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 insights.

From guidance on how to discuss difficult news stories with children, to preparing for the upcoming holiday season, we hope to provide our readers, and CASA volunteers, support opportunities.

Thank you for being part of this incredible community that continues to bring hope and light to young lives.

In The Spotlight – Current Events & Today’s Kids

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 a thoughtful approach. Don’t shy away from these important conversations.

Each day life offers us opportunities to teach and to learn. Fortunately, there are various resources available to help adults communicate with children on a wide variety of topics.

Here are just a few:

The New York Times Learning Network: Geared toward middle and high school students and offers news-related resources to encourage thoughtful discussion.

Scholastic Kids Press Corps: An educational news source written by kids for kids. It covers current events in a way that is easy for children to understand.

iCivics: Founded by former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, offers educational games and lesson plans on government, law, and politics

News-O-Matic: A daily digital newspaper for kids that explains current events in kid-friendly terms. Available on app stores.

My CASA Journey – Time To Talk

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 build trust and time to talk. CASA volunteers are good at mixing a teen’s choice of frappuccino with tough conversation. Or letting the giggles out on the playground swings enough to also share what they are a little sad about.

Time to talk can happen at any moment  – in the drive through or after a long afternoon at the zoo. Being present, being available and the gift of time is what these youth need.

As Dr. Bruce Perry once noted at a VOICES event,  “if you take people with big hearts and good intentions and support them with a little bit of information they can be a tremendous source of healing and positive regulation for these children and the families they are working with. This is why I have always loved the CASA model. The power of proximity cannot be underestimated. You may be the only person in their lives who is present and isn’t getting paid.“

Positive Outcomes – When Families Talk

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 conversation about being a foster family.

Family conversation is a powerful tool that builds trust and resilience. Like any other skill, it takes practice and should be used regularly! Youth learn how to ask questions and express opinions in a safe environment.

Put phones and video games aside and talk about a child’s day, discuss the book they are reading or tell them about your trip to the market.

Give it a try – If you need help getting started check out:

The Family Dinner Project: Resources, conversation starters, and activities to encourage family mealtime discussions.

The Gottman Institute: Articles, online courses, and resources on how to communicate effectively within families and build emotional intelligence

Community & Youth Connections – Halloween Town

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 festive games, this event offers a wonderful opportunity for the youth to experience the magic of Halloween in a safe, family-friendly environment.

In Focus – Arizona Department of Child Safety Fiscal Year 2025-2029 Strategic Plan

DCS continues to build on their successes and their learnings to promote shared values of Safety, Compassion, Change, Accountability, Equity, Advocacy, Family, Engagement and Teaming. The focus of the five year plan encompasses Prevention, Strengthening Families, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility, Professional Development and Kinship.

One focal project being launched is a statewide effort to safely reduce the utilization of congregate care, or group care facilities, when appropriate. The preference is to place youth in more family-like settings where they can thrive.

DCS will continue to address concerns of child abuse and neglect while strengthening families to promote safe living situations and healthy relationships.

Learn more about the details of each initiative, target timelines and success measures.

Strengthening Advocacy Through Education – Promoting Resilience & a Sense of Safety

For many children—and adults—who have experienced trauma, structure and routine provide a sense of stability. Being able to anticipate what comes next can significantly reduce anxiety and feelings of dysregulation. However, as the holiday season approaches, changes in daily life are inevitable. Fall break, holiday activities, and spirit weeks are just a few examples of events that can disrupt a family’s routine.

During this season, it is crucial for adults to support youth with strategies that promote resilience and a sense of safety. One effective approach is to create a family or individual child calendar that clearly outlines upcoming activities and schedule changes. Another helpful strategy is to plan a calming, regulating activity after any change in routine. This could be something as simple as a daily walk, playing catch, or dedicating time each day for meaningful connection.

For valuable insights on promoting felt safety, take a look at this infographic by Robyn Gobbel.

(This was the Voices of Hope newsletter, October 2024. Subscribe to receive more.)