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Quick Links
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Connect wi
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Reflections
Alaska CASA State Director
People come and people go, but throughout my
years with the Alaska CASA program, one thing has stood out for me about the people I have met.
CASAs Rock!
I personally have witnessed the incredible dedication and passion CASAs have for children. CASAs give up their precious time and efforts to advocate for children without pay and often with lots of frustration. These people do this because they care about children and what happens to them.
Abused and neglected children are our most vulnerable children and they need someone to be their champions as their parents are unable or unwilling to advocate for them.
At times it feels that everyone is out for themselves and do not seem to care much about the people around them and our world. CASAs are not these people because they choose to get up everyday and keep fighting for what they know is right, our most vulnerable children.
LeeAnn
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2017 Alaska CASA Conference
Friday, September 29th and
Saturday September 30th
at the BP Energy Center
Please let your program coordinator or LeeAnn at [email protected] know now
if you are planning on attending the conference.
Travel money is available for CASAs or GALs coming in from outside Anchorage. A pre-conference agenda along with registration will be out to you soon.
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Alaska CASA
Video Conferencing Curriculum
Last year, Becky Griffin, Anne Udry and Jessica Clarkson dedicated several hours modifying the National CASA (NCASA) curriculum in order to make it more relevant to Alaska. We are now in the process of creating a video conferencing version of this modified pre-service curriculum.
Currently, the curriculum consists of 15 hours of online learning and 15 hours of in person learning. The video conferencing model will still include the online learning but will substitute the in person sessions with video conferencing. We are using the gotomeeting program and web cameras for the video conferencing. This will make it possible to train volunteers in rural communities without the expense and time of the volunteers or trainer traveling.
We just finished a pilot training with Carol Graham in Juneau, Victoria
Boze and Jessica Crump in Kenai, and Hayley Hall from the Valley. We have some kinks to work out, but overall, I think it went very well. We are planning on taping specialized trainings, including the legal and court report writing sessions to include with the video conferencing model.
Special thanks to Doug Clawson for his technical support.
YKDelta CASA Program Closes
Sadly, the Alaska Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) has decided to dissolve the CASA program in Bethel. Thank you to everyone who started and supported the program and the volunteers who served there.
LifeLongLinks Coming to Alaska
Friends of Alaska CASA have agreed to fund Jill McCormick from the Pikes Peak CASA program in Colorado to provide a train-the-trainer session for CASA staff an
d volunteers on August 24th and 25th.
Every time a child relocates they lose an average of 10 relationships. Imagine what it's like for a child in foster care who moves multiple times and is placed with different caretakers along the way.
With the extremely high caseloads that both GALs and social workers are currently experiencing, helping children stay connected to important people in their life, is unfortunately not a high priority.
The LifeLongLinks Program conducts searches for, and interviews of, family members and other important people to ensure that foster children have continuity in relationships, information about their families, and long-term connections for the future. Check the link above to find out more about the program.
~ LeeAnn
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Anchorage CASA
Looking for Child Advocates
The next Anchorage core training will begin in January, 2018. Please help us spread the word! If you know someone you think would make an excellent CASA volunteer, please encourage them to
get in touch with our office
. We will be hosting several information meetings prior to our next training. If you would like to host an information meeting or belong to a group that would like to host a meeting, please
let us know!
There is a tremendous need for advocates to represent the best interests of foster youth in our community and we appreciate your assistance in our recruitment efforts!
I Volunteer Because...
Another way you can help promote Alaska CASA is by participating in a brief promotional interview or photograph! Come tell us about what being a CASA volunteer means to you and let us share it with the community via YouTube and other social media outlets! If you'd prefer, you could also use one of our awesome laminated I Volunteer Because Cards to write down the reason you serve as a CASA volunteer. We can snap a pic and post it on our Facebook page and/or website! Thanks to Suzie Morgan for agreeing to go first and to Friends of Alaska CASA for purchasing the laminated cards!!! Let us know if you'd like to help us out with this project!
Community Support
On May 12th, Arctic Siren Productions put on a fantastic cabaret fundraiser here in Anchorage and helped raise $500 for Friends of Alaska CASA (FAC). All the performers donated their time and talent. The proceeds will help FAC continue to provide support to our fantastic volunteers around the state. A big thank you to Peggy Monaghan and Arctic Siren Productions for supporting our mission!!!
Continuing Education
Congratulations to Lanae McNab, Dawn Skeete, Teri Penn and Ashley Lankford for completing the Winter 2017
Fostering Futures
training. These volunteers now have additional training to advocate for AND mentor older youth in Alaska's foster care system. Way to go, guys!
