California CASA Association Selects CASA of Del Norte to Pilot Program
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CASA of Del Norte is one of 9 counties selected by CASA of Del Norte to pilot Educational Advocacy as an addition to the role of our volunteer advocates. Each program selected will work with local school districts, California CASA Association to develop modules which may become a part of the training for all furture advocates in California.
The selection as a pilot program brings with it some very exciting opportunities for CASA of Del Norte. There will be a small grant amount during the pilot program and the potential for additional sustainable funding following the successful completion of the pilot.
California CASA Association will provide guidance and training for CASA of Del Norte staff and, in turn, for our volunteer advocates. We hope to include a volunteer mentor to assist other advocates as we add this important segment to the role of the volunteer advocates.
California has passed legislation which allows CASA to have access to educational information for all children in our cases. This means we can not only speak with teachers and aides, but also to participate in planning any education planning for the children in our cases. In many cases, a teacher may not even know that a child has been removed from their home and is now in foster care. That means the teacher may not know why a child is not performing well in school, acting out, or in some other way exhibiting a change in behavior.
CASA volunteer advocaes can be a bridge and can ensure that each child has a chance to achieve their potential in all phases of their schooling.
CASA of Del Norte will host the Program Director, Derek Peake and Jennifer Troia, the Advocacy Director from California CASA Assocation in mid-November as they come to our county to share the developing Educational Advocacy Program with staff and volunteer advocaes. While here, Derek and Jen will also meet with Jan Moorehouse, Superintendent of Schools and others who will be essential to the success of this pilot.
For more information, please call 707-464-3320 x 204
