never know what unique needs you uncover as you get to know your appointed child.

    Sometimes it is identifying the gaps such as a bank account for a minor or a kinship placement that is low on diapers. Or unique situations such as the child who wanted to know his ancestry or a toddler requiring a custom medical car seat. Often it is simply wishes for ballet shoes, basketballs or a trip to the water park. Tiny requests for tacos at lunch, a Saturday baseball game or seeing the lion at the zoo.

    At these times, a CASA is not only filling gaps, but building strength in that child’s ability to believe in a hopeful tomorrow.

    Champions for Positive Outcomes – Kappa Alpha Theta

    There are champions worldwide! Kappa Alpha Theta is a fraternity that was founded in 1870 with 147 collegiate chapters in the United States and more than 200 alumnae chapters and circles worldwide.

    And their philanthropic focus is the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program!

    Theta women are passionate in their sisterhood and in making a difference in their community.

    Through VOICES, CASA volunteers and their appointed youth have benefitted from the generosity of the ASU Collegiate and local alumnae chapters. Last month, VOICES was honored to speak on the annual Founders Day Breakfast. We shared how the Theta community has helped to make a positive impact on the CASA volunteer experience and youth living in foster care.

    We are forever grateful to this community of strong and compassionate women.

    Thank you, Thetas!

    To learn more about Kappa Alpha Theta:

    Community & Youth Connections – Book Drive

    Books are more than just stories; they are windows into new worlds, opportunities for learning, and sources of inspiration. VOICES believes that reading is the cornerstone for learning in all areas of life. Reading is essential for a child’s development as it enhances language skills, stimulates cognitive growth, and fosters academic success. It promotes empathy, social skills, cultural awareness, and emotional bonding.

    That is why our book drive holds such significance for the VOICES Hope Bag Program, which aims to support CASA Volunteers in their first interaction with their appointed youth. These Hope Bags, comprised of an age-appropriate toy, book, and blanket, serve as a beacon of hope and connection for children navigating the complexities of life in foster care. They help “break the ice,” creating a sense of support and trust between the child and their CASA.

    During the month of March, Voices for CASA Children will be hosting our yearly book drive to offer these unique experiences to the CASA volunteers all year long. So, how can you get involved? It’s simple! Contribute to the VOICES 2024 Book Drive by shopping our Amazon List. You can select from a curated collection of titles and have them shipped directly to our office. It’s never been easier to make a difference in the life of a foster youth.

    Start by donating new books through our Amazon List, and let’s make this the most successful book drive yet! #forthechildren

    Shop Our Amazon List

    In Focus – Connecting With You

    VOICES is now leveraging text message communication to provide our supporters an easier way to participate in supporting youth through our various drives. For example, we sent a text message to our supporters to highlight the holiday gift drive and will use text messaging for our upcoming book drive mentioned above. This supplements our traditional email communication.

    If you have not received text messages from VOICES, but would like to be included in future campaigns: Yes, Include Me!

    Reminder: You can still donate to a Qualified Foster Care Organization (QFCO) and receive tax credit benefits for the 2023 tax year. Reference VOICES QFCO #10010

    Be A Champion For Youth – Donate Now

    Strengthening Advocacy Through Education

    Being a child advocate means championing for appropriate placement, resources, and avenues for healing. Although research consistently highlights the remarkable resilience of children in foster care, this resilience is not inherent; it’s developed through meaningful connections and long-lasting relationships. CASA volunteers understand the profound impact of relational connectedness on a child’s development and well-being.

    By providing consistent support, empathy, and guidance, they help children living in foster care build trust, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging. These bonds serve as the cornerstone of resilience, empowering children to navigate challenges and thrive despite their circumstances. Through advocacy and genuine care, CASA volunteers play a pivotal role in fostering resilience and ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

    Read this article to learn more about promoting resilience in children, and check out the Unbelievably Resilient podcast to hear first-hand stories of adults who experienced foster care

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

  • Voices of Hope, Living and Learning

    Voices of Hope, Living and Learning

    Life is a wonder every day. Cherish the lessons of the past and use them as a springboard for a bold future. Reach for the stars and get ready to learn even more!

    Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) combine academia, peer collaboration and life experiences to be the trusted advocates for youth and a voice of integrity for the Juvenile Court Judge. We appreciate all those who thirst for knowledge and are inspired to shine a light on a brighter and more informed future for dependent youth.

    In The Spotlight – Information Sessions

    The New Year brings new hope and opportunities. If you think this year might be the time to learn more about becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate, we are excited to have you attend an Information Session.