Our
First Tuesdays
Meet-Ups continue to be a great avenue for hosting trainings and providing volunteers with an opportunity to learn, review cases and network with one another. Thanks to the following presenters from the Anchorage community for contributing their time and expertise to help strengthen our program:
Allen Blair
- Allen Blair PsyD, LPC;
Nicole Stanish
- AWAIC;
Brenda Ursel
-
Alaska
Center for Resource Families
; Maria A. Horn - Parenting with Love and Limits; and MJ Lawler - Hope Community Resources
~ Becky
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Fairbanks CASA
Summer is slowly heating up here in Fairbanks and along with the long days, there are plenty of recreational opportunities for youth. There are numerous summer camps, sports camps and art camps along with $1 movies, kite flying, and of course visits to the kid's garden, playgrounds and lakes. Our hope is to ensure our foster youth have the same opportunities as other youth in our community. We are grateful to Friends of Alaska CASA (FAC) for their assistance in providing financial support towards this end. THANKS, FAC!
The Fairbanks OPA office is now fully staffed and our newest GAL, Nikole, is utilizing several CASA volunteers. Many veteran volunteers who have recently finished cases are starting new cases and we're very pleased to serve more youth.
Along those lines, we will offer core training for new volunteers beginning in October 2017. If you or someone you know may be a good volunteer, please contact Anne. We will host several information meetings prior to the training to give folks a good idea of a CASA volunteer's role. If you would like to host an information meeting or belong to a group that would like to host a meeting, please let me know.
As the number of youth in foster care continues to rise we aim to do what we can do ensure they do not fall between the cracks. There are many different ways to become involved with the CASA program, so feel free to contact me to see how your skills can be utilized for our youth.
Sincerely,
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Juneau CASA
Our office has moved!
Our new address is 150 3rd Street, Suite 120, Juneau, AK 99801.
Life here in Juneau continues to be quite hectic with the packing and unpacking but we are slowly getting things in their places. We are all very excited about summer arriving. Our CASAs continue to make wonderful things happen for children and I appreciate them more everyday.
Contract GAL In Ketchikan Needed
OPA is looking for a Contract Guardian ad Litem in the Ketchikan area. If you are interested or know of anyone please let
Chad Holt
know.
~ Carol
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A partnership between the Kenaitze Tribe
and Office of Public Advocacy
Kenai Peninsula CASA would like to announce that Victoria Boze has joined the CASA Crew as the Program Coordinator. Be sure to look for her letter in our next newsletter.
The Kenai Peninsula CASA Program also welcomed our newest CASA volunteer. Liz Jaqua was sworn in by Superior Court Judge Charles Huguelet and Tribal Court
Chief
Judge Kim Sweet on April 14th
and has been assigned her first case in State Court. When asked to describe herself, Liz states "my motto is faith, family, farm. I'm a wife and a mommy. I love all things farming and I have huge heart for kids." In addition, Liz also competed in the 2017 Mrs. Alaska Competition in May and took home the award for Most Spirited.
Thank you to CASA Volunteer June Harris for all her dedication and hard work. In May, June celeb
rated 6 years with the Kenai Peninsula CASA Program. June has been an active member of our community by donating her time to Kenai Performers, Kenai Historical Society, Kenai Peninsula Chamber, Unocal Retirees, and the United Way. The CASA program has been truly blessed to have June as a volunteer.
Lindy Cox celebrated three years with the CASA Program this May. Lindy has been acting as a courtesy CASA on a case from Palmer. Throughout this case, Lindy has gone above and beyond in her efforts to advocate for the children in her case. Thank you Lindy. The CASA program is grateful and fortunate to have you on the team.
Knowing Who You Are Training
The KWYA workshop provides a framework for participants to identify and explore racial and ethnic identity in order to understand how one's race and ethnicity impacts personal and professional interactions. KWYA is embedded into the practice of OCS as an ongoing effort to address racial disproportionality in the child welfare system.
Location: Dena'ina Wellness Center - 508 Upland Street - Kenai, AK.
Dates & Times: June 27th 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
June 28th 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Click
here for more information.
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Valley CASA
The Alaska CASA program is happy to announce Hayley Hall as the new Valley Program Coordinator!
Here is a little information about Hayley:
I was born and raised in Liverpool, England and moved to Palmer, Alaska in 2000. I have lived in the Mat Su Valley since.
