S
Spring 2005 Vol. 21, No. 1
News and Information from the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association
All children
deserve to
grow up
in a safe,
permanent
home.
Advocating for Children in Rural Areas Also in This Issue: Seeking Permanent Homes for Native American Children Gardens and Children Profi le: Victoria Rowell inside the
A publication of the National CASA Association rep- resenting 978 CASA programs and 70,000 CASA volunteers nationwide. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a na- Voices & Viewpoints tionwide movement of community volunteers who speak up Message from the CEO ...... 3 for the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA volunteers work for the judge to review and Foster Children Deserve School Stability monitor cases of children who become part of the juvenile by Judge Glenda Hatchett...... 4 justice system. CASA volunteers work closely with the child and family to bring an independent assessment of the case to court, recommending to the judge what is best for the child’s future. Special Features & Profiles CASA volunteers help prevent children from becom- ing “lost” in the child welfare system. CASA gives children Advocating for Children in Rural Areas...... 6 a chance to grow up in safe, permanent homes. Seeking Permanent Homes for Native American Children ...... 9 Marcia Sink ...... President Mimi Feller ...... Vice President Gardens and Children ...... 12 Michael Piraino ...... Chief Executive Officer What Advocates Can Learn at the Movies ...... 15 James Clune ...... Chief Communications Officer Carla Spaccarotelli ...... Managing Editor Profile: Victoria Rowell ...... 16 Brian Lew ...... Contributing Editor 8th-Grader Helps Foster Children ...... 19 Michael Skinner ...... Contributing Editor Inhalant Abuse Study ...... 20 The Connection is designed to keep CASA programs, volunteers and the public abreast of the latest news and de- Types of Foster Care ...... 30 velopments affecting CASA’s work with abused and neglected children. Written contributions are welcome. Published quarterly by the National CASA Association. The Connection is produced and paid for by the National Regular Features CASA Association. This project was supported by Cooperative Agreement Resources for Foster Youth...... 21 No. 2002-CH-BX-K001 from the Office of Juvenile Justice Public Policy Update ...... 22 & Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice. Points of view or opinions in this People in the News ...... 23 document are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the US Depart- Pointers from Programs ...... 24 ment of Justice. Children in Connection photos are not from actual Awards ...... 25 abuse and neglect cases. Connection Sightings ...... 29
Editor’s Note: The winter 2004 Connection featured a main article addressing the mental health needs of youth in foster care. Joni Support provided by the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation Goodman, director of the GAL Program in Miami, FL, also suggests
Subscriptions: $35 for one year. Subscriptions to the Connection the following website as a resource on the topic: musc.edu/cvc. There are included as part of National CASA Association membership. you will find the following publications: Kauffman Best Practices See page 29. Project Final Report and Child Physical and Sexual Abuse: Guidelines © 2005 by the National CASA Association, 100 W. Harrison, North Tower - Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98119-4123. for Treatment. Phone (206) 270-0072 or (800) 628-3233 Fax (206) 270-0078. Email: [email protected] nationalcasa.org and casanet.org All rights reserved.
2 Spring 2005 Legal Orphans or Waiting Children?
Michael S. Piraino, CEO
Recent press attention has focused appropriate concern on future years. On average, it takes 16 months to achieve an the well-being of so-called “legal orphans”—children for adoption after the parents’ rights are terminated. Many of whom parental rights have been terminated but who have the nation’s child welfare systems have fortunately been not yet found other permanent homes. Unfortunately, this increasingly successful in achieving that goal. But they press attention simplifies the issue and neglects the most are far from perfect and never will be until no child is left important part of the story: what to do about it. without a loving family.
Some of the articles present only two extreme views. One I was also surprised at the naively rosy pictures painted in blames the federal Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) the press of waiting children’s relationships with their bio- because, since its passage in 1997, thousands of children logical parents. While some may have visits, telephone calls have not been adopted following terminations of parental and gifts from their parents, many do not. Many of these rights. The other extreme praises the law because adoptions children simply cannot return to live with their biological have risen steadily since its passage. parents because it would be unsafe. Each case is unique.
Both of those factual statements are true. Both conclusions So what can be done? about the law are questionable. The truth is somewhere in the middle. We can start by stating the issues clearly. One question is what to do when children are living in out-of-home care, Laws dealing with the welfare of children have both posi- when it remains unsafe to return to the parents, and when tive and negative effects—a point that will be no surprise no adoptive family has yet come forward. to our volunteers. It is naive to believe that law alone will bring safety and security to abused and neglected children. I think children would be better off if we stopped using We will only achieve that goal through a greater societal the drastic-sounding language of “termination of parental commitment to their well-being—including more citizens rights.” Good adoption practice now allows continued willing to get involved on their behalf—and a willingness parental contact, where safe and appropriate, for adopted to admit the complicated nature of this work. children. Why not simply say that the law will free the child for adoption? Parental rights could fully transfer only when Let’s put things straight. No law made these children parent- appropriate adoptive parents are found. less. Biological parents whose rights are terminated do not stop being the child’s biological parents. Ask any former Freeing children for adoption need not automatically elimi- foster child and you will probably hear that their parents nate parental contact. Although contact is inappropriate remain part of them in many ways, for better or worse. for some children who have experienced severe abuse, for many, it can increase their sense of security and comfort One recent headline-grabbing statement claimed that ASFA with the transition to adoption. created over 117,000 “legal orphans.” That is incorrect both in its numbers and in its description of these children. There are also legitimate concerns about children who are Orphans are children whose parents have died. But most separated from their biological parents for whom adoption foster children have at least one parent who is alive—and does not happen quickly, or possibly not at all. We need in many cases, there is still an opportunity for some kind to increase the security of their current placements, assur- of relationship even if the child is adopted. The number ing at least that they stay in one home that is familiar and is also exaggerated because it ignores the fact that many safe. Beyond that, we must create enduring and supportive children freed for adoption in one year will be adopted in adult relationships for these children, helping them even if (continued on page 5)
3 Foster Children Deserve School Stability
Guest Editorial Judge Glenda Hatchett
One of the most heart-wrenching Rather than citing more statistics, let me talk with her father and friends. Her sister had challenges facing children in foster care is about just one child—Michelle. run away by this time and was living in the real possibility of being torn out of the Michelle is one of far too many ex- Mexico with a boyfriend. Michelle had no classroom after just getting settled in. Not amples of how our system nearly cost a child family. Without a support system to bolster just once, but several times. Not just this a chance to graduate. Hers is also a story of her, Michelle’s chances of finishing school year, but every year. That can have devastat- how just one person—in this case, a CASA dwindled. ing consequences. Not just for them, but volunteer—made all the difference. In July 2001, Michelle was appointed a for all of us. When Michelle was 9 years old, her CASA volunteer, Susan Walton. As an advo- Vast change, such as moving from one father moved her and her sister from New cate for Michelle’s best interests, Susan gave school to another or even from one home to York to San Diego. He didn’t stop with that special attention to ensuring a stable, quality another while staying in the same classroom, one move, however. Once he arrived in San education for Michelle. Susan convinced is highly disruptive for any child. If it’s hard Diego, he spent the next year shuffling his Michelle’s social worker that she would be on a child from a stable home, think how daughters from one home to another. better served in a public high school rather difficult it is on the foster children who carry They were evicted time and again be- than the group home school. Michelle was exceptional social, emotional and psycho- cause his addictions used up the rent money. transferred to a mainstream high school. logical burdens on their young shoulders. At one point, the only place they had to This was her last transfer. It’s well proven that the more times