In this episode, I chat with Bobbi Barends who is not only a CASA volunteer but also the VP/Campus Director and Chief Operating Officer at Del Tech in Georgetown! During our chat, she explains several scholarship opportunities that exist at Del Tech which is a statewide campus. Maybe some of these educational financial opportunities might benefit a youth you're working with! Enjoy!

In this episode, we chat with child attorney Jennifer Kline, Esq. and listen as she discusses the importance of sibling connections as well as ways that a CASA can help ensure these connections stay intact. Enjoy!

In this episode, Child Attorney Renee Duval, Esq. walks us through the appeal process for the Termination of Parental Rights. She also explains what a CASA's role is, how they can assist during the case, and what to expect. Enjoy!

In this episode, we speak to 3 experienced CASA volunteers and listen as they share their thoughts and strategies in communicating with youth who are experiencing cognitive or developmental delays. Enjoy!

In Episode #137, we chat with staff attorney Stefanie Ramirez who works with the Disability Rights Program. She has tremendous knowledge when it comes to working with students with disabilities and how discipline impacts their education. If anyone has additional questions for Stefanie, she can be reached by email at [email protected] 

Enjoy! 

In Episode #136, we interview Kelly Hatton who is a therapist working with the TRY Program. TRY stands for Trauma Response for Youth. This service is contracted through the Division of Prevention of Behavioral Health and offers prevent, intervention, and treatment services to families who have experienced a traumatic event. Kelly also runs a counseling service called A Seed of Hope which can be found here: https://www.aseedofhopecounselingcenter.com/

In Episode #135, we explore two housing options for DFS families in New Castle County: Gaudenzia and Bayard House. Dionne Cosby chats with us about Gaudenzia House and Cheryl Sanderlin chats about Bayard House. Both housing options are supported through the state and work closely with the Division of Family Services. They use a trauma informed approach and offer transitional services to help bridge the housing gap. 

If anyone has questions about these two programs, you can use the following contacts:

• Dionne Cosby @ Gaudenzia: [email protected]
• Cheryl Sanderlin @ Bayard House: [email protected]

In this episode, we interview Independent Living Program Manager Tamara Myles through the Division of Family Services. Tamara educates us on the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, and WHY of a STEPS (Stairways To Encourage Pathways to Success) Meeting. Enjoy!

In Episode #133, we review some of the most commonly used acronyms including DSCYF, DFS, PBH, YRS, IL, BIM, TDM, APPLA, TPR, ESP and more! Happy listening!

In Episode #132, we focus on the CASA Court Report which is presented to the CASA Coordinator and Child Attorney in order to prepare for upcoming court hearings. Each report is a necessary part to the court process so it needs to be turned in by the CASA two weeks prior to any upcoming court hearing. Only the Triad members will see the court report. Enjoy!