Brittney joined us on Episode 008 to discuss trauma within the foster care world, and she returns in this episode to discuss her experiences as she was aging out of the foster care system. Her stories truly tell a picture of why it is critical that foster youth need a CASA by their side.

This week, our CASA Ambassador, Brittney, joined us to talk about the removal from her home and parents back when she was 15-years-old. That removal, of course, caused her trauma. Listen to Brittney's story and also how CASA inevitably was a stable, foundational force for good in her life as she navigated the trauma waters.

This week, one of our amazing CASA volunteers, Donna Cardamone, a retired educator sat down with us to discuss educational advocacy within the foster care system. What are the biggest challenges to foster youth face, and how can we help?

There are challenging times throughout the year for foster youth. One of those times is heading back to school. There is much uncertainty. How can we help and support foster youth as they head back to the classroom? We have some good ideas!

Tracey and Jeff continue their discussion in this part 2 series on Adverse Childhood Experiences. They dive into practical applications, and also discuss child and family trauma. The episode concludes as Jeff talks to CASA SHaW Case Supervisor, Cynthia, about trauma she has seen within her cases.

Tracey and Jeff discussed Adverse Childhood Experiences - ACEs. How did ACEs come about? What do they mean? How can we learn from them? This part one podcast dives into the details.

In this episode, Tracey and Jeff discussed various issues surrounding mental health within foster care, and how some children and families struggle with this ongoing challenge. We also provide resources for those who may need just a little bit of help.

What are some of the realities of poverty in foster care? How do children and their families handle poverty? Is there a way to break the cycle of poverty? These are some questions we dive into on this CASA Connection podcast episode.

In this episode, Tracey and Jeff discuss the basics: CASA 101. What is CASA? How is the CASA model helpful to foster care communities, and the positive impacts our nonprofit(s) have on children and families.

Our Executive Director, Tracey Heisler, and Director of Community Outreach, Jeff Warren, talk about the new CASA Connection podcast.