a sleep was in his car. These circumstances, With Susan’s help, Michelle thrived. child is moved, the greater the likelihood he along with inappropriate discipline and his She completed the schoolwork given her, or she will give up and drop out. behavior around the two girls, resulted in an and when not in class she worked diligently The US Government Accounting investigation and subsequent removal of the to make up the high school credits she Office reports that children who change children from his care. lacked, squeezing three years of coursework schools more than three times before eighth Michelle and her sister were placed in into one. grade are four times more likely to drop out a relative’s home, followed a short time later In June 2003, Michelle graduated from of school. In fact, statistics show that only by a second placement with a foster family. high school with a 3.4 GPA. She was one of about 60% will finish school. They stayed there for two years until the only three graduation speakers. Having re- Shifting foster children from one school boyfriend of Michelle’s foster sister molested ceived numerous scholarships, she is now at- to another is really no one’s doing. That’s the Michelle. She was 12. tending a local college, getting mostly A’s. problem. There are so many adults involved Michelle and her biological sister were Michelle’s is the rare story. It has a in these children’s lives—foster parents, case- whisked out of that dangerous environment. happy ending because one person paid workers, attorneys and judges—that in most Sadly, however, Michelle and her sister were attention. The adult who helped Michelle cases no single person is paying attention separated. During the next five years, Mi- succeed in school was her CASA volunteer. to what’s happening to the child in school, chelle endured 12 additional placements and But it could have been a teacher, a judge, a unless a Court Appointed Special Advocate attended approximately 22 schools. With social worker, a psychologist or a specially (CASA) volunteer is speaking up for their each new school, her chance of graduating trained educational advocate. best interests. diminished. I urge each adult who is involved with I want to draw attention to the issue Michelle’s family situation also dete- a foster child to do everything in his or her of how our system may end up inadver- riorated. While in one group home, her power to make school a point of stability in tently hindering instead of helping children. social worker allowed only supervised visits an otherwise unstable life. The point is that
4 Spring 2005 (Message from the CEO, continued from page 3) binding ourselves to the best interest of the an adoption does not happen. Some imaginative proposals along this line will, I child, including school stability, can help hope, be tested soon. break the cycle that necessitates foster care A second issue is how to help the child welfare system make good decisions about in the first place. A stable school life is vitally which children should be freed for adoption and which can be safely reunited important to these kids—and society. with their parents. This is happening in many places around the country, but it is an imperfect science. Making good decisions requires multiple efforts: from judges who are well trained in the dynamics of child maltreatment; from social work and legal professionals who have both good training and reasonable case- Judge Glenda A. Hatchett stars in the award- loads; and from more citizens willing to step forward and become advocates for winning, nationally syndicated television series these children so that decisions are well informed. In some cases, too, the rush Judge Hatchett, now in its fifth season. She to terminate parental rights needs to be slowed if parents are making progress is also the author of the bestseller Say What in their ability to provide a safe home. You Mean and Mean What You Say, based on her experiences as a jurist and as a mother All these issues demonstrate the continued importance of strong advocacy for of two boys. Judge Hatchett was Georgia’s children, both prior to termination of parental rights and while they wait for first African-American chief presiding judge adoption. Our volunteers are especially helpful in making sure that decisions of a state court and the department head of are tailored to individual children and in watching over their well-being while one of the largest juvenile court systems in the system looks for safe, permanent homes. the country—in Atlanta’s Fulton County. As a national spokesperson for CASA, Judge Federal law is neither the culprit nor the decisive solution to these children’s Hatchett will be a regular contributor to The needs. Once again, a more critical understanding of the issues will go much Connection. further in helping them toward safe, happy and productive lives.
5 Advocating for Children in Rural Areas
By Harvey Meyer
“It’s amazing to see some of these small rural To be a neglected or abused child is difficult enough. To be maltreated in many programs continuing to operate on a shoestring budget. rural areas vexed with crushing poverty, woe- They’re stubborn, self reliant and believe so strongly in ful social services and an alarming amount of substance abuse is even more problematic. CASA’s mission, they won’t close their doors.” Yet rural CASA program directors and volunteers regularly confront these Fewer people in rural areas are college- pseudoephedrine be sold as controlled sub- challenges even as they are constrained by educated and earning higher incomes. They stances. Pseudoephedrine, the main ingredi- operational burdens: an anemic fundraising are also less likely than their urban counter- ent used to manufacture methamphetamine, climate; scant numbers of volunteers; and parts to secure adequate child care, and their is found in many cold and flu medicines. rural families in denial about abuse. children are more likely to receive substan- Consumers would need to provide a photo Despite these despairing circumstances, dard education, health care and housing. ID with birth date or would be limited to rural CASA programs refuse to surrender. “When you see the economy decline, no more than nine grams of the substance. Many are struggling, sometimes against you see a corresponding jump in the abuse Modest funding is included to develop rapid steep odds, but they are remaining open— and neglect rates,” says Amy Miller, execu- response teams to intervene on behalf of almost defiantly—and fulfilling the CASA tive director of CASA of the Southern Tier children in danger because of their exposure network’s mission. in Elmira, New York. “There’s more stress to the manufacture of meth. “It’s amazing to see some of these on the family and less patience when the “It’s clear that meth doesn’t just affect small rural programs continuing to oper- income isn’t there.” One of three counties the poor,” says Greg Wright, research associ- ate on a shoestring budget,” says Paige Miller oversees—Chemung—lost population ate professor at the University of Nebraska Beard, National CASA’s program specialist and jobs during the 1990s and reportedly has (Lincoln) Center on Children, Families and for the mountain plains region. “They’re New York’s highest rate of child abuse. the Law. “On the other hand, child neglect is stubborn, self reliant and believe so strongly In many cases, fewer employment strongly associated with poverty, and neglect in CASA’s mission, they won’t close their opportunities lead to increasing substance is more common when there are drug abuse, doors. It’s very heartening to see that level abuse. While alcohol is still the drug of attachment and relationship problems.” of commitment.” choice in rural areas, a surprising number Unfortunately, substance abuse and Many rural CASA programs are mar- of caregivers are using marijuana, cocaine, other rural concerns are not generally on the shalling survival skills that should inspire crack, methamphetamine (meth) and other radar screens of legislators or the mainstream their big-city brethren. They are demon- illicit substances. press. “Often people are simply unaware of strating resourcefulness in securing funds In fact, a 2000 study by the National the serious challenges faced by rural com- and volunteers, implementing marketing, Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse munities,” asserts Kathleen Belanger, child communications and other operational at Columbia University revealed that rural welfare professional development director strategies and ensuring that children receive and small-town adolescents were more and professor at Stephen F. Austin State appropriate services. likely than urban juveniles to use illegal University in Nacogdoches, Texas. But this remains a demanding atmo- substances. As for their parents, many Less visibility means less access to sphere for rural CASA programs, perhaps professionals echo a county social services public dollars. From her outpost in Elmi- the most challenging in the network’s officer in rural Kentucky who estimates that ra, Miller estimates that federal and state history. Poverty in many rural regions is half his county’s foster children had parents government funding for her $130,000- entrenched and even escalating. About one who used, made or sold meth. budget program declined between 20% in five rural children lives in poverty, accord- Forty Members of Congress are cospon- and 30% percent over the past five years. ing to the Rural Families Data Center of the soring legislation (S. 103/H.R. 314) which These cutbacks are exacted upon rural Population Reference Bureau. would require that medicines containing and urban CASA programs alike during
