Posts by Kristin Blalock
Fostering Resilience
When we know better, we do better. So after Henrico CASA volunteers participate in pre-service training, they grow knowledge and skills through ongoing continuing education opportunities. This month, we watched the Resilience documentary together. The film explains the biology of stress and the science of hope. It’s message is highly relevant to our work as…
Read MoreSupport Foster Families
Foster parents and their families make a significant commitment to help children who need a home. Their home will undoubtedly experience some upheaval. Afterall, they are walking with a child during a very challenging time. They open their doors to trauma and hurt, hopeful that the stability and security they offer makes a difference. And…
Read MoreFoster Care Awareness Resources
May is National Foster Care Month. What better time to raise awareness of the fact that there are more than 400,000 young people currently in foster care in the United States. No matter where you are in your journey of understanding the foster care system, these resources compiled by Texas CASA will speak to you.…
Read MoreCASA and Foster Care
This opinion piece below, originally posted in the Times Opinion’s Holiday Giving Guide 2021, is a reminder that the foster care system, like all systems, is imperfect. In baring the system’s pitfalls, it highlights the need for CASA and reminds us of the vital role we play within the child welfare system. The New York…
Read MoreChild Abuse Prevention Month: Act
Ending child abuse globally feels like a daunting goal. That doesn’t mean there’s no where to start! As Court Appointed Special Advocates, we can stop abuse and neglect for at least one child. We do for one what we wish we could do for all. Even if you aren’t able to volunteer as an advocate,…
Read MoreChild Abuse Prevention Month: Prevention
Prevention means stopping something before it happens. Unfortunately, Court Appointed Special Advocates are only appointed to a child’s case after an allegation of abuse or neglect is made. While we aren’t able to protect a child before they are referred to us, we can intervene quickly to prevent continued abuse and neglect. Henrico CASA will…
Read MoreChild Abuse Prevention Month: Facts
In our work at CASA, we have learned that child abuse and neglect are a pattern of behavior, sometimes not overtly intentional. Child abuse and neglect are many times symptoms of a family in crisis. Families Forward VA shares similar observations when they say, “There are no monsters. Abusive parents can be your friends, your…
Read MoreChild Abuse Prevention Month: Watch List
If you’re looking for a frivolous watch list, this post isn’t for you! However, if you are looking to dive into real issues by following real stories, be sure to add these three titles to your spring watch list. Afterall, sometimes complex subjects like child abuse and neglect are easier to digest when explored through…
Read MoreCASA Case: Luke and Katy’s Story
Many things can define us, if we let them. The tie-breaking goal at a championship game may characterize you as a star athlete. Your father’s career choice designates you as a ‘pastor’s kid.’ Your winning chili recipe establishes you as a ‘master chef.’ Often times, it’s the more negative experiences that seem to define us…
Read MoreCASA Communication: Tips to Frame a Child’s Story
Over recent weeks, we have explored ways that volunteer advocates communicate to remain positive, respectful, and inclusive. Afterall, the primary role of a Court Appointed Special Advocate, aka CASA, is to amplify a child’s voice. While within the courtroom, we literally act as the child’s voice. However, outside of the courtroom we want to find…
Read More