Dear Volunteers,
I've stalled on sending this month's newsletter to try to make sure that I had the best information to pass on to you regarding any changes we might need to make as we respond to the latest COVID-19 update.
As the new surge of the Delta variant sweeps through our county, of course, I want to make sure we are doing everything possible to keep all of you safe while still providing essential services to our kids who have been through so much isolation over the past year and a half.
It's challenging to keep up with the changes - it seems like as soon as you hear one thing, you'll hear another! Is anyone else finding that a little confusing??
For now, we are continuing with services to our kids with no changes. With very few exceptions, we should all be seeing our assigned children bi-monthly at the very minimum, and weekly as best practices. You should talk with your Advocate Supervisor about any challenges that you may be having. For instance, there was quite a bit of confusion, and some social workers were telling families that CASA volunteers were not seeing the children. This puts our kids at risk, and they really do need you! I've clarified with CWS that volunteers are, indeed, seeing children weekly. Of course, you should follow community guidelines regarding when to wear a mask. If you need any PPE - just talk with your Advocate Supervisor - we have PPE for you!
In our offices, we will wear masks when we are not able to physically distance 6 or more feet. We are avoiding gathering in each other's offices, and when we meet with you we will use open space. But please know that we are here for you!
We have not canceled this week's lunch and learn meetings, and we are working to provide adequate physical distancing space. We completely understand if you prefer not to attend. Tina has been doing a great job getting you all kinds of continuing education options. But some of you have expressed that you really enjoy meeting as a group. We will take it one step at a time, and if we learn that we should not meet, we will let you know.
CASA training is ongoing, and we are managing with our online platform and large spaces for the in-person training, as well as encouraging masks when appropriate. Please keep sending your referrals to Tina, because with over 200 kids on the waiting list - we simply can't afford to take a break.
A word about court: CASA volunteers are not to attend court via zoom, with very rare exceptions that MUST be arranged with your advocate supervisor. Some social workers or foster families have been giving out the court zoom information, however, in speaking with the court - CASA volunteers are welcome to attend court in person, but not advised to attend via zoom. It has caused many challenges with having too many people on the zoom line, and it's difficult to know whom to admit to which hearings. I've reached out to attorneys and social workers to let them know that CASA volunteers are welcome to the court hearing, but that we are advising CASAs not call in on the zoom line. If you have any questions about this, please talk with your Advocate Supervisor.
In closing, we have many activities planned for the kids, and we really hope that we won't have to cancel any due to COVID restrictions. We will make sure to communicate with you, as we have since the beginning of the pandemic, to provide as much clarity as we can. Thank you for your patience with us - we are doing the best we can to keep up with the ever-changing situation.
Above all - please take care of yourself and stay healthy and safe!
As always, thank you for all you do for our kids!
