Raising Awareness for Vulnerable Children
Susan’s Story: Volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate
As CASA volunteers, we frequently work with disrupted families whose children have been removed from their home due to unsafe conditions. It is often a struggle for families to amend the conditions that led to the removal of their children. Working towards reunification and re-building a safe home takes time and effort, as well as…
CASA Volunteers Help Children Build Protective Factors
Domestic violence varies in form, but consistently carries an undercurrent of abuse, control and fear. Even if violence isn’t physically directed at a child, it takes its toll. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in homes where intimate partner violence occurs, a majority of children witness these domestic assaults and 45%-60% also…
Help CASA Advocate for Victims of Domestic Violence
You’ve seen images of an iceberg, right? A mass of solid ice rises out of the ocean. The way it disrupts the surface of the water grabs your attention. But what is truly noteworthy is the enormity of the ice structure that remains below the surface. It may be invisible to the naked eye, but…
Building Relationships as a CASA Volunteer
Talking about thoughts and feelings is intimidating, even with a trusted adult. So when building a relationship with a child, it’s important to let them set the pace. You can prompt conversation through an activity, but stay attuned to the child’s comfort level with the conversation. They should lead the way. The Three Houses Tool,…
Students and Stress
Many of today’s students across elementary, middle and high schools, have reasons to feel stressed. There’s the school work, itself, with the pressure to get good grades. But they don’t have jitters about only their performance in the classroom. Social aspects of school like looking right, fitting in, and maintaining friendships are high stressors. Students…
CASA Promotes Homes that are Safe for Play
We’ve been blogging about education this month, but that doesn’t limit us to exploring only school-related issues. Learning begins at birth, long before a child’s first day of Kindergarten. Early childhood education, defined as the period from birth to age five, is vitally important for child development. And child development is linked to future outcomes…
CASA Connects with Children at School
Students require a sense of security to do their best at school. After all, it’s impossible to concentrate when you’re consumed by fear and anxiety. Pressing needs, like hunger or pain, can outweigh learning objectives. Most children are safe at school. Their primary needs are met. They have adult supervision. Security measures are in place.…
School is a Lifeline
The back-to-school season invokes a sense of new beginnings. This year, there is renewed excitement because so many students are returning to in-person classes. Some look forward to reconnecting with friends. Many hope this school year brings a sense of normalcy. And yet, others seek relief. After all, school is a lifeline for kids living…
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