6 Spring 2005 a downbeat economy, but that is little community of Crawford County in north- Some rural volunteers are not con- consolation to Miller. western Pennsylvania. “I think there’s still nected to the internet, complicating com- “We’ve been struggling to make up that protection about what’s public and what’s munications for program directors. The loss (of government funding), but that’s just private,” says program director Belinda fact that volunteers like those in Schuyler about impossible, especially in our most Raczka of Crawford County CASA. County, New York must call long distance rural county,” says Miller. “When you have Miller added: “I recently went to one to the Elmira office—and while performing an increase in poverty and little industry, church and asked if I could give a presen- other advocacy work—further discourages raising funds is very difficult.” tation. I was told abuse and neglect don’t communications. Just this past November, the Elmira happen here.” But while poverty, substance abuse CASA program board discussed the pos- CASA programs rely on volunteers and insufficient funds and volunteers pres- sibility of disbanding because of funding familiar with the ways and means of rural ent daunting challenges for many rural woes. But Miller, usually an easygoing ex- areas—volunteers willing to travel long CASA programs, they appear to be up to trovert, got her dander up; she challenged distances to check on abused children. Since the task. They are relying on the same sur- board members with an impassioned plea: Franklin County has only one social worker, vival skills—persistence, self-reliance and “I asked them right there to tell me why one foster home and minimal mental resourcefulness—that often sustain people they were there,” she says. “I told them health services—a counselor treats children living in rural regions. there are 240 children out there who are monthly in 15-minute sessions at the county Fortunately, issues confronting rural telling me to keep doing this. There’s courthouse—the two volunteers often drive CASA programs are starting to receive more nothing more motivating than doing it to schools, foster families and mental health attention from entities like the Congres- for those children.” facilities up to two hours away. Meadville, sional Rural Caucus, the Child Welfare Scarce funding is a perennial concern for Mississippi CASA volunteer Alice Bowlin League of America and a growing national many rural CASA programs, combined with cannot always visit the children she advo- network of nonprofits and associations. a shortage of volunteers. And many of those cates for each week, but she still sometimes National CASA itself has a Rural Initiative, who do volunteer are already booked with logs several hundred miles monthly—with- whose annual summits produce action plans other community-service commitments. out being reimbursed. that raise awareness of concerns facing rural In southwestern Mississippi, Franklin “I don’t know how many miles I put operations. County CASA director Rex Mohon’s predica- in and it’s just as well my husband doesn’t In Elmira, Miller says she has followed ment is particularly dismaying. In this impov- know,” joked Bowlin, who is retired. “He National CASA’s advice and regularly con- erished county ($13,643 per capita annual isn’t wild about me driving at night, because tacts the media about the program’s activities income in 2000), even the CASA program’s he’s worried about my safety.” that might be newsworthy. Combined with office supplies have to be scrounged for. “Our county is so small (8,800 people) that a lot of families know each other or are related,” says The Crisis in Rural Child Welfare— Mohon. This makes volunteer recruitment A Special Issue of CWLA’s Child Welfare Journal especially challenging. By Charles L. Baker, Kathleen Belanger A dearth of volunteer board members Due to budget cuts, services for rural children are often is also a concern. It is difficult to recruit nonexistent, and rural America’s economy and infrastructure, directors, especially during a lackluster such as fire and police protection and public water systems, economy when fundraising is even more are weak. This special issue of Child Welfare seeks to inspire challenging. “When times get tough, (di- and inform both rural and urban child welfare workers. It ad- rectors) resign quicker,” observed Miller, dresses child welfare work in farming communities, in frontier whose board membership declined by half communities and with Navajo youth, among other areas. This in recent years. wide-ranging yet thorough inspection of rural child welfare adds While reporting of child abuse has serious research and well informed practice to a field that has long been neglected in picked up, many rural parents still deny American child welfare. Order from cwla.org. $25.00 abuse exists. That is the case in the farming
7 the program’s collaboration and outreach muster the expertise, time and manpower activities, these efforts have increased to conduct many smaller events to make Recruiting Adoptive Parents for Native American Children community awareness. The result: Miller up the deficit. Recruiting Rural Parents for In- now has 76 volunteers, or more than “The company helped us develop pub- dian Children (RRPIC) is a five-year triple the number when she started seven lic awareness and a strong base of multiple- demonstration project made possible years ago. year donors who are involved with CASA by the US Children’s Bureau, Adop- National CASA representative Paige because they believe in the mission,” says tion Opportunities Program, part of Beard says the new Independent Study Edi- Raczka. “Donors can give at their own pace the US Department of Health and tion (ISE) of the volunteer training curricu- and level, and they can give money, time or Human Services, Administration on lum may further assist with rural recruiting. in-kind donations. It’s a more flexible and Children, Youth, and Families. RRPIC Instead of mandating 30 hours of in-person respectful way of fundraising.” operates in 15 California counties to training, ISE enables volunteers to com- It is also a successful way: At a 2004 help find homes for children from 70 plete homework to address many program breakfast, Raczka secured $22,000 in tribes. Working with tribes and county requirements. “ISE has been a huge plus pledges over the next five years. Fresh money social service departments, RRPIC is developing a series of tribally approved, for many rural programs that struggle with also came last year from the United Way, culturally appropriate placement prac- bringing people together for an extended and a tax-credit program sparked added tices that will be used by tribal and donations—all of which helped diversify time,” says Beard. Another plus: National county social workers, dependency CASA is piloting an e-learning initiative that and boost the Crawford County program’s attorneys, judges, foster parents and will offer in-service training on line. funding base. others involved in establishing per- A number of rural CASA programs These triumphs in the face of adversity manent homes for Native American are pursuing intriguing fundraising mea- inspire rural CASA programs, along with children while respecting the Indian sures. In Elmira, an annual appeal letter the heartwarming benefits of working with Child Welfare Act (ICWA). and a National CASA-inspired initiative folks dedicated to helping neglected and The RRPIC staff is collecting encouraging donations from board members abused children. and reporting data for the purpose of more than tripled the amount raised from “There are days when I get extremely researching and evaluating the path of a individuals. burned out and wonder why in the world I Native child in the system. The project “In a smaller community such as am doing this,” says Miller. “I remember at is also developing recruitment processes, creating collaborations and gathering ours,” says Miller, “people know the board one in-service, I was just fed up and tired of and sharing resource contacts. members—and when they know (direc- fighting the different entities in court and The RRPIC project is a collabora- tired of fighting for funding. So I asked the tors) donate, that helps when I approach tion among Teamwork for Children, potential donors.” volunteers straight up whether they thought the Independent Adoption Center Crawford County CASA in Meadville, they were making a difference in kids’ lives, and the Oregon Research Institute. Pennsylvania followed the lead of urban because I didn’t think I was. In that class Supporters include the California CASA programs to boost its fundraising. of 23, almost all raised their hands. I cried County Welfare Directors Association; Six representatives attended a seminar when that happened. So now when I get the National Indian Child Welfare conducted by Terry Axelrod’s Raising More burned out, I call one of the volunteers. It Association; the National Council of Money, which offers detailed instruction on picks me right up.” Juvenile and Family Court Judges; the fundraising events, focusing on cultivating California Judicial Council; the State long-term donors and enhancing marketing Harvey Meyer is a veteran freelance writer from St. of California, Department of Social and communications strategies. Louis Park, Minnesota who contributes primarily Services; and the California Select Committee on Indian Nations. Director Belinda Raczka says a new to national general interest, consumer and business magazines. He especially enjoys writing about approach to fundraising was needed because For more information about RRPIC, community service, volunteerism and philanthropy contact Susan Quash-Mah at (541) of a precipitous decline in state and federal and has crafted features for Points of Light 342-2692. funding. And her program was unable to Foundation publications for nine years.
