CASA Delaware Live!

In Episdide #117, we chat with Faith Martin from Child Inc. Faith explains her role and what services Child Inc. offers to victims of Domestic Abuse. While Faith is located in Sussex County, these services exist statewide. Enjoy!

In Episode #116, we listen to Cherise Blackwell's story. She has direct experience as a mother whose children were removed from her care. She now serves as a Parent Peer Navigator to help parents reunify with their children. Enjoy!

In Episode #115, we chat with Celeste Bishop and Cindy Knapp from A Better Chance for our Children, which is an adoption agency in Delaware. Celeste and Cindy discuss post-permanency services that include a support group, "Rec-N-Respite," continued training and many other services which are offered to families who have adopted or who have legal permanent guardianship of a child.

Any CASA working with an adoptive family going through this experience, please encourage them to connect with the adoption agency and stay connected even after the adoption has been legally completed.

Any questions? Feel free to reach out to Cynthia Knapp ([email protected]) or Celeste Bishop [email protected])

Also, Post-Permanency Information can be found here: https://abcfoc.org/post-adoption-support/

In Episode #114, we chat with DFS Director Trenee Parker and WrapAround Delaware Foster Parent Recruitment Director Haydee Rodriguez about foster parent recruitment and retention. Together, we discuss how a foster parent is recruited, what their training looks like and how a CASA can best work with a foster parent. 

If any CASA knows someone who is interested in becoming a foster parent, please have them contact Haydee directly: [email protected]

Also mentioned in our chat is funding that can be offered to youth in care. If your child is in Kent or New Castle Counties, please ask your Coordinator to use Office of the Child Advocate Funds. If your child has a Sussex County Judge, please consider taking advantage of the Friends of Sussex CASA Programs:

• Enrichment Program: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbf7XYCYXTIgc-aBZf2pAnP-4ZpLPzLEpO0mhxJPK4QiOYrA/viewform
• Birthday Program: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxzKnw06IPyv3tju-sAidHkVIlgbOY4jXI88TMRMHEQGSxqQ/viewform

Enjoy!

In Episode #113, I chat with myself about how to interview different partners from DFS social workers to biological parents, from children to therapists. Asking questions can be difficult, so this is a guide in suggested questions to ask. Remember, there is NO right way to advocate for a child. The only error is inaction. So keep those questions coming!

In Episode #112, we chat with LaTysse, Jen, Jessica, and Clark as they share their experiences as a CASA Coordinator. They share some of their techniques to support their CASA Volunteers as well as some actions they take to be supportive on difficult cases. Happy listening! 

In Episode #111, we chat with Mike McHugh from Children and Families First as well as Lauren Reid from the Division of Family Services. Both discuss the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program that focuses on using a child's connections to secure adoptive or permanent resources. This is a great program that has just been brought to Delaware! Enjoy!
 
Any questions about the program, please contact Lauren Reid at [email protected] 

In Episode #110, we interview 3 CASA volunteers who have experience working with difficult partners. These partners include biological relatives and DFS workers. The purpose of this podcast is not to "bash" anyone, simply highlight the action that the CASA Volunteers took to keep the case moving forward. Enjoy! 

In Episode #109, we interview Lezley Sexton and Danielle Gumbs who run the Transition Age Youth Program. This "TAY" program is a case-management program that connects youth ages 16 to 24 years old to community resources surrounding substance abuse and/or mental health. They are a resource to some of our kids and families. 

Do you think you can make a referral? Email them at [email protected]

In Episode #108, we chat with Nick Beard and Tisha Jackson who are both zealous advocates for Domestic Violence survivors. They chat with us specifically about the Community Health Project which connects survivors to community resources such as housing, employment, and mental health services. Enjoy!

Information on referrals can be found here: https://dcadv.org/what-we-do/advocacy-policy-work/health/community-health-worker-collaborative-project.html