CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties will hold its Spring New Advocate Training Course for new volunteers in April 2016. This course provides a total of 40 hours of training for new advocates to prepare them for their advocacy.

 

During the training our new volunteers will hear professionals speak on a variety of topics including "Families in Dependency," "Diversity," "Children's Mental Health," and "Court Report Writing." 

 

In preparation for our Spring New Advocate Training Course we have increased the number of information sessions in the month of March. If you are interested in becoming an advocate, or know someone who is, now is the time! Please call the office at 559-244-6485 to register for one of our upcoming information sessions today!

 

Wednesday, March 2: 6:15-7:15 p.m. Madera Redevelopment Agency - Madera, CA

Saturday, March 5: 9:00-10:00 a.m. CASA Office.

Wednesday, March 9: 6:15-7:15 p.m. CASA Office.

Wednesday, March 16: 6:15-7:15 p.m. CASA Office.

 

Attending an information session is the first step to becoming an advocate with CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties.

 

The application deadline to be considered for Spring Training is Monday, March 21, 2016. 

Advocate Jennifer Porter shared about her advocacy in a presentation to our board members during the February 8th Board of Directors meeting. Jennifer has been an advocate with CASA since May of 2015 and is currently assigned a sibling group of four and has been working on building relationships with all involved in the case.

 

CASA advocates not only have to build relationships with the children assigned to them but also with each professional on the case. During the board meeting Jennifer gave many examples of her interactions with other professionals while being assigned to these siblings. When she was first assigned to the case she was working on helping one young man transition to a new school. She knew she needed to schedule a meeting with the school officials but was concerned they wouldn't know who she was or understand her connection to the child and the situation. Jennifer discussed the situation with her advocate supervisor who then suggested she email the attorney on the case. After making this connection the attorney got in touch with the school in advance of the meeting and when Jennifer arrived the school officials were ready to see her and prepared for the meeting. She reports that this set her up to have a good relationship with the school when she needs to advocate on behalf of the children. 

 

Jennifer also spoke about spending the past year building a relationship with the children's current foster mother. Although difficult to find a connection in the beginning, over time she has grown in this relationship and is happy to state that they both work well together and have the best interests of the children in mind. Jennifer also notes that she has a great working relationship with the Department of Social Services and is happy to be a part of the larger team working to make the best decisions for these siblings. 

Madera Information Session: Wednesday, March 2, 6:15-7:15 p.m. Madera Redevelopment Agency.

Information Session: Saturday, March 5, 9:00-10:00 a.m. CASA Office.

Information Session: Wednesday, March 9, 6:15-7:15 p.m. CASA Office.

Madera Small Group Meeting: Wednesday, March 9, 6:15-8:15 p.m. Madera DSS Admin. Office.

Journey of Hope 13-18 Small Group Meeting: Thursday, March 10, 6:15-8:15 p.m. CASA Office. 

Information Session: Wednesday, March 16, 6:15-7:15 p.m. CASA Office.

Executive Committee Meeting: Thursday, March 17, 11:00 a.m-12:00 pm. Phone Conference. 

Continuing Education Class: Thursday, March 17, 6:15-8:15 p.m. CASA Office.

Journey of Hope 0-5 Small Group Meeting: Wednesday, March 23, 5:15-8:15 p.m. CASA office. 

Office Closed - Cesar Chavez Day: Thursday, March 31.