8 Spring 2005 Seeking Permanent Homes for Native American Children: A More Culturally Sensitive Approach
By Susan Baxter Quash-Mah and Deb Johnson-Shelton, PhD
Minority children who are in foster be in a safe, loving environment—no mat- ships and the unique parts of themselves that care or adoptive placements face significant ter who the parents are? The answer is that remain hidden. ICWA was enacted to stop challenges in maintaining their family and this child will not always be a child. As a this cycle of trauma for Indian children, cultural connections. American Indian teen and an adult, one seeks a full identity. their families and tribal communities across children, in particular, may develop severe There is always the risk that missing cultural the United States. emotional and identity issues when placed connections can hinder their self-under- in non-Indian homes. Unfortunately, the standing of race, community and spiritual ICWA specifically requires that: number of relative and other Indian fos- heritage. A significant cultural norm for • tribes be notified when Indian children are brought into state or county care ter/permanent homes currently available to Native Americans is identifying, archiving them is not keeping pace with their needs. and keeping track of connections with an- • active efforts be made to maintain the family of origin, and if that is not To complicate the situation, Indian cestors and extended family members. The possible— children who are placed in non-Indian sense of belonging is continually reinforced • the child be placed with a relative, an homes—even “temporarily”—are often never during cultural gatherings and in daily life extended family member, a tribal com- reunited with their relatives and communities. encounters. munity member or an Indian family located elsewhere The following excerpt from the Summer 2002 This is a connection that has been newsletter of California Indian Legal Services taken from Indian people historically—most To date, the goal of ICWA to keep In- is an example of the process: recently through the boarding school ex- dian children within their families and com- perience and federal child welfare policies munities has not been realized. Currently, A young Indian child, Steven B. (not his real name), is removed from his to remove Indian children permanently the same 25-35% of Indian children are mother and father at birth because of into non-Indian families. The latter na- removed from their homes and placed in fos- allegations of drug abuse and neglect by tional policy efforts during the 1950s-1970s ter care and, far too often, with non-Indian his parents. The county initiates a state overtly sought to sever child bonds to their adoptive families. Of all children removed court “dependency proceeding” under the California Welfare and Institutions families and tribes. Today, the hurt of from their homes, American Indian children Code. Pursuant to the federal Indian these generational-long patterns of cultural are still the least likely to ever return. Child Welfare Act (ICWA), the county disruption have resulted in great emotional A discussion of permanency for department of social services informs and developmental harm to Indian youth. American Indian children can only be Steven’s California Indian tribe about The suicide rate for American Indian teens the proceeding, and the tribe formally complete when the historical framework intervenes, seeking to maintain Steven’s and young adults in the US is greater than of adoption in American Indian history is ties to his family and tribal community. that for any other ethnic or racial group. For understood. The concept of terminating While his parents struggle to meet the those youth raised in non-Indian homes, the parental rights (required by most states state court’s requirements for reunify- suicide rates are even higher. as part of the adoption process) for many ing with their son, however, Steven is shuffled around from one foster home The Indian Child Welfare Act was American Indians is a painful consequence to another. By the end of two years, he passed in 1978. At that time, the federal of mainstream legal proceedings. For most has been placed in two or three foster policy efforts to “adopt out Indian children” American Indians, genetic, spiritual and homes, all non-relative, non-Indian had resulted in 25%- 35% of American familial ties can never be severed. The foster homes because Steven did not have any relatives who could take him. Indian children nationwide being placed United States government’s practice of Despite the efforts of Steven’s Indian for adoption with non-Native families. This removing Indian children from their tribe to find an Indian placement, Steven rate was three times that of any other race or families and placing them outside of their remains in a non-Indian foster home. ethnicity. Many Indian adults today describe tribes or with Anglo-Americans created Some may ask—what’s so tragic about the daily struggle in having lost their parents generations of trauma and community this? Isn’t it most important for a child to and families, their deepest cultural relation- destruction.
9 dren (RRPIC) project in 2003. The RRPIC, a five-year project to recruit permanent families, is a partnership between the Inde- pendent Adoption Center, Inc. (Pleasant Hill, California), Teamwork for Children (Eugene, Oregon) and Oregon Research Institute, Inc. (Eugene, Oregon). Today, tribes, tribal and non-tribal organizations, state and federal governments are working to ameliorate the trauma and cultural hardships created by past child welfare practices. Working with 66 tribes in 15 counties in California, the RRPIC project began recruiting permanent Indian parents in Oc- tober 2004. Using a grassroots process that works collaboratively with tribes and county social services, recruiters will work hands-on with Indian or tribally approved parents who are interested in becoming foster or perma- Did You Know? Urban Native Populations nent parents for Indian children. Tribally
• Total population (prior to 2002) of 1. New York City 106,444 approved parents could include non-Indian Native people: 2,359,946 (0.9% of US 2. Los Angeles 66,236 parents whom tribes feel are sufficiently population) 3. Honolulu 63,247 * culturally competent or who are willing to • 37 states have federally recognized 4. Phoenix 38,247 become culturally competent. Indian lands within their borders. 5. Tulsa 30,715 Overcoming historical trauma, assisting • Largest population of Native people 6. Anchorage 30,632 in developing culturally informed means of is in California (308,571); largest per- centage is in Alaska (13%). 7. Oklahoma City 29,805 collaboration, more adequately educating the 8. San Diego 26,791 social services and court systems, and gaining • New York City has the largest popula- tion of urban Indians. 9. Chicago 25,513 and maintaining the trust required for sensitive 10. Albuquerque 23,016 cultural practice and policies are ongoing chal- • 80% of all Native people do not live on Indian lands. lenges for this innovative and much-needed *Map key and city list conflict for Honolulu project. The courage and foresight to work • 33% of all Native people have income because map does not take into account below the poverty line. Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander now for the preservation of children in their populations. • The population of Native people will culture by communities, counties, courts, increase over the next two decades Sources: US News and World Report, agencies and families will help build a solid faster than European-Americans or Census Bureau, quickfacts.census.gov and foundation for coming generations of Indian African-Americans. Indian Country Today (ICT). children and families.