    Every month Voices For CASA Children hosts Information Sessions both virtually and in person. Attending one of the 40-minute sessions is a great way to learn more about the duties of a CASA volunteer. A VOICES staff member, who is also a CASA volunteer, will outline responsibilities, the application process, one-time and on-going training requirements and the general time commitments.

    Most importantly you will gain deeper insight regarding the real-time and life-long impact you can have on the life of a child living in foster care.

    There are over 9,000 youth within the AZ Department of Child Safety. Our dream is that every child has the opportunity to have a CASA volunteer by their side.

    You can help us make that happen! If the time is not right for you, it may be for your friend, neighbor, co-worker or other members of your family. Please spread the word!

    It is easy to sign up for an information session.

    My CASA Journey – Advocating for Older Youth

    Advocating for Older Youth: When a CASA is appointed to an older teen, the advocacy timeline intensifies knowing a youth is headed to adulthood. After experiencing trauma, and often multiple placements, they are now at risk of leaving foster care without a permanent home.

    There is much to do and less time to do it. All teens need practical experience and basic life skills – from the simple things (laundry) to bank accounts and understanding options for college or employment. A teen that has been living in foster care has additional and unique challenges. For example, no transportation to a job, solo bank account as a minor, catching up in high school, etc.

    Understanding these challenges, a variety of tools and resources have been created by community partners that are dedicated to focusing on improving the outcomes for these teens.

    As a start, CASA volunteers can use a Transition Toolkit providing practical tips for the youth developed by Foster Club of America. This toolkit provides a tactical method to identify the life skills most important for their situation and help the youth gain more control over their own future. The path to adulthood means helping teens navigate the many processes as they apply for college, a job or try to find a future place to live.

    As CASAs identify the priorities, they reach out to organizations such as AFFCF who offer funding to assist with the bumps that can derail a successful college stay. Programs at EVIT and the Paul Revere Academy offer combined high school and vocational training with dormitory to address the lack of housing for youth in or leaving foster care. Sometimes it is awareness of a need that spurs action such as the recent decision by Arizona’s universities to keep dormitories open for youth who have nowhere to go during school breaks.

    Most importantly, it is the support team that needs to surround a teen exiting foster care – and the CASA volunteer is integral in that team to connect them with a community ready to help so youth have a hopeful and successful future.

    Expand the Hope! Employer Charitable Giving Programs

    To reach more youth who will need a CASA volunteer in the future, it is imperative that we grow our network of supporters. There are many generous and socially-minded businesses in Arizona who actively encourage employees to be involved in the betterment of their communities, either through volunteerism or financial support. Help them learn about child advocacy!

    Sign Up! – Check with your Human Resources department to see if your employer supports charitable giving through payroll deduction.

    Does your company have a charitable giving directory? – This is typically a listing that employees can review when choosing a philanthropic organization for payroll deductions or one-time giving request. If so, let’s get VOICES added to the list.

    Increase your impact! – Your employer may also offer a charitable giving match program. If so, follow your corporate guidelines so they are aware of your donation. Some companies not only match, to a specific threshold, payroll deductions but also one-time donations that have been made directly to a charitable organization.

    VOICES benefits from the generosity of donors and business leaders through this charitable giving strategy. Thank you for helping us spread the word! If you have any questions or your employer needs information directly from VOICES, contact info@voicesforcasachildren.org.

    Make a Donation Today.

    Community & Youth Connections. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

    Through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), eligible children with disabilities in Arizona (and nationally) are provided free appropriate public education (FAPE), including special education and related services. Parents typically play a critical role in the special education process, however, if a parent is not available, given the framework and provisions of IDEA, eligible children in Arizona (including those in foster care) can be appointed a “surrogate parent” through the Arizona Department of Education.

    The surrogate parent is a trained volunteer who represents and advocates for the educational needs and rights of the child, including engaging with school personnel, actively participating as a parent in special education related meetings, consenting to evaluations and provision of services (including Individualized Education Plans (IEP), reviewing child’s educational records, and fulfilling other key supporting functions on behalf of the child.

    Currently, there are approximately 500 children who have a Surrogate Parent appointed, including youth in foster care. If you are interested in learning more about this program, or in volunteering as a Surrogate Parent, please check out the Arizona Department of Education Surrogate Parent Program.

    In Focus – Education Guidelines for Arizona Youth Living in Foster Care

    The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) contains key provisions to promote educational stability and success for students living in foster care. The Arizona Department of Education website is a comprehensive resource to learn more about the laws and guidelines that apply to educators and others supporting students.

    https://www.azed.gov/fostercare

    One of the responsibilities of a CASA volunteer is to help ensure the best decisions are made for youth regarding traditional and specialized education. Given the turmoil youth may feel due to removal from their home, ensuring a stable and appropriate educational environment can be crucial.

