Earlier this month, we celebrated the inaugural CASA Volunteer Week, an awareness and recruitment campaign highlighting this crucial volunteer role.

The spirit of #BeTheirVoice continues. Thank you for joining us in support of these remarkable CASA volunteers, current and future. Spread the word so more children have a CASA volunteer by their side.

In The Spotlight – CASA Volunteer Week

As a CASA volunteer, my steadfast hope is that the child who asked me “Please can I have a CASA?” will soon have an advocate by her side.

Consequently, I am so grateful for the support of local communities who, earlier this month, joined together to elevate awareness of the transformative impact a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer has on the well-being and outcomes of a child living in foster care.

From the State of Arizona – to over 15 cities and towns – proclamations were issued declaring April 4 through April 11th as CASA Volunteer Week. Media engagements, information sessions, social media highlights, and other events were held to champion this critical volunteer opportunity.

We are also grateful to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Kappa Alpha Theta at ASU, Press Coffee, SFIZIO Modern Italian Kitchen, and The Pizza Butcher for their support. Most of all, we extend special appreciation to our CASA volunteers – and community members like you – who are committed to creating brighter futures for Arizona’s most vulnerable children.

To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, sign up for an upcoming Information Session.

My CASA Journey – You Are Enough

This month, VOICES said thank you to a room filled with CASA volunteers at our Moments that Matter Annual Appreciation Event. Filled to the brim at the East Valley Institute of Technology, everyone enjoyed a wonderful breakfast prepared and served by the youth in the Culinary institute.

Our keynote speaker, Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF) CEO Luis De La Cruz (himself having experience foster care) was asked what he would have wanted to hear as a youth in foster care – and after a thoughtful pause responded – “You are enough”.

During the event, a panel of former foster youth were invited to tell their stories and share about their journey today. The young adults spoke about the impact of having a CASA and what they witnessed themselves or with others when they did not have that adult advocacy.

This year’s event highlighted the importance of creating moments that build hope, spark resilience and are long remembered as these children become adults. We thank CASA volunteers for the many moments they continue to create for the children of Maricopa County.

Community & Youth Connections – City Proclamations

It is uplifting to see CASA Volunteer Week mobilized at the community level. We are deeply grateful to the cities that joined us to recognize the incredible work of CASA volunteers through official proclamations.

Your acknowledgement shines a spotlight on the voices of children living in foster care and the volunteers who advocate for their best interests every day.

Thank you to each city in Maricopa County who honored the heart and dedication of CASA volunteers. You are bringing hope to the children and families in your own community!

• Avondale
• Buckeye
• Chandler
• Fountain Hills
• Gilbert
• Glendale
• Goodyear
• Mesa
• Paradise Valley
• Peoria
• Phoenix
• Queen Creek
• Scottsdale
• Tempe
• Wickenburg

Now let’s collaborate together to recruit in each community and keep the spirit of CASA Volunteer Week year round.

In Focus – DCS Director Ptak

Director Ptak assumed her role in January, 2025, and is the first woman to lead the Arizona Department of Child Safety. She previously held the role of DCS General Counsel. Director Ptak has a vast background in child welfare and public policy including time at Casey Family Programs and the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency. She is also an adoptive parent, birth parent and former foster parent. We look forward to working with her and the DCS leadership team.

Director Ptak was unable to join the Moments that Matter event. However, we are deeply grateful for the video message she recorded for the CASA Volunteers.

Strengthening Advocacy Through Education – Moments that Matter

Every year, more than 23,000 young people age out of the foster care system in the United States – often without the support they need to thrive. In Arizona alone, over 600 youth exit foster care each month, and far too many face heartbreaking outcomes: 60% experience homelessness or incarceration within a year, and fewer than 3% ever earn a college degree. These numbers paint a grim picture, but they also highlight the critical importance of connection and support.

At our recent Moments that Matter event, we heard from three remarkable panelists who grew up in foster care. Two are now in college, and one is a legal professional – testaments to the resilience of youth and the power of relationships that last. All three shared a common theme: the life-changing impact of having people who didn’t give up on them. Whether it was a mentor, family member, or CASA volunteer, those consistent, caring adults made all the difference.

CASA volunteers are often that steady presence, helping guide youth toward stability, education, and opportunity. When a child has someone by their side, the outcomes can look very different. Every moment spent showing up, speaking up, and staying the course truly matters. The stories shared at Moments that Matter remind us how powerful that presence can be and that every child deserves a future full of possibility.

Sources:

Children’s Rights – Aging Out: Youth Leaving Foster Care

Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation

National Foster Youth Institute – Statistics on Foster Care

(This was the Voices of Hope, April 2025 newsletter. Subscribe to receive more.)