Active efforts are now being made to re- service professionals and court personnel to Originally published in the November 16, 2004 issue of Native American Times. Condensed and cruit American Indian foster and permanent build these tribal family resources. reprinted with permission of the authors. Susan families to meet the growing need for per- To help address the need for Indian Baxter Quash-Mah, MA, director of Teamwork manent homes for Indian children among foster/permanent parents in California for Children (TFC) in Eugene, Oregon, is the their own relatives, tribal members or other (home to the largest population of American implementation director for the RRPIC project; Deb Johnson-Shelton, PhD, of Oregon Research families who will maintain these children’s Indians in the country—roughly 600,000), Institute (ORI) is the evaluation director for RRPIC. connection with their community and cul- the federal Children’s Bureau funded the Please contact TFC at (541) 342-2692 for further ture. Indian tribes are working with social Recruiting Rural Parents for Indian Chil- information about the project.
10 Spring 2005 Native American Web Resources
The following websites provide infor- operate a range of child welfare services variety of tribal child protection pro- mation on a wide variety of topics relating including child protective services, fam- gram-related events. NICWA also has to child abuse and neglect, child sexual ily preservation and support, foster an online course for certification on care, adoption and independent living. ICWA. Other topics: abuse and exploitation as well as activities, In addition, the agency makes major • Indian Child Protection and Family programs, materials and articles that may investments in staff training, technology Violence Prevention Act be useful in addressing abuse issues related and innovative programs. to Native American children. Many of the • NICWA’s testimony regarding the men- ➣ National Center on Poverty Law, pov- tal health needs of Indian children sites link to other helpful resources. ertylaw.org. This is a membership Note: The “mandatory reporting” provisions website, although two weeks of access ➣ Office for Victims of Crime, US Depart- found at some of the sites below may be are provided free. After that period, you ment of Justice, ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc. specific to state or federal law rather than may want to partner with an agency that This site is focused on a broad range applicable to tribal jurisdictions. can assist you in obtaining information of crime victim programs and services from this site. Topics: and includes announcements for ➣ Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, • “The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA): In grants and funding, newly released University of Oklahoma, Health Sci- the Best Interests of the Child and Tribe,” publications and event information. ences Center, ccan.ouhsc.edu. This article by Robert J. McCarthy, 1996 ➣ site includes tribal-specific resources Office of Tribal Justice, US Depart- such as Project Making Medicine, a • “Building Strong, Stable Communities ment of Justice, usdoj.gov/otj/index. Through the Indian Child Welfare Act,” program for mental health profession- html. Provides specific tribal resourc- article by Patricia Kunesh, 1997 als working in tribal communities. es and research documents. • “Prodigal Son: The ‘Existing Indian Fam- ➣ ➣ Child Welfare League of America Tribal Court Clearinghouse, tribal- ily’ Exception to the Indian Child Welfare institute.org. Published as a public (CWLA), cwla.org/advocacy. This site Act,” article by C. Steven Hager regard- service by the Tribal Law & Policy provides up-to-date data and national ing the US Supreme Court decision in Institute. The first website devoted to policy information. CWLA has a tribal Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians v. liaison office as well as many resourc- Holyfield providing information to people work- es on federal child welfare policy and ing in Native American Tribal Courts. practice. Selected topics: ➣ National Criminal Justice Reference The Tribal Court Clearinghouse is Service, ncjrs.org. Search this site for designed as a resource for tribal jus- • US Department of Health & Human free publications, including a number of tice systems and others involved in Services final rule on the Adoption tribal-specific reference materials. There the enhancement of justice in Indian and Safe Families Act (ASFA) and are general as well as tribal materials country. Sample topics covered: Title IV-E foster care eligibility review, child and family services state plan on child abuse and neglect. To access • Tribal Children’s Justice Act resources reviews this information, click on the “Victims of Crime” link on the home page, then • Tribal Court CASA resources • State fact sheets with child abuse and the “Child Abuse and Neglect” link. • Tribal Court funding resources neglect statistics ➣ National Indian Child Welfare Asso- • Tribal codes and constitutions ➣ The Children’s Bureau, US Depart- ciation, nicwa.org. NICWA believes that • Searchable database of Tribal Court ment of Health & Human Services, every Indian child must have access to decisions Administration for Children, Youth & community-based, culturally appropri- Families, acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/in- ate services that help them grow up • Federal court Indian law decisions dex.htm. This website provides infor- safe, healthy and spiritually strong—free mation to assist states in the delivery from abuse, neglect, sexual exploitation of child welfare services designed to and the damaging effects of substance The Tribal Law and Policy Institute protect children and strengthen fami- abuse. Their website provides a wealth developed this internet resource list with lies. The agency also provides grants of resources for tribal child protection funding from the Office for Victims of to states, tribes and communities to programs. A training calendar lists a Crime, US Department of Justice.
11 Gardens and Children: The Nature of Nurturing
Gardening and peaceful outdoor envi- someone to nurture, feed ronments have a healing power known since and care about them. She ancient times. Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer also saw this as a way that of the Declaration of Independence and individuals who cannot considered to be the “Father of American make the substantial com- Psychiatry,” promoted the idea that garden mitment of becoming a settings held curative effects for people CASA volunteer can make with mental illness. But it was not until a difference by signing up the 1940s that horticultural therapy—or for a 10-week rotation, hortitherapy—really took hold in the including training. United States. That is when horticulture In the days after the became a form of occupational therapy in conference that planted the veterans hospitals. Today, hortitherapy the idea, Kiser and her is recognized as a practical treatment with friend Judy Thornton Niko, Stavros and Katrina Katsantonis help CASA of Kern County with their wide-ranging benefits for many different Grow CASA campaign designed to recruit volunteers and raise funds. Plastic talked about “35 reasons populations. (source: American Horticul- “grow stakes” placed in plants at Bolles Nursery and Kresha Nurseries highlight it wouldn’t work in Spo- tural Therapy Association and Betty Ford the needs of abused children and give a toll-free number to connect with a kane and 36 reasons it CASA program. Alpine Gardens). had to work there.” Kiser One hortitherapy program with a San Francisco Child Abuse Council, was the had been a CASA volunteer for a dozen CASA connection is the Bee Kind Garden presenter. She talked about plant and animal years at the time and decided to pursue the in Spokane, Washington. The garden is de- therapy as a way to help children who have concept of a garden for children with other signed to help children from violent homes experienced violence.” professional partners, including the CASA heal from past abuse, providing a supervised, In addition to inspiring the Bee Kind program, the Junior League, a local humane therapeutic, outdoor learning experience for Garden, Lynn Loar, PhD, LCSW, has group, the Department of Fish and Wildlife troubled children. A professional therapist dedicated her career to facilitating behav- and Lynn Loar. By October of that year, they is available to help children who need to ioral change exclusively through positive had a complete program with a site and 88 process trauma and crisis resulting from past reinforcement. Asked how gardening and volunteers trained. abuse. But the heart of the program is the interacting with animals benefits children, While