I have always loved working with children. I am currently working towards my Bachelor degree in Special Education. Prior to joining the Valley CASA team, I have spent the past six years working as a case worker for the Division of Public Assistance, serving families statewide. I have enjoyed working with families and helping provide them with resources for success.
I have always felt pulled towards working with those who need a little extra help. Even when I have questioned why, the answer is always the same: It takes one person to make a difference in another person's life. I have always lived by that motto and try to be that good difference where I can be.
When I am not working, I enjoys fishing, hiking and spending time with my husband and children.
Side notes from Hayley:
I recently met with Jessica Clarkson and Chadene and they gave me some great information about in-service trainings. I am hopeful we can plan an in-service training towards the end of August. We are thinking about Cultural Diversity and Awareness. More to come on this.
Youth activity gift cards: There are quite a few movie theater and dining gift cards available. Please let me know if you would like some.
We are recruiting for CASA Volunteers to be a part of the (Family Infant Toddler (FIT) Program. The anticipated start of program is July 1, 2017. Jessica Clarkson is the FIT program coordinator, please contact her for more information at (907) 746-8183.
- Kids 18 and under are able to receive a free meal. This runs from May 22-August 11. No sign-ups or registration, just show up. Visit website or call 907-360-9476 for times and distribution sites. http://www.kidskupboard.org/
- Grief Share is every Tuesday 6:30 pm. Location: Journey Church, Wasilla
- Community Garage Sale is scheduled for Friday June 9 and 10th. 10 am-5 pm at the Menard Center.
- The Pass @ the Park is held every Friday night 6pm-9pm in June at the Green pavilion near Wonderland Park. Free event. Music, food and fun!
- Story time at the Wasilla Public Library, June 15, 22 & 29, July 6 & 13. 11 am and 2 pm. Perfect for children ages 2-6, stories, dancing and singing.
Valley CASA Meet and Greet
CASAs are invited to attend a Meet and Greet event on Wednesday June 21, 5:00 - 7:00! This event will be located in the Palmer State Building, in the large conference room (a few doors down from the Office of Public Advocacy doors). Food and beverages will be provided. I would love for you to stop in and say hi!
Mini Grants
Friends of Alaska CASA (FAC) has limited funding available to meet the needs of children in state custody when no other funding is available. In order to qualify, the funding must not be available through OCS, foster care payments, or other readily available community resources. FAC reserves the right to reject funding requests. In order to apply for a Mini Grant please complete the form below. Receipts are required for reimbursement.
Let's utilize these resources for our youth!
I've been told that Valley CASAs rarely takes advantage of these funds, so don't be shy! Visit the FAC grant page here. I'm happy to help with any of this.
~ Hayley
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As we celebrate the season of the midnight sun and short sleeves we are pleased to share some of the latest updates from Friends of Alaska CASA (FAC).
The FAC Board recently had its annual meeting to elect board officers for 2017-2018 and to set its vision for the coming year. Dianne Horbochuk, Jodi Partain-Phelan, and Brandon Nakasato were reelected as President, Vice President and Secretary of the Board; respectively. Longtime board member and Past President, Sallye Werner, was elected as Board Treasurer. Patty Burley was reappointed as a board member for another two-year term. In setting the FAC vision, the Board rededicated itself to achieving the goal of every child in foster care having a CASA and to the values of supporting volunteers, supporting youth and diversity.
FAC will be hosting a unique fundraising event at the Clothesline Consignment shop. On August 5th from 6PM-8PM, stop by Clothesline to shop for excellent clothing options and FAC will receive 25% of the proceeds. In addition to the can't-be-beat shopping bargains, there will also be refreshments.
2017 CASA Quilt Auction
This years CASA Quilt Auction is Saturday, November 25th from 10:00 - 2:00 at the University Mall. Please contact
Debby Hudson if you would like to donate a quilt.
~ Brandon
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News From the
Office of Children's Services
"Alaska Native culture keeps Alaska
Native children safe
."
This is the vision statement for a five-year strategic plan created to address the disparities that Alaska Native children experience in the child welfare system. Today over 3,000 children are in the Alaska foster care system. More than half of these children are Alaska Native. This disparity is unacceptable.
Recognizing that no one government agency or Tribal entity can solve this problem alone, the "Transforming Child Welfare Outcomes for Alaska Native Children Strategic Plan 2016-2020" was created as the result of a passionate and collaborative process which included numerous Tribal, state and community partners over many months. Participants talked openly and frankly about how to solve problems, reduce barriers and promote children being served closest to home within the context of their Tribe and culture whenever possible.
