VOICES News 2024

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Many times kinship families are created during times of trauma. An infant is born substance exposed. Parents are experiencing poverty or are homeless and can’t care for their children. There is domestic violence in the home. When a family member receives the call to...

As an advocate, a CASA gets to know the child’s foster, group or kinship home often referred to as “placement.” Sometimes a CASA finds advocating for the child means being a conduit to help placement find much needed resources. For example, placement might be a...