the garden is not a project of the trained volunteers who work in the garden Dr. Loar responds: “Gardening and caring local CASA program, the two are closely with the children, nurturing plants and ani- for animals are enjoyable activities that em- related. Scott Stevens, program coordinator mals such as the resident turtles in the ponds phasize gentleness and nurturance as well as for the government-administered Spokane located throughout the lush landscape. teaching safe and appropriate touch. Respect County CASA/GAL Program, reports that “I didn’t have any idea that a garden was for living things can be taught initially his program served 626 abused or neglected in my future until attending the Children’s through gardening and then expanded to children via 285 active GAL volunteers in Justice Conference in 1997,” remembers respect an animal’s capacity to feel pain and 2003—nearly 90% of all children needing CASA volunteer and Bee Kind Garden pleasure. Gradually through collaborative CASA services. The Spokane program works founder Gayle Kiser. “The first session re- work with living things, trust with people closely with CASA Partners, a nonprofit um- lated to the link between child and animal can also be cultivated.” brella organization that administers the Bee abuse. I was expecting to be depressed, but It made sense to Kiser to teach abused Kind Garden as well as two other programs: it turned out to be one of the most inspiring children how to cultivate a plant. After all, the My Bag program providing tote-bags lectures of the conference. Dr. Lynn Loar, seedlings need the same thing that children full of age-appropriate items to children then the educational coordinator for the need to develop to their full potential: in foster care; and Needs from the Heart,
12 Spring 2005 which allows CASA volunteers to request items that that DCFS cannot pay for, such as piano lessons or summer camp. Kathleen Brenzel, senior garden edi- tor of Sunset Magazine, is familiar with several hortitherapy programs operating in the West. Additionally, Sunset staffers have volunteered at the Haven Family House in Menlo Park, CA, located near the magazine’s headquarters, working with residents of all ages to plant a vegetable garden in raised beds. At a similar garden, Brenzel recalls “seeing the troubled faces of family members turn to joy as they watched their crops bear fruit. The whole process of gardening can be healing on many levels, including psychologically and spiritually.” Brenzel is familiar with hortitherapy Horticultural Therapy and Children’s Gardening Resources projects that have benefits similar to the Bee Kind Garden, although with children Websites • Teaching Compassion: A Guide for Hu- involved in the criminal justice system. • American Horticultural Therapy Associ- mane Educators, Teachers, and Parents, ation (ahta.org): Membership organiza- Pamela Raphael, Latham Foundation, “There was a program in Oregon where tion promoting practice of hortitherapy, 2001 (latham.org/shop/prodserv.asp): troubled kids in custody were given easy- including publications available for sale Features children’s artwork and poetry on line, research, career and training on the meaning of animals in their lives to-grow plants like peas and nasturtiums information. as well as a teacher’s narrative and that provide a quick payoff in terms of lesson plans to encourage respect, re- • Thrive (thrive.org.uk): British horti- sponsibility, compassion and empathy. results. It was amazing to watch the chil- cultural charity promoting access to There is a section devoted to handling dren plant seeds or cuttings, tend to them gardening for disadvantaged, disabled disclosures of child and animal abuse. and older people. Includes publications, and observe as they grew and bore fruit links and “cultivating basic skills” bul- • Learn and Play in the Garden, Meg or flowers. Seeing their charges come to letin board. Herd, Barron’s, 1997 (barronseduc. com/0812097807.html): Hands-on fun and life and thrive gave them a real sense of • Virginia Tech Department of Horticulture natural science all in one colorful book of empowerment and accomplishment. The (hort.vt.edu/human/htbooks.html): A list garden projects for boys and girls ages of books on horticultural therapy with 6-12. Instructions for planting and culti- kids felt better about themselves. Instead mini-reviews. vating easy-to-grow vegetables, herbs, of picking fights, they were nurturing etc. Over 40 projects divided by season. Books something from the earth.” • Garden Crafts for Kids, Diane Rhoades, Researchers at Gonzaga University • Teaching Empathy: Animal-Assisted Sterling Pub Co., 1998 (isbndb.com/ Therapy Programs for Children and d/book/garden_crafts_for_kids.html): determined that the Bee Kind Garden pro- Families Exposed to Violence, Lynn Teaching resource and how-to book fea- vides several significant positive outcomes Loar, PhD, Libby Coleman, PhD et al, tures 50+ easy projects for kids of nearly for participating children, with a primary Latham Foundation, 2004 (latham.org/ all ages, including: growing potatoes in shop/prodserv.asp): Includes practical tires, building a gardening tool station benefit that is rare if not unique among skills, interventions and resources to de- and discovering the joys of composting. other hortitherapy programs: a one-on-one sign humane education and animal-as- Simple explanations of plant physiol- sisted therapy programs that are safe for ogy and discussion of garden-relevant relationship with a caring volunteer that lasts both human and animal participants. wildlife. over a period of time. (continued on page 14)
13 (Gardens and Children, continued from page 13)
Professionals from Child Play Thera- Lavender Days in Sonoma County pists of Spokane provide training to both Another connection between growing to our lavender booths throughout the CASA and Bee Kind Garden volunteers children and growing plants is CASA of county.” to help them understand the impact of Sonoma County’s Lavender Days project, Last year, the CASA program began abuse on children’s development. Linda which is entering its seventh year and has a long-term partnership with the North Wirtz, MA, is from this group and has proven to be very lucrative. This project is Coast Lavender Guild, which hosts the been the volunteer therapist on site to made possible through the generous dona- Healdsburg Lavender Festival each June. brief volunteers on the typical behaviors of tion of an entire field’s worth of lavender The festival donates the majority of ticket children on particular medications or with by a local landowner. To date they have proceeds from their lavender-ingredient a specific diagnosis. She answers questions raised well over $80,000 through sales of food tastings and silent auction as well as and debriefs volunteers after each session. the flowers and related products. In 2005 providing the CASA program with space Wirtz is also available in case the child alone, they hope to raise $30,000. for their own lavender sales. begins to process a traumatic memory or The program’s director, Millie Gil- Susan Siegel of the North Coast Lav- has any kind of crisis. son, says, “This fairly new and growing ender Guild states, “We feel CASA is such Jaymie Wakefield, a CASA volunteer stream of funds is important to us as a great organization doing essential work for four years before taking a staff role with we seek to put in place enough new that is right in line with our desire to see Bee Kind Gardens as the garden coordi- volunteers to serve all the kids who need all things bloom beautifully. We are very nator, says that having this professional us. Perhaps just as beneficial is that we excited about supporting this great orga- oversight is imperative. Even well trained have recruited three board members nization as they endeavor to protect the volunteers lack the qualifications to provide and 28 volunteers over the years due children in need in our community.” therapy. Wakefield oversees three to four six- week sessions a year, with about six children participating in each session. She points out that 15 of the 18 garden volunteers last year were also GAL volunteers. While Kiser has spoken to several other CASA programs around the country that have considered implementing or collabo- rating with a garden program, she believes that Spokane is still unique in providing these therapeutic benefits to abused and neglected children who are not involved in the criminal justice system. As she puts it, “Hopefully when they have children of their own, this little seed we’ve planted will develop into another way of behaving.”
Please let us know if your CASA pro- gram or other group you are familiar with is bringing together foster children and gardening. Email [email protected].