    January – Human Trafficking Prevention Month

    Dedicated to raising awareness, increasing prevention efforts and providing more support to survivors. Youth living in foster care and group homes are particularly vulnerable. These children lack stability, proper oversight and may be tempted by a false sense of security offered by the predator. Many underage trafficked youth also have a history of sexual abuse.

    A CASA volunteer may be the only adult who knows the teen well enough to even recognize changed behaviors as warning signs.

    To understand more about the risk factors and warning signs: Teen Sex Trafficking Awareness Training Brochure

    If you suspect human trafficking contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888

    Strengthening Advocacy Through Education

    Many people have heard of the fight, flight, freeze, or fawn phenomenon. This survival instinct was developed over time to protect ourselves and ensure the continuation of the human species. But what happens when this instinct becomes maladaptive? Children who have experienced traumatic events often become stuck in this survival mode. Their reaction may take the form of angry outbursts, detachment, running away, or other dangerous behaviors. A primal reaction that may have once kept them safe now inhibits their ability to learn and form healthy attachments with others.

    In the VOICES education program, CASA volunteers learn how to approach a child who is trapped in their survival mode. Telling a child that they are safe is not enough. They must be made to feel safe in their body and brains. CASA volunteers learn how to use their tone of voice, spatial positioning, and body language to invoke a feeling of safety in a traumatized child. With repetition and continuous positive regard, CASA’s can help a child’s brain move from fear to connection. Meeting this basic need of safety allows a child to learn more adaptive skills and ultimately form healthy relationships with the safe people in their lives.

    To learn more about the threat response, check out this short video by Dr. Bruce Perry, M.D., Ph.D.

    (This was the Voices of Hope Newsletter, January 2024. Subscribe to receive more.)

  • Voices of Hope, You Make It Possible

    Voices of Hope, You Make It Possible

    Young people count on caring adults to keep them safe, loved and guide them to a life of opportunities. We are thankful for Court Appointed Special Advocates that focus on being the voice for teens. We also give thanks to all of you who trust us to support all CASA volunteers in this important journey. We are honored and forever grateful.

    In The Spotlight – Creating Spontaneity Holiday Toy Drive

    That special moment when a child opens a gift and feels instant joy – when the child feels love instead of concern. The spontaneous holiday moments we hope will flow naturally this year actually requires advanced thought and planning. One example of holiday readiness is the 2023 Voices for CASA Children toy drive that is taking place now.

    The VOICES Toy Drive isn’t just about collecting toys. It is about creating a sense of normalcy and giving these children the ability to experience the same excitement and wonder as other children during the holiday season.

    With a CASA volunteer by their side, these children will receive new, age appropriate gifts and an opportunity to feel special and valued. The interaction also fosters a closer bond between the child and the CASA volunteer. Strengthening this connection to the one consistent adult in the child’s life helps build resilience needed through the holiday season.

    This would not be possible without the support VOICES receives from the local Arizona community and we thank you for that! VOICES encourages individuals and organizations to come together to make a positive impact in the lives of these children this upcoming holiday season.

    Check out the VOICES Toy Drive wish list.

    Celebrating Positive Outcomes – A Loving Family Created Through Adoption!

    November is National Adoption Month. It is an opportunity to shine a light on the adoption journey and the many loving families that have come together as a result.

    CASA volunteers are crucial to ensuring a youth’s voice is heard. They can also help make sure the complicated emotions of birth-family loss and adopted-family joy are acknowledged.

    The National theme for 2023 is Empowering Youth: Finding Points of Connection. Learn more at the Child Welfare Information Gateway.

    In Arizona, various activities are held throughout the month. In Maricopa County, National Adoption Day will be celebrated on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

    If you know of a family that is on the adoption journey make sure to support and celebrate the entire family unit; parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Every family member is crucial in the family framework and will help the newest family member see that a permanent, loving family is possible – and has happened for them!

    Community & Youth Connections – Arizona CASA Support Council Meeting

    In October, VOICES hosted our partner Support Councils from across the state who support the CASA volunteers and youth in foster care in their local County. Together, we seek to ensure all Arizona counties have support for recruitment of CASA volunteers and learn from each other on the best strategies for foster youth essential needs. Great ideas were shared by all!

    Special guests Charlie Gray, CASA of Arizona Program Manager and Luis DeLaCruz, President & CEO, Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation provided insight and shared in the collaboration.

