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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
What are some of the initial steps to becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)? Here are the first to-dos from the paperwork and interview to the pre-service training needed to be a voice for foster children.
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.
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.