For many children—and adults—who have experienced trauma, structure and routine provide a sense of stability. Being able to anticipate what comes next can significantly reduce anxiety and feelings of dysregulation. However, as the holiday season approaches, changes in...
INSPIRE & CONNECT
VOICES BLOGIn Focus – Arizona Department of Child Safety Fiscal Year 2025-2029 Strategic Plan
DCS continues to build on their successes and their learnings to promote shared values of Safety, Compassion, Change, Accountability, Equity, Advocacy, Family, Engagement and Teaming. The focus of the five year plan encompasses Prevention, Strengthening Families,...
Community & Youth Connections – Halloween Town
VOICES is excited to share that some CASA Volunteers have the opportunity to take their appointed youth to enjoy a day of spooky fun at Halloween Town AZ. This is made possible by generously donated tickets. Thank you Halloween Town! With pumpkin painting, rides, and...
Positive Outcomes – When Families Talk
Recently, one of our staff members shared about how his family watched the movie ‘Instant Family’. The film highlights the realities of foster care and adoption, including the wide-range of emotions and many unexpected rewards. He used the experience to prompt family...
My CASA Journey – Time To Talk
A CASA’s journey involves lots of observation and listening - to case workers, teachers, and placement families - and most importantly, the child. VOICES plans activities and experiences for the CASA to share with the child for a little fun but also because they...
In The Spotlight – Current Events & Today’s Kids
Children are filled with wonder and curiosity. However, sometimes explaining life events to them in an age-appropriate manner can be a little tricky. Talking about the impacts of severe weather, such as Hurricane Milton, or the importance of casting a vote may require...
Voices of Hope – Do It Together!
As the fall season unfolds we know it can be a time of excitement, change, and, at times, uncertainty—especially for children and families. This month's edition is designed to help navigate some of those challenges by recommending timely and age-directed resources and...
Strengthening Advocacy Through Education – Kinship Support Services
The Arizona Department of Child Safety emphasizes the vital role that kinship care plays in providing more stable and nurturing placement options for children in foster care. DCS highlights that “when children are with kinship caregivers, there is reduced trauma and...
In Focus – Finding Kinship Connections
Maintaining family connections and cultural identity is crucial for children who are being removed from their homes and in need of safe alternative placements. Policies that support kin-first strategies and a society that values kinship families can help reduce...
Community & Youth Connections – Celebrating Kinship Caregivers
There are many celebrations occurring throughout the state to appreciate and support kinship families. One such event is being held in Phoenix at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. GreyNickel Inc., an organization that focuses solely on kinship families in the early stages...