Unexpected Lessons...that weren't in the handbook
In some ways, being a volunteer that works with children is akin to being a parent: regardless of how many books or articles you read, nothing can truly prepare you for the experience besides the real thing. However, there are definitely a few tips that can help you adjust to your new role that werent in the handbook, and we at CASA wanted to share.
1. Despite undergoing whatever abuse or neglect that warranted removing a child from their home, they often unconditionally love their parents and have formed a close bond with them. Over 90% of children will seek out their biological parents when theyre no longer under the jurisdiction of the court.
2. You have to ask more than once, and not take it personally if it doesnt happen right away. We all know social workers are over-worked, but its hard to fully grasp it until something you want to happen for your youth is hinging on their response and they have yet to do it. Be patient with them, as well as your youth. Rarely do children have the self-discipline that encourages compliance in the best of circumstances, let alone the ones that warrant removal.
3. Regardless of what you may personally believe, foster care is not the ideal home for children and reunification with their parents is usually the goal. Their environment is directly correlated to their behavior, and its important to note and remember any significant changes.
4. In Del Norte County, there is a shortage of foster homes, which means youth may be placed out of the county. The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is also highly applicable to our foster kids, so knowing the basics of what it entails is recommended.
5. Each child is assigned a level number, depending on their behavioral needs. The level determines the amount of money the foster placement receives. Also, most foster children are delayed in school because they didnt receive the basic steps in learning or self-discipline (doing homework) at a young age, yet they are treated by the system like they are purposely not applying themselves.
Volunteer Creates Quilt for CASA
April Quigley, volunteer in the office, created a beautiful quilt that will be raffled off in December. Tickets will be sold at various events in the upcoming months, and they are $1 per ticket or 6 tickets for $5. All proceeds will go toward recruiting, training, and supporting CASA advocates to serve children under the jurisdiction of the court. Thank you April!
New Advocates in Training
The news of our organization and what a pivotal role volunteers play in
the lives of foster children is spreading! We currently have four
new advocates who are in training and will be sworn-in by the judge on
September 14th. This is due largely to word of mouth by you!
We are currently serving 27 foster children, but there are 26 on the waitlist. We are always seeking more volunteers, so please tell your friends about or organization and encourage them to give children a voice.
CASA Funding Update
CASA is a community-based program that is alive because of volunteers and grants from local, state, and federal governments. Recently, CASA submitted a grant proposal that was approved by the county for the Community Development Block Grant, which has been included in the application for funding to the state. Unfortunately, we havent heard anything yet, but if approved, it could fund our Del Norte CASA for two years! Until then, smaller grants are being pursued and the generous support from the community is a great contribution.
Wal-Mart Supports Del Norte CASA
Great things are happening for Del Norte County with the expanding of our local Wal-Mart, and theyre paying it forward! Not only is it providing local short-term jobs for the construction and long-term jobs with their growing staff, manager Nick Gonnella presented a $1,000 check to Christine Slette, Program Manager at CASA of Del Norte. The funds will be used to help recruit, train, and support CASA volunteers who are appointed to a child who is under court jurisdiction.
Honoring Local Supporters
CASA presented a plaque to Lara Hirt, Principal from Pine Grove School, in recognition for supporting children in Del Norte County. The staff at Pine Grove School has actively collaborated with CASA and other agencies to ensure children in foster care are given every opportunity to succeed academically and socially.
