CASA Delaware Live!

In Episode #107, we chat with Kathie Herel who runs the Parent Information Center ("PIC") specifically the Educational Surrogate Parent (ESP) Program. She has a wealth of knowledge in the field of special education so we are taking the opportunity to ask her questions that CASAs have sent in about special education, the ESP Program, and all sorts of other things!

Want more info? Check out the Parent Information Center

Interested in becoming an educational advocate? Check out the Educational Surrogate Parent Program

Have any other question? Feel free to email Kathie at [email protected] 

In Episode #106, I provide some information on Independent Living Services. While we have a few podcasts on IL Services, I had a guest cancellation so I had to wing it with a last-minute plan. So, let's chat about Independent Living Services! Enjoy!

In Episode #105, we hear from Clark Huffman (CASA Coordinator), Christine Jones-Bey Brown (Independent Living Provider Case Manager) and Amander Lee (Independent Living Provider Worker). They explain the purpose of a STEPS meeting including when it's held, who attends, and the hopeful outcomes. Happy Listening! 

In Episode #104, we chat with Department of Justice attorney Kristina Bensley and Chief of Legal Services at the Office of the Child Advocate Kelly Ensslin. Both ladies discuss the sex offender registry with us especially as it pertains to potential parents & caregivers in our DFS cases. Enjoy!

Here are a couple of links that Kristina provides to us:

https://www.nsopw.gov/

https://sexoffender.dsp.delaware.gov/ 

In Episode #103, we chat with Cheryl Crowe who spends her professional career in the animal abuse arena while also serving as a CASA Volunteer. In our chat today, Cheryl discusses the correlation between animal and child abuse. She shares some resources with us as well. Enjoy!

https://nationallinkcoalition.org/

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/nose-tail

https://home.army.mil/lewis-mcchord/application/files/8716/7285/9577/DPFR-FAP-PetBrochure-2023-fv01042023.pdf

https://dvcc.delaware.gov/

In Episode #102, we chat with Detective Chris Phillips of the New Castle County Police Department along with Jennifer McCann of Victim's Services.  Detective Phillips and Jennifer share with us how they work cases that involve child death and/or serious abuse, how they partner with other team members such as the Child Advocacy Center and the Department of Justice, and then what types of resources are available for victims. Enjoy!

Here are a few of the organizations that Jennifer mentions...

Child Inc.

DVCC

CLASI

In Episode #101, we chat with Cassandra McCay of Connecting Generations. She tells us about this program that might be an asset to our youth in care. As a CASA, we are always looking for support services for our youth, so perhaps consider utilizing this program. 

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact Cassandra via email at [email protected]. If you'd like to refer your youth to their services, contact Yasmin Chavez at [email protected],  302-656-2122 ext 0020

Learn more about Connecting Generations here: https://www.connecting-generations.org/

In Episode #100, we chat with OCA Data Director Jennifer Sieminski. She managed the Apricot portal and a small staff to run reports, compare data, and provide information and support to several child welfare agencies. Let's learn why Data is so important! 

In Episode #99, we chat with State Director Melissa Palokas! Missy walks us through some stats revolving around Delaware's children as well as CASA Volunteers. Lauren also provides a brief summary of 2024 training opportunities. Enjoy!

In Episode #98, we chat with four CASA volunteers as they share their experience focusing on the positive during a case that might not be going so positively at times. These four share some of the actions they took to seek permanency for their CASA child including dedicated communication even when it wasn't reciprocated. Maybe some of their suggestions might be helpful to you as you advocate for a youth. Enjoy!