14 Spring 2005 What Advocates Can Learn at the Movies
While Hollywood is not generally her release from prison, Antwone became PBS is also a thought of as a source for information on a permanent ward of the state. Although good source for issues related to child welfare, there are a the movie and the book on which it was movie night ma- number of commercial films that can ef- based offer different perspectives and terial. The docu- fectively generate excellent discussion on details, the book guide may be help- mentary Love and topics relevant to child advocates. And when ful in generating topics for discussion: Diane follows a you consider the number of documentaries harperacademic.com/catalog/guide_xml. family coping available through the Public Broadcasting asp?isbn=0060007788. with addiction Service (PBS) and other sources, CASA/ White Oleander is a fictional account and poverty while GAL volunteers can easily create a CASA of a teenage girl’s journey through the trying to reunify Night at the Movies to join together in fun foster care system after years of in- as well as serious discussion. after her mother volvement with the child welfare system, Many CASA programs already utilize is sent to prison. and West 47th Street takes a hard look movie nights as a regular feature in continu- Through nearly a at adults struggling with mental illness. ing education efforts. But if a movie night decade, she expe- Both films come with excellent discus- is not a feature offered by your program, riences multiple sion guides. create your own by turning to movies readily placements, near- As you discuss a film, ask questions available at your local video store: death experiences, that encourage reflection and application Antwone Fisher is based on the true drugs, starvation, to volunteer advocacy. Sample reflection story of a young religion and how questions might include: What would you man raised in it feels to be loved. have done if you were his advocate? Two foster care, Over the years, months from now, what or who will you abused and cast she keeps in touch with her mother via remember from this movie and why? What out of the sys- letters to prison. And while the mother’s insights or new knowledge did you gain tem at 18 with gift to her daughter is the power to survive, from this movie? How will you use this in nowhere to go. the daughter ultimately teaches her mother your CASA/GAL work? It is a story of about love. Also adapted from a book, the abandonment, book discussion questions can be helpful in betrayal, isola- processing the White Oleander movie ex- tion and—only perience: readinggroupguides.com/guides/ If your CASA program has used other films in volunteer training, after fierce inner white_oleander.asp#discuss. please email details to and outer struggles—triumph. The movie Losing Isaiah asks the question: Who [email protected]. follows Antwone Fisher’s life between a decides what makes a mother? An African- present-time reality of service in the US American baby, abandoned by his crack-ad- Contributing to this article was Marion Navy and flashbacks to his earlier youth dicted mother, is adopted by a white social Hallum, training director of the Alaska CASA as a ward of the state. Fisher was born worker and her husband. Several years later, Association and a member of National CASA’s in a women’s state correctional facility the baby’s mother finds out her son is not Curriculum Advisory Committee. where his mother was imprisoned. When dead as she thought and goes to court to Source: Details from IMDB.com are included his mother failed to seek out her son after get him back. in this article.
15 Turning the Channel Toward Hope: A Profile of Advocate-Actress Victoria Rowell
by James E. Thompson
A wise old owl lived in an oak; is forecast to last for the next preparing foster children to live and work in three years. The Young and the the landscape outside their front door. The more he saw the less he spoke. Restless is being justly fêted Attendees of the 25th anniversary The less he spoke the more he heard. for its candor and courage in National CASA conference in San Diego in taking a step into this real- April 2002 witnessed Rowell’s passion. She Why can’t we all be like that wise old bird? world soap opera—the daily is exuberant when it comes to the work of struggles faced by foster chil- CASA volunteers. “CASA represents service —Author Unknown dren and their caregivers. that practices reciprocity in the finest form. Obviously this personal Laymen learn the law, the law learns from achievement for Rowell sig- the laymen, and a beleaguered judicial sys- Fast-paced. Articulate. Big picture. nals progress in raising awareness about tem becomes able to expedite cases. CASA Socially and politically astute. Aggressively important issues. However, this is “small walks the talk. I like that! ” forthright. But when asked to share a bit potatoes” in her longstanding campaign on An accomplished dancer, Rowell notes of wisdom, Victoria Rowell said: “Got behalf of foster children. In 1990, Rowell “When I was 8 years old my foster mother, your pen ready? Take this down: A wise founded the Rowell Foster Children Positive Agatha Armstead, enrolled me in a classical old owl….” Plan (RFCPP). The hallmark of RFCPP is ballet school where my interest in the arts Whether playing Dr. Amanda Bentley to provide structure, support and encourage- was nurtured. Perfecting a pirouette taught on Diagnosis Murder or Drucilla Barber ment for foster children through enrichment me that I could fit in and get along in the Winters on The Young and the Restless, programs such as performing arts and athlet- world by merit. Mentors—and mentors Rowell knows the difference between tele- ics (RFCPP is detailed in the sidebar). For might be teachers, moms, friends, dads, vision fantasy and the often harsh, human Rowell, one of the keys is mentoring and whomever—care about the daily lives of realities foster children face. She was quiet (continued on page 18) and listened and lived life as a foster child. Today Rowell is speaking out and making the change she wants to see in the world. Star power is a double-edged sword. Hollywood has its ways—many of which do not match the morés of the larger public. Rowell’s ways, however, are from the heart. “This past year my career has been thrilling and fulfilling. I’ve been with The Young and the Restless for 14 years. The work is exciting. But now my passion off the set has been married to my passion on the set. It is simply an amazing feeling to understand why I’ve lived the life I’ve lived.” She has good reason to be proud. What started off as a small storyline on one of TV’s most popular and lasting soaps is being extended. The plot involves a quite special character—Drucilla’s foster son—and Rowell (far right) greets attendees of National CASA’s 2002 annual conference in San Diego.
16 Spring 2005 Victoria Rowell Born in Portland, Maine, Victoria Rowell was raised in Annie E. Casey Foundation Baltimore, MD foster care for the first 18 years of her life. At age 8, Rowell Phone: (410) 547-6600 received a scholarship to the Cambridge School of Ballet aecf.org through the Ford Foundation and the National Endowment Since 1948, the Annie E. Casey Founda- for the Arts. Following eight years of training, she flourished tion has worked to build better futures as a dancer and earned scholarships to both the School of for disadvantaged children and their American Ballet and the American Ballet Theater. After danc- families in the United States. The prima- ry mission of the foundation is to foster ing professionally with a number of major companies, Rowell public policies, human service reforms decided to pursue a career in modeling, gracing the pages of Seventeen, Mademoiselle and and community supports that more countless other magazines, soon choosing to become an actress. An Emmy-nominated effectively meet the needs of today’s actress, and the recipient of seven NAACP Image awards, her credits include numerous vulnerable children and families. television series and films. Rowell and her work on behalf of foster youth were recently featured in Black Enterprise and Precious Times. Casey Family Services New Haven, CT Phone: (203) 401-6900 caseyfamilyservices.org For over 25 years, Casey Family Services (CFS) has assisted vulnerable children and families. Today, programs operate throughout New England and in Balti- more, MD. CFS is a fully licensed and ac- credited nonprofit child welfare agency providing a broad range of programs to meet changing needs.
