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We are excited to bring back our spotlight series in this issue on individuals whose personal and professional trajectory was influenced by their CASA involvement.
In this issue, we spotlight Brittney Hampton with Cobb County DFCS (Division of Family & Children Services).
Brittney graduated from Savannah State University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Nine years ago, she started her career with DFCS as a foster care case manager at Forsyth County DFCS and has had the opportunity to serve in several other positions within the permanency program, including as a foster care supervisor, regional adoption unit supervisor, field program specialist, and administrator. Today, Brittney is the Permanency Program Director at Cobb County DFCS. She first learned about the CASA program when she trained at Forsyth County DFCS. The local DFCS office has a strong partnership with CASA of Forsyth County, and they often collaborate on joint trainings, lunch and learns, and partnership meetings, so it was only natural that Brittney would quickly learn about the CASA program shortly after starting her DFCS career.
When asked what she’s learned through her DFCS partnership with the CASA program, Brittney shared that she’s learned many things, yet the most impactful take-away she has is that “while we may have different ideas and/or recommendations, we are all one team with the common goal of wanting children and their families to be happy and safe.” Brittney strives to keep this goal at the forefront of all she does, which has consequently helped forge strong relationships with collaborative child welfare partners and enhanced the way she views critical partnerships in her DFCS career.
Brittney shares that CASA volunteers should never underestimate the positive impact they can have on DFCS staff. It’s important to build relationships with DFCS case managers and seek opportunities to provide support to staff – even what seems like the smallest gesture can go a long way.
For example, when CASA volunteers request medical, dental, and educational records for the children for whom they are advocating, these records can also be shared with each child’s DFCS case manager. Often, these records are needed; however, the DFCS case manager may be juggling competing priorities and, as a result, may not be able to gather the records as quickly as they’d like. Other examples of rapport-building tactics are to schedule joint home and foster care visits alongside DFCS case managers and always make it a point to connect with DFCS case managers prior to court hearings. CASA volunteers should be transparent about what their court recommendations are and the reasons behind the recommendations. Implementing these tactics can help to build stronger CASA/DFCS relationships and reinforce the fact that everyone is on the same team with the same common goal – even if different ideas exist about how to reach the goal.
Brittney shares a few stories of CASA volunteers who have not only had a lasting impact on her career, but on her life as well:
Mr. Wayne – Brittney met Mr. Wayne on her first day on the job at DFCS. She was attending a treatment team meeting for a youth in foster care, “Matthew,” who was on her colleague’s caseload. Mr. Wayne was Matthew’s CASA volunteer and during the two-hour drive, he shared with Brittney his extensive knowledge and information about Matthew’s history and current needs, which prepared her well for the treatment meeting. During the meeting, she sat back in awe at Mr. Wayne’s passion and advocacy for Matthew. Mr. Wayne saved the day and taught Brittney on her first day on the job what advocacy in action meant.
Sharon – Brittney worked on a case for baby girl “J” with CASA volunteer Sharon. Brittney describes Sharon as her right-hand woman who taught her many things, including how to present with a kind and loving nature even when frustrated, to have an open mind, and most importantly, to try your best to laugh when you feel like crying.
Desiree – CASA volunteer Desiree was not only one of Brittney’s child welfare collaborative partners but also became her amazing friend. While working on a case together, when Brittney was under stress or overwhelmed, Desiree would quickly reach out and offer to swing by the DFCS office with a meal, ensuring Brittney was taking care of herself in addition to caring for the children in foster care on her caseload. Desiree was also her prayer warrior and encouraged her to stay strong after a long day at work and continue doing what God called her to do in serving children and families.
Brittney is so thankful for the opportunities she’s had to work alongside CASA volunteers, including Mr. Wayne, who was a teacher; Sharon, who was a light; and Desiree, who was a “mama bear.” She knows CASA volunteers wear many hats and make many sacrifices. CASA volunteers do tireless work and are very much valued and appreciated!
Brittney is the oldest of six siblings and has a niece, Kori, whom she absolutely adores. Away from the office, she enjoys reading, attending concerts and festivals, and spending time with her family.
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