In this episode, we chat with Lori Sitler of Child, Inc. She chats with us about their programs and how these programs can benefit the children that CASA volunteers are working with. 

CHILD, Inc.’s mission is to be the leading advocate for Delaware’s children. Through our prevention, intervention, and treatment programs, CHILD, Inc. strives to positively impact the children and families we serve to enable them to live fulfilling lives free from violence. Our programs meet the changing needs of families. By protecting the victims and treating those responsible for acts of domestic violence, we help children heal.

https://childinc.com/

In Episode #160, we review some Dos and Don'ts of being a CASA. We review this during Pre-Service CASA Training but it never hurts to review it again. There are many things that a CASA can do but there are also many things that a CASA cannot do. So we just want to review some of them! Enjoy! 

In this episode, we meet our 4 Deputy Child Advocates through the Office of the Child Advocate: Renee Duval, Jennifer Kline, Casey Pav, and Claudia DeBonte! The purpose of this podcast is to introduce these four child advocates to all the CASA Volunteers so if and when a volunteer finds themselves working with one of these fine attorneys, they'll know them better! Enjoy!

In Episode #158, we chat about the difference between common terms and ideas. We cover 6 in total. They are:

• Team vs. Triad Meeting
• Best Interest Meeting (BIM) vs. Team Decision Making Meeting (TDM)
• DFS vs. YRS vs. PBH
• Contract Agencies vs. DFS Resource Homes
• Child in Care Plan vs. Safety Plan vs. Case Plan
• Extended Jurisdiction vs. Board Extension

Enjoy! We hope the description of these topics helps make things a bit clearer when CASAs advocate for their youth. 

In Episode #157, we interview Ashley Benedict who is a resource parent in Delaware. She and her husband have hosted a few youth in the past two years and Ashley shares her experience as a resource parent as well as what it has been like to work with CASA Volunteers. Enjoy!

In this episode, we chat with Trinette Redlinger-Ramsey of the Division of Family Services and JoAnn Santangelo from the Court Improvement Program to educate us on the value of Family Time. Family Time, formerly called Visitation, exists when a family is involved with the Division of Family Services either as an intact family or one where the Division has custody of the child(ren). Listen in on what these two women have to share about Family Time, why it's so important and what Family Time looks like in Delaware. Enjoy!

In Episode #155, we chat with two CASA Coordinators, Jess Hazzard and Courtney Penhollow, who share with us some thoughts and ideas on how to best prepare for upcoming court hearings, how to testify, and how to focus on appearance in order to present our essential information related to a child welfare case. Enjoy!

In this episode, Megan Hendricks from the Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families explains the FIRST Program: Family Informed Resource Support Team. This is a program within the department that helps families identify and be connected with community resources! Check them out HERE and if there are any questions, you can email them directly at DSCYF_CommunityDirectory [email protected]. Enjoy!

In Episode #153, we chat with Division Director Renee Ciconte as she explains the Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services. She reviews what this Division is responsible for, how it works with it's sister agency the Division of Family Services "DFS," and how CASAs can assist with a youth who might be experiencing juvenile justice. Enjoy!

In this Episode, Mr. Mike Kopp of the Murphey School discusses their Transitional Housing program... aimed at helping teenagers successfully transition into adulthood and obtain housing. The Murphey School is a group home/congregate care facility in Dover, DE. 

Learn more! https://www.murpheyschool.org/