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!
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.”
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.)
