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...
INSPIRE & CONNECT
VOICES BLOGIn 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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
Strengthening Advocacy Through Education
With the ever-evolving field of child welfare, it’s important that CASA volunteers remain informed and equipped to best support the youth they serve. That is why the education program is a vital component of what we do at VOICES. We offer online and in-person...
Build Your Own Backpack Day, 2023
The 10-year-old walked in and headed straight to the Mario Bros. backpack and exclaimed, “This is the one!” The teen girl hugged a princess pink backpack and smiled. We cheered her on saying, "You do YOU! Select any one you want." During Build-Your-Own Backpack Day,...
My CASA Journey, First Moments: Hope Bags
A CASA’s journey begins with the first visit with the child. A “child” who might be a three-month-old baby girl or a 17-year-old male teen. To help create an icebreaker, CASA volunteers provide a “hope bag” consisting of a handmade quilt, an age-appropriate toy and a...
By Your Side – A CASA Event, Spring 2023
This past spring, we hosted the annual "By Your Side" event, a collaboration and honoring brunch for the CASA of Maricopa County volunteers. This special occasion brought together the compassionate CASA community to honor those who tirelessly advocate for the...