Co-Parenting to Reunification
When children are removed from their homes, they still have parents who will rightfully remain part of their lives. In fact, when children are safely returned to their birth family, this is the best possible outcome for the child. According to federal data, the majority of children placed in foster care return home with their parents. If this is the best outcome for children, how can foster parents develop a healthy relationship with birth parents to increase the likelihood of success when children go home?
141 CASA volunteers served 285 children in May and helped find safe, permanent homes for 12 of those children.
109 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 on August 16, 2022.


"When you connect to the heart of a child, everything is possible."
Dr. Karen Purvis
Child.tcu.edu
Building Rapport
The primary goal of a CASA Volunteer is to help our children reach a safe and permanent home as quickly as possible. To achieve this goal, our CASA Volunteers must speak with all parties involved in the case to gather accurate and objective information. One of the most important, but overlooked, factors in gathering information and providing advocacy to your CASA child is rapport building.  
  
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 May, the Children's Advocacy Center provided advocacy and forensic interviews to 60 children.

In the River Region, 21 children and families were provided 42 hours of counseling.


Dive Into Summer Fun
Nearly 300 children under five years old drown in swimming pools each year. In addition, nearly 4000 children younger than five are hospitalized due to submersion injuries in pools. It is important all adults and children understand water safety to better enjoy summer activities, especially with everyone being home and looking for more fun outdoor activities to get out of the house. Families can work together to adopt and practice safety steps around the water. Establishing these simple water safety steps will save a life!
Stay Close, Be Alert and Watch
Always watch children around water; never leave unattended even if a lifeguard is present. Have a phone charged and nearby in case of emergency. If a child is missing check the pool first.
Learn and practice water safety skills
All family members should learn to swim; provide swim lessons to children. Know how to perform CPR. Understand the basics of life-saving so you can assist in a pool emergency. Always have children in the proper water gear (life vests, jackets, floats, etc.)
Have the appropriate equipment
Install a fence around the pool with self-closing and self-latching gates. Maintain pool equipment and make sure drains are covered and compliant to safety standards. Have lifesaving equipment available for use (poles, life rings, etc.)
Avoid Drain Entrapments
Be aware of drain locations. Do not play or swim near drains. Be cautious! Hair, limbs, and body can be lodged and/or suctioned by drains. Jewelry and bathing suits can also become entangled in drains or drain covers. Maintain drains and fix any broken or faulty covers.

Enjoy making memories during a fun and relaxing summer by helping children learn to be safe and smart near water! This information was provided by www.poolsafely.gov. Visit their website for additional information.

Photo Source: https://www.cbc.ca/parents/play/view/30-fun-inexpensive-things-to-do-with-the-kids-this-summer
To register for any of these trainings, please click here.
To register for Parent Cafes, please click here.
JuneWebinars/Conferences
*CASA Volunteers are required to receive 12 Continuing Education hours per year. Only 4 can be articles, newsletters, and films.




June-July: TBRI Fridays
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. 
Want to Join Our Team?
We're Hiring!

We are looking for caring individuals who want to join our team of passionate adults that work to bring Voice, Healing, and Security to our community's children. Please send a resume with cover letter to lpenn@childadv.net.
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!
CHILD ADVOCACY SERVICES | CHILDADV.NET