    In Focus: Qualified Foster Care Organization (QFCO) Tax Credit*

    Why it matters: Supporting youth and child advocates requires community support

    A charitable heart in Arizona can reap rewards that go beyond knowing we are making a difference in our community. Thanks to the Qualified Foster Care Organization tax credit program, Arizona tax payers have an opportunity to take advantage of a dollar-for-dollar tax credit and save on their Arizona state taxes.

    Simply donate to a QFCO, note the organization’s QFCO number (10010 for VOICES) keep your receipt and then include it in your tax preparation. The tax credit threshold is adjusted annually for inflation.

    Tax Year 2023:

    • $587 single, married filing separate or head of household
    • $1,173 for married filing jointly

    This can apply for donations made in 2023 or donations made January 1, 2024 – April 15, 2024 if being claimed on the 2023 Arizona income tax return.

    It is important to note that a QFCO tax credit can be claimed in addition to other tax credits, such as as those made to a Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO), Public Schools or tax-deductible donations such as those made to cultural or animal welfare organizations.

    To learn more visit: Arizona Department of Revenue

    *Always speak to your Tax Advisor

    Strengthening Advocacy Through Education – Supporting Youth in Times of Transition November 2023

    We look forward to the holidays for the time spent with family and friends, eating our favorite foods and participating in special rituals that give us a sense of belonging. For adoptees and children in foster care, these aspects of the holidays can bring painful memories and reminders of the people and connections they are missing.

    Often, these feelings are confusing and misunderstood. Adults may see a grieving child as angry or unappreciative. It is crucial that caregivers and those who support these youth not shy away from difficult conversations and the complexity that this season brings. Just having a caring adult listen and help the child name their feelings can be a powerful tool for healing.

    VOICES includes these topics in our education track that is specific for CASA volunteers, such as the upcoming live webinar with Katie Wynen, an adoption social worker, who will focus on this topic of holiday rituals and traditions. CASA volunteers will learn the language of support and how to approach these conversations with youth in order to send an important message of validation.

    To learn more about rituals and holiday traditions as they relate to adopted children and families, visit Pact, An Adoption Alliance.

    (This was the Voices of Hope Newsletter, November 2023. Subscribe to receive more.)

  • Voices of Hope, Feel The Change

    Voices of Hope, Feel The Change

    Seasons come and go, always moving life forward. With fall comes a feeling of excitement for outdoor activities and reflection on the season passed. Transitional times are energizing but can also be unsettling, especially for youth who are not in a permanent home.

    CASA volunteers build trusted relationships so they can help the child navigate the many transitions in their young life. As the leaves fall, this lifts us up and gives us hope for their future.

    Reflections on Dependency Case Dismissal

    CASA Volunteers are excited when first appointed to a child dependency case. They study the various case notes and then meet the child. CASAs commit to staying with that child until they are permanently placed in a home and the dependency case is dismissed. CASAs may feel a sense of accomplishment knowing the impact they made on those involved in the case. However, the transition can also be bittersweet because these youth have made a forever impact on the volunteers.

    Voices of CASA Children and CASA of Maricopa County are proud to host gatherings where CASA volunteers with cases that have closed can come together to connect, engage, share, and reflect on their experiences. While each case – each child – is different, there is a profound recognition that regardless of the outcome, the CASA brought light, a voice, and hope to a child.

    As one CASA volunteer shared, “Attending the Reflections event was a wonderful opportunity to share with my fellow CASA’s the experience of our journey as advocates. The good, the bad, and how we feel about our kiddos moving forward. It was comforting to me to be able to share this bittersweet time and to feel hope for the future of kiddos in foster care. It is easy to see the true impact CASA’s have made on the foster care community.”

    If you would like more information on becoming a CASA volunteer, please join us for an upcoming Information Session.

    My CASA Journey – Creating a Connection

    CASA volunteers provide a voice during sometimes scary and complex moments in a foster child’s life experience. Creating a new connection with a child or teen isn’t always easy. Experiences such as going for ice cream, flying a kite, or choosing a movie help a CASA volunteer and youth talk, share, and connect.

    VOICES offers activities from toddlers to teens in locations throughout Maricopa County. Simply being present and giving the child something to look forward to is an important part of building that connection.

    Said one CASA volunteer: “My CASA child loves going to the movies. One of our best bonding experiences. I really appreciate these tickets”. Another exclaimed of an indoor museum: “Great way to help beat the heat during summer and get siblings together! The kids loved it!”