Personal account from a non-native foster parent:
With her little hand in mine, the two of us slowly walk down the ferry ramp into the bowels of the Le Conte, one of the oldest and smallest vessels that make up the fleet of inter-island ferries of Southeast Alaska's Marine Highway. We are blasted by that familiar smell of salt water, marine diesel and car exhaust that permeates the parking level of the ferry before we ascend the several flights of stairs to the passenger level of the ferry. I feel weighted down as I struggle to carry the squirming child along with the numerous other packs and totes I am lugging that contain snacks and toys to keep an active toddler occupied for the four hour ferry trip. For Susie this is simply another day of her short life, where every day brings some kind of wonderment. When you are 2 years old, nothing is mundane; an ordinary walk to the park is a delight. For me, however, this day, this trip, feels far from joyful. In fact my mood feels like the dense heavy, gray clouds that press down on the forested islands we pass, layers and layers of suffocating gray.
Susie is 2 years old, a beautiful Alaska Native child with healthy rosy cheeks that are just beginning to shed their baby fat. She has soft, long, jet black shiny hair. Susie has been in state foster care since she was 11 months old. I am her 3
rd foster home. Susie and I bonded quickly. I couldn't wait for my work day to end and to pick her up from preschool. Although I did not ever encourage her to call me mommy, she quickly learned from her peers, to reach up her arms for me and call me mama. Susie loves to be read to, loves "Dora the Explorer", and bubble baths. She is smart, perceptive and
talkative. Susie could easily be that little girl I have always wanted as my own. But she doesn't belong to me or my white culture. She comes from her own rich heritage, of which she must do her part to revitalize and pass-on.
The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was passed 40 years ago by congress as a measure to attempt to stem the tide of a disproportionate number of American Indian/Alaskan Native children entering state foster care systems and being adopted by white families; these children would forever be lost to their families, Tribes, communities, and culture. Today, both nationally and in Alaska, racial disproportionality continues to exist at alarmingly high rates. In 2016, while comprising less than 20% of the population, Alaskan Native children comprise over 55% of the children in foster care in Alaska.
While it is easy to place blame on the child welfare system for the years it has taken to implement ICWA as it was intended; data shows widespread disparities of Alaska Native/American Indian people involved in
all
service sectors of society. In order to follow the vision
Alaska Native culture keeps Alaska Native children safe
, there remains a need to balance both a recognition of the impact of historical trauma as well as the strengths of families we serve. Many professionals who have the responsibility to help vulnerable families may have unconscious bias about Alaska Native culture. These professionals are in positions to make life changing decisions for the family. Yet, without thoughtful and continuous self-evaluation, it is human nature to fall into systemic racism and follow the practice of favoring white, non-relatives over Alaskan Native relatives.
The ferry takes us to her island village, to her mother's family, where she will be permanently placed with her maternal uncle and his family; a home, where she fits and belongs. Her hair and skin color matches theirs. She will be cuddled, loved and called "baby." Their home is different than mine. It smells different, and is smaller, more crowded. Instead of having her own bedroom, as she did at my house, Susie will share a room with her brother who sometimes lives in the house and her teen-aged cousin. There is a chest freezer in the living room. Susie is terrified. She clings to me and won't let go.
Not too long ago, I feel confident that the Office of Children's Services (OCS) would have let me keep Susie forever. The caseworker and I could have come up with many different "reasons" for why Susie should be adopted by me; and the white judge, white attorneys and white guardian ad litems, who make such decisions, would have nodded and agreed. Times have changed. And this is a good thing. Having been a social worker first, and a foster parent second, my head has known this long before my heart; but my heart is getting there. The spirit and intent of ICWA maybe, just maybe, are beginning to be embraced.
The privilege of working in the field of child welfare is having the honor of being a part of a family's path to healing. In the example above Susie is in a home where she is learning how to live in her Alaska Native culture and it will be one less battle she will have as she grows up, a child from a traumatic beginning, as she pieces together her identity.
A year later I go back to her village and visit Susie. She is happy and thriving. She is now three years old and doesn't remember me at all. Somewhere deep in her mind, seeing me may trigger a vague sense of familiarity - a sense of knowing she was well cared for, nurtured on her journey to get back to her family's people. And that is truly what matters - that I was a vehicle to help her return, intact, healthy and able to rejoin her people. My heart truly believes this.
Mary Johnson is the Child Protection Program Manager with the Tanana Chiefs Conference in Fairbanks.
Natalie Norberg is currently employed by the State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services; she is a former OCS case worker and foster parent.
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