The Holidays in Foster Care:
Why Things Might Get Rough
During the holidays, we are inundated with messages from a number of sources (movies, music, TV, social media, commercials) about how we should be feeling joyful, happy, and thankful. Surrounded by loving (and attractive) family, laughter, fancy food served at perfectly set tables and loads of expensive gifts, these images rarely reflect the truth for the majority of people. For children in foster care, conflicting loyalties and lost dreams can make the holidays an even more difficult time. They often report feeling especially vulnerable, lonely, and sad at a time when they are expected to feel exactly the opposite.
137 CASA volunteers served 283 children in November and helped find safe, permanent homes for 15 of those children.
125 children are still waiting for someone to be their voice.

Recruiter's Corner

It only takes 30 minutes to learn about the difference a CASA can make in a child's life.

Register for a virtual CASA 101 information session here.

Our next CASA training will begin January 17, 2023.


"When you connect to the heart of a child, everything is possible."
Dr. Karen Purvis
Child.tcu.edu
Confidentiality for Juvenile Cases
Before beginning training, every potential CASA Volunteer is asked to sign a Pledge of Confidentiality in order to become a volunteer. Every employee of Child Advocacy Services is required to sign a pledge as well. When you are sworn in as an advocate, confidentiality is part of your oath. In addition, your Advocate Supervisor is constantly reminding you about confidentiality. So why do we hear so much about confidentiality?
 

Remember to keep your CASA Volunteer file up-to-date with your current
auto insurance card, driver's license, and contact information. 
And remember to visit your CASA child face-to-face at least once a month.
In november, the Children's Advocacy Center provided advocacy and forensic interviews to 71 children.

In the River Region, 26 children and families were provided 69 hours of counseling.


Holiday Stress
We hope you find joy and happiness during this holiday season. However, we acknowledge this time of year can be difficult for many. Whether you are reminded of the loss of a loved one, endure financial stress, or cannot find the time to relax, remember Child Advocacy Services is here to support you and your family. If you or someone you know could use help, please call one of our local regional offices to receive a list of community resources. But in the meantime, you could also try some of these helpful tips to relax and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas!

Ten tips to help you enjoy the holidays:

1. Reflect on what is important to you during the holidays. This may change over time, but thinking about what you want for this holiday season will help you choose more intentionally about who you would like to spend time with and how you would like to spend the time. It’s hard to have a meaningful holiday if you don’t determine ahead of time what will give it meaning.
2. Make a plan as early as possible about what you will do during the holidays. Try to plan at least one activity that is important to you for each holiday that you celebrate. Feel free to initiate activities with family and friends. Consider volunteer activities. Making a plan well in advance can give you something to look forward to and help you feel a greater sense of control.
3. Communicate clearly how others can assist or support you. Accept offers to help shop, wrap or cook. Some people may not know how best to help, especially if your needs and desires have changed from last year. Most people are happy to help as long as they understand clearly what you want and they have enough time to provide the support.
4. Realize the holiday season is a marathon, not a sprint. In other words, pace yourself. While extra social gatherings can be exciting, you don’t want to compromise your physical or mental health by doing too much. Acknowledge that you cannot do everything for everyone. Practice saying “no” without guilt. Allow yourself the opportunity to grieve the loss of giving up some activities.
5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Try your best to make good food choices and relax to restore energy. Your endurance will be better if you can stick to your daily routine as much as possible, including exercise.
6. Manage your spending. It’s easy to feel the pressure of consumerism during the holidays. Decrease the financial stress by making and sticking to a budget. Thoughtfulness need not come with a hefty price tag. Gift solutions include: reducing the number of gifts; initiating a gift exchange; giving to a favorite charity in family members’ names; and providing gift certificates for babysitting, snow shoveling, a home-cooked meal, or time together. Gift cards can also be purchased for small amounts and the receiver will enjoy thinking of you as he or she enjoys a cup of coffee or music download “on you.”
7. Monitor alcohol and medications – individually and together. It’s easy to overindulge in alcohol during the holidays. Moderation is key so that your balance and emotional well-being are not negatively impacted. If you do not usually drink alcohol, consider beforehand how alcohol and your medications may interact, especially if you’re taking a new medication or an increased dose. Maintain your daily medication schedule. Missed doses can cause you to feel less than your best or, worse, cause a medical issue that requires emergency care.
8. Manage your expectations for family gatherings. When multiple generations and multiple families celebrate together, it can be challenging to feel heard and understood. Be clear about what you need the most and flexible about the rest.
9. Think ahead about stories or observations from the past as a family that you’d like to share. You may know how a specific family tradition began or have a funny story to tell about the holidays when you were a child.
10. Reflect on what went well this holiday season and improvements you would like to make for next year.

Sources: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/stories/ten_tips_for_enjoying_holidays.html
January 2023 Trainings.jpg
Upcoming Webinars and Conferences
*CASA Volunteers are required to receive 12 Continuing Education hours per year. Only 4 can be articles, newsletters, and films.



January 19: CIP Cafe Presents: Overview of the Law and Fiscal Implications

Brave children tell their stories. Courageous adults help these children through their trauma and assist them in finding a safe future. Buttons of Bravery represent the journey of one child for a year under the care of Child Advocacy Services. 
In 2021, Child Advocacy Services CASA Program served 446 children with 188 volunteers dedicating over 6,890 hours. The CAC Program provided 707 forensic interviews and 536 counseling sessions to children and families.

YOU can help us do more by investing in services for children!
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