Compassion is powerful, but when it’s put into action, it changes lives. This month, we’re celebrating those who turn empathy into advocacy—whether it’s supporting a child living in foster care, volunteering time and resources, or raising awareness in our community. Join us as we recognize the impact of those who choose to take action, proving that even small efforts can lead to big change.
In The Spotlight – CASA Volunteer Week, #BeTheirVoice
Governor Hobbs Proclaims inaugural CASA Volunteer Week – April 5 – April 11, 2025
The health, safety and well-being of Arizona’s children are fundamental to the prosperity of our communities and the future of our state.
This acknowledges the crucial role CASA volunteers play in the lives of vulnerable youth and within the judicial and child welfare teams here in Arizona.
#BeTheirVoice is the theme of this awareness and recruiting campaign.
The week includes ‘Moments That Matter’, an event to honor current CASA of Maricopa County volunteers. We will also have community Information Sessions, and a mixer to celebrate ASU Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity, the next generation of CASA and community volunteers.
Stay tuned for more information via social media and a wrap-up in our next Voices of Hope issue. We are grateful to Governor Hobbs, community leaders and all the CASA Volunteer Week supporters. #BeTheirVoice
Read The CASA Volunteer Week Proclamation
My CASA Journey – Being a Co-CASA Could Be the Answer
You’ve talked about it with your husband or a close friend about becoming a CASA volunteer. The need is so great, but the role might look daunting?
Did you know that some CASA volunteers agree to share a case and become
Co-CASAs?
It may be a husband and wife team who want to share their different talents with a child as one is more comfortable with court report writing while the other loves racing down a slide with a child.
Or two friends agree to Co-CASA a sibling case to share the driving and the energy of 3 little boys all at once.
Co-CASA volunteers receive training and follow all the same processes as an individual CASA. They find support in sharing the joys and challenges of advocacy with their spouse or friend. They may find they are able to advocate for more than one child (such as siblings) with this collaboration.
With a Co-CASA, the child or teen benefits with two caring adults who want the best for them and to be their voice.
Positive Outcomes – Action Works
National CASA continues to highlight studies that evaluate the impact of CASA volunteers on youth. CASA volunteers, themselves, can articulate what they witness every day. They see the change in children that have experienced trauma. They know the difference they are making through engagement with the child’s case team and information they present in judicial court reports.
A Fairmont State University study, in collaboration with the West Virginia CASA Association, reveals that CASA volunteers significantly improve outcomes for dependent children.
Community & Youth Connections – Honoring Social Workers This March
March is National Social Work Month, a time to recognize the incredible professionals who advocate for children and families in need. Social workers are at the heart of the foster care system, ensuring youth have the safety, stability, and resources to thrive.
Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to making a difference do not go unnoticed. To all the social workers in our community—thank you for the vital work you do every day!
In Focus – AZ Department of Child Safety
DCS announced their FY2025-2029 Strategic Plan.
Focal Points Include:
- Increasing the percentage of families who receive services through Family Resource Centers
- Increase percentage of children who exit to permanency within 12 months
- Reduce the disparity ratio of Black and African American to White
- Reduce DCS employee turnover
- Reduce time youth spend in congregate care
Strengthening Advocacy Through Education – Understanding Big Baffling Behaviors
Children who have experienced trauma often display behaviors that may seem confusing or unpredictable. These behaviors are not random but are deeply connected to how a child’s brain has learned to respond to stress, fear, and uncertainty.
To support CASA volunteers in navigating these challenges, VOICES is hosting a private training series with Robyn Gobbel, a leading expert in trauma-responsive care. Gobbel’s work focuses on helping caregivers and advocates understand the brain-behavior connection, offering strategies to foster safety, connection, and regulation for children who have experienced adversity.
One key takeaway from her approach is that traditional discipline methods often don’t work for children with trauma histories. Instead, trauma-informed advocacy emphasizes co-regulation- helping children feel safe in their relationships first, so they can eventually learn to regulate their emotions and behaviors on their own.
For those interested in learning more, Robyn Gobbel explores these concepts in her latest book, Big Baffling Behaviors, as well as on her podcast, where she discusses practical ways to support children who struggle with emotional and behavioral regulation.
By increasing awareness and understanding, we can all play a role in creating safe, supportive environments where children can heal and thrive.
Robyn Gobbel’s New Book – Big Baffling Behaviors
(This was the Voices of Hope, March 2025 newsletter. Subscribe to receive more.)
