CASA Connection

What is the future of healing? How can we better understand and embrace that process of healing from trauma? The healing-centered engagement model and C.A.R.M.A. principles shows us how we can do this as a community and society overall. Culture, agency, relationships, meaning, and aspiration are the principles we can utilize. We discuss this in detail during this episode with Tia Sanders from the New Jersey Office of Resilience under the Department of Children and Families. 

Based off our previous podcast upload (episode 55), we dove into how we can build rapport with parents who have suffered from trauma and repeat the cycle. How do we reach more folks? Trust is a huge aspect of this. We also look at how we can better understand others and build stronger relationships with those who have suffered abuse.

Within the world of foster care, abuse is tragically common. However, what we do not talk about enough is how we should be interacting with abuse victims. Everything from facial expressions to using supportive language are important in how we communicate with victims. How can we get better in terms of this communication? Tracey and Jeff outline some thoughts on this topic.

On this episode, Tracey and Jeff discuss how we can go about asking the right questions in terms of our CASA advocacy - essentially making sure that everyone is on the same page. Everyone from educators to caseworkers to doctors to caregivers, and more. If we're just rubber stamping what the child welfare system wants, are we doing our best advocacy?  How can we dig in with collateral contacts to give the judge the best report possible? We've got a great discussion about it this week!

This week, Tracey and Jeff discussed how we can support academic success in foster care. Our CASA program is proud that four of our CASA youth graduated high school this past school year, and two are going off to college! How can we continue to be a voice for youth and families through our education system, and what are some of those best practices? We discuss it in detail in this episode.

When we look at the foster care world as a whole, parents bear the brunt of so much. Whether they are dealing with internal struggles, addiction, or need more knowledge about what's best for children, we still need to have respect for parents. That's what this episode is about and coming to a greater understanding about what parents go through within the world of foster care.

This week, Tracey and Jeff discussed CASA SHaW's core values: C.H.I.L.D. It's an acronym that's critical to the foundation and work of the CASA SHaW program. What does each letter stand for? At the end of the day, what do the core values mean to us and the children and families we serve?

This week, one of our amazing CASA volunteers, Ashley K., joined us for a great discussion and dive into how to advocate for babies who are in foster care. Ashley's case was very unique. Not only did she navigate a system that wasn't always easy - especially when her CASA child couldn't speak - she learned a lot along the way. She provided some great insight on how to get through the challenges of advocating for a baby.

It's Pride Month here in June! Jeff and Tracey talk about how we can support our LGBTQ+ friends and family members even more in the future. Plus, it's a great time to recognize, celebrate, and open up channels of communication to our LGBTQ+ community within our neighborhoods and beyond. While our society as a whole here in the United States has become more accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout our communities, we still can and must do a better job of providing inclusive support - especially in the foster care world.

Over the years, the CASA training model has evolved. This week, our Volunteer Trainer at CASA SHaW joined us to discuss our pre-service training program. What's the very first step folks need to take to become a CASA volunteer? What subject matters are focused on during the 30 hours of training? All of this and much more this week as we dove into one of the most rewarding volunteer opportunities in America.