CASA volunteers are often the only consistent adult a youth in foster care sees and each outing helps the CASA child feel heard and seen. It may take a variety of experiences for one to resonate and help the child or teen decide to talk openly. One CASA after visiting...
INSPIRE & CONNECT
VOICES BLOGIn 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...