    Sometimes the activities are things that you often do with your child but might be the CASA child’s first experience: “I got the kite for my youth and he was so DELIGHTED, we had a great day flying it and he was really happy to have it so he could also enjoy it with friends,” said one CASA Volunteer”.

    Need some Fall Fun with your family?

    Fall fun means hay rides, pumpkin patches and petting zoos at Pumpkin Farms all over the Valley, such as: Vertuccio Farms in Mesa, MacDonalds Ranch in Scottsdale, Tolmachoff Farms in Glendale or Mother Nature’s Farm in Gilbert and more! Don’t forget the caramel apples or pumpkin spice anything!

    Community & Youth Connections – Paul Revere Academy, EVIT

    Teens in foster care face unique challenges with completing high school, preparing for college or gaining skills to use in the workplace. A new partnership is focusing on directly addressing these teens’ need to catch up despite changing schools, to learn despite serious trauma, and to believe they too can be a high school graduate, attend college or find employment in meaningful work.

    East Valley Institute of Technology and the Heritage Academy created the Paul Revere Academy in Mesa to provide academic, career technical education (CTE) and other services supporting the unique needs of foster youth.

    Stephanie Lund, Principal at Paul Revere Academy, shared students enrolled in a CTE concentrator program achieve higher graduation rate while also equipping youth with practical, relevant occupational skills and experience. Students at Paul Revere Academy explore different career and technical programs with caregivers, mentors, or counselors, and can choose a program where the youth can feel successful with the group learning environments and academic/skill level.

    Equally as important, this program surrounds and supports the foster youth with trauma-informed teachers, small class sizes, transportation, dual enrollment options, and the ability to be workforce-ready upon graduation. To address the housing needs (especially for teens who age out of foster care) is a new dormitory under construction now.

    Check out the Paul Revere Academy to learn more!

    In Focus: AZ Department of Child Safety

    Why it matters: CASA volunteers must remain politically neutral when executing their CASA duties. They are appointed by Juvenile Court Judges and bound by Judicial protocols. However, they need to be aware and understand how changes in judicial policy and/or legislative actions may impact their day-to-day advocacy and how they engage with others involved in a child’s dependency.

    VOICES maintains collaborative relationships with child welfare partners and stays abreast of key issues and outcomes. This insight helps us identify new areas of education or support for CASA volunteers. This also includes societal issues that impact the environment in which we all live. We will feature key themes here.

    In the News: The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) issued a press release announcing that the number of Arizona children in out of home dependency dropped below 10,000 for the first time since July 2008. https://dcs.az.gov/news/dcs-reaches-milestone-not-seen-2008

    They also issued their FY2024 Strategic Plan. You can see the full two-page summary here: https://dcs.az.gov/about/strategic-plan

    Strengthening Advocacy Through Education – Supporting Youth in Times of Transition

    Many schools are out for Fall break and families in the valley are adjusting their schedules as the holidays are just around the corner. For youth in foster care, this time of the year can be especially challenging. As Bruce Perry stated, “The capacity to successfully transition from one place to another, one activity to another, one internal state to another is fundamentally related to the capacity to self-regulate.

    And this, of course, is one of the main areas of difficulty with children and youth who have been exposed to developmental chaos, threat and trauma.”

    For the adults who surround these youth, it’s important to anticipate when transitions are coming and to equip youth with the skills and support they need to stay regulated. In the next few weeks, VOICES will continue to provide CASA’s with educational webinars encompassing this topic of regulation and de-escalation. Participants will gain practical tools and expand their knowledge on trauma and how it can show up in times of transition. We are bringing back some well-received speakers such as Dr. Kevin Powell and Molly Strothkamp, as well as welcoming new faces such as Noelle Hause from Zero to Three. We look forward to connecting with CASA’s as they tune in to our upcoming training opportunities!

    To learn more about mastering transitions, check out the following episode of the Empowered to Connect Podcast.

    (This was the Voices of Hope Newsletter, October 2023. Subscribe to receive more newsletters.)

Thank you for your interest in becoming a CASA.

After completing this form you will be directed to the CASA volunteer application which is located on the CASA of Maricopa County website. If you have any questions please contact us at info@voicesforcasachildren.org.

Thank you! You will now be directed to the CASA application. Feel free to call us during business hours - (480) 685-4888.

Voices for CASA Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Learn More header

Thank you for your interest in becoming a CASA.

After completing this form you will be directed to the CASA volunteer application which is located on the CASA of Maricopa County website. If you have any questions please contact us at info@voicesforcasachildren.org.

Thank you! You will now be directed to the CASA application. Feel free to call us during business hours - (480) 685-4888.

Voices for CASA Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.