Casey Family Programs Seattle, WA The Rowell Foster Children’s Positive Plan Phone: (206) 282-7300 Los Angeles, CA casey.org Victoria has opened many doors for myself Phone: (323) 857-1717 Casey Family Programs’ (CFP’s) mis- and others through her genuine concern and rfcpp.org sion is to provide and improve—and love for foster children (and former youth) ultimately to prevent the need for—fos- as well. The fire is still lit, and my dreams ter care. CFP operates in two ways: by are just beginning. providing direct services (in Arizona, The Rowell Foster Children’s Positive California, Idaho, Texas and Washing- —leesha J., RFCPP client Plan (RFCPP) is a nonprofit organiza- ton) and promoting advances in child tion founded in 1990 by Victoria Row- Success is an action that truly acts in progres- welfare practice and policy. Drawing on four decades of front-line work with ell. For over a decade, RFCPP has pro- sive stages, but along with the sincere hearts families and alumni of foster care, CFP vided the means for foster children to of family and those in the RFCPP, I am now develops tools, practices and policies fulfill their limitless potential through glimpsing the fruition from years of practice to nurture all youth in care and to help involvement in fine arts, sports and and determination. parents strengthen families at risk of job opportunities. —Johnell H., RFCPP client needing foster care.
17 (Rowell Profile, continued from page 16)
their charges. There are some 20,000 eman- Family Services on the eastern seaboard in are tapping some of our individual good- cipated foster kids that need to find work 1976, Jim Casey, founder of United Parcel ness—the wisdom of our hearts—when we every year. I stay in touch with many of the Service, would have surely enjoyed being listen closely and join her parade. emancipated youth I’ve had the pleasure of one of Rowell’s mentors had he lived long James E. Thompson describes himself as a working with through RFCPP. What I’ve enough. “sometimes-wise” freelance writer living in done in some small way is being mirrored But what about the future? When Seattle, WA. by others, not just in ‘show biz’ but in all asked about pressing social concerns, Row- walks of life. It is not a one-shot deal for ell immediately stated, “We need to help *Editor’s Note: Rowell refers to the Kinship the kids—and it certainly is not a one-shot foster grandparents—older people who are Caregiver Act, which is expected to be reintroduced deal for me.” literally dying trying to take care of their in this Congress by Senator Hillary Clinton (D- If all this isn’t enough, this extraordi- grandchildren and keep these kids out of NY) and other cosponsors. The legislation allows nary leader is the national spokesperson for the system for fear of losing them. They states to use federal funds to subsidize guardianship Casey Family Services. This organization would rather die trying than ask for help. payments to relative caregivers so that the children (see sidebar) is part of a far-reaching sup- Senator Clinton and others in Congress would no longer have to remain in foster care. Grant port and advocacy mechanism dedicated to are fully aware of this challenge and are funds are also provided to link grandparents and helping disadvantaged children, especially working diligently to make a difference. I other relatives to services and supports they need to those separated from their parents. From remain optimistic.” * raise relative children. The bill would require child establishing the Annie E. Casey Foundation As Rowell lovingly states, “Foster chil- welfare agencies to notify grandparents and other in 1948 to creating Casey Family Programs dren are good kids.” With some 550,000 relatives within 60 days of the removal of a child in Seattle in 1965 to founding Casey foster children in this country alone, we from parental custody.
18 Spring 2005 8th-Grader Driven to Help His Community, Including Foster Children
Naveen Nallappa is passionate about “I heard about CASA sports. He is also a straight-A student and from my dad, who was help- two-time recipient of the President’s Award ing me find an organization for Educational Excellence. But Naveen, to fight for,” recalls Naveen. most of all, is passionate about people. “My dad told his co-work- As an 8th-grader in a magnet program ers about my project, and for high-achieving students at Margaret one of them told him about Mead Junior High in Schaumburg, Illinois, CASA, what it does and the Naveen was selected as a school ambassador official website. My dad and for being a role model who demonstrates su- I checked out the website perior leadership skills. Indeed, as his father and decided that CASA was Naveen watches his brother Rahul at the piano. says, “the best thing about him is success in a very worthy recipient of any endeavor is an appetizer for him.” our state service project.” worthy projects of his seven fellow district Like his parents, Raju and Anuradha, As he quietly but assertively adds, representatives. Naveen shows a streak of altruism. His ear- CASA is about “fighting for children who The association’s board voted to support liest hopes have centered around bringing don’t know what love is, who have gone Naveen’s cause at its meeting last October. peace to the world and helping his neighbor. through so much. So it’s about helping them As a result of fundraising events conducted This compassionate son of immigrants, born get through hard times.” by IAJHSC members, eight CASA programs in Chennai (formerly known as Madras) in Naveen’s father Raju had a very good in Illinois will receive a portion of funds this India, came to the US in 1996. chance of learning about CASA because his spring. The donation, historically about Naveen demonstrates an astute knowl- employer is Hewitt Corporation, a corporate $40,000, will be designated to serve children edge of how and where to act in fulfilling his partner closely involved with CASA of Lake between 10 and 15 years of age. goals. One of those immediate goals, which County. Last year, Hewitt sponsored a Kids On a special page on IAJHSC’s website started locally but has grown to include Helping Kids Saturday for the families of its (iajhsc.org/project.htm), a description of Il- the whole state of Illinois, was to help his employees. It was a chance for young people linois CASA is featured along with Naveen’s school and local community. This led him to learn about ways to help others. Attending PowerPoint presentation and a letter he sent to become active in student councils since was Terri Greenberg from CASA of Lake to all Illinois junior high student councils. 4th grade. He was recently elected one of County, National CASA’s 2004 program In the letter he proudly says, “We will be eight district representatives for the Illinois director of the year. changing children’s lives, by giving them Association of Junior High Student Councils With the information Naveen gleaned a chance to be successful and make their (IAJHSC). by interviewing National CASA staff dreams come true.” One responsibility of a district rep- and making a site visit to a local CASA Naveen’s advice for other teenagers is resentative is to champion a nonprofit program, he developed a formal presen- to get involved with community service and organization in an annual competition to tation to the IAJHSC executive board. help others whether close or far. He leads, determine which one should become the His demonstration of CASA’s advocacy though modestly, by providing an inspiring recipient of the school year’s IAJHSC state services as a conduit for child develop- and noble example. His most recent activ- service project. After researching several ment and improved emotional health—a ity has been raising funds for the victims of prominent organizations, Naveen decided sophisticated presentation for someone of the devastating Southeast Asian tsunami. wholeheartedly that CASA would be the any age—was overwhelmingly successful Without a doubt, we will be hearing much most worthy cause. even though he was competing against the more about Naveen in the future.
19 Study Identifies Factors Related to Inhalant Abuse, Addiction
New research shows that young “These findings suggest inhalant abuse Analysis of the accumulated data people who have been treated for mental and addiction in young people are associated showed that: health problems, have a history of foster with a host of co-occurring problems that • Adolescents with a history of foster care care or already abuse other drugs have an placement were about five times more may be influenced by family and other social likely to become dependent on inhal- increased risk of abusing or becoming de- factors,” says NIDA director Dr. Nora D. ants than those never placed away from pendent on inhalants. In addition, adoles- Volkow. “And inhalant abuse may be escalat- home. cents who begin using inhalants at an early ing. Data reported in NIDA’s Monitoring • Adolescents who reported first use of in- age are more likely to become dependent halants at age 13- 14 were six times more the Future (MTF) Survey show that past- likely to be dependent on inhalants than on them. The study by Dr. Li-Tzy Wu and year use of inhalants rose 14% from 2002 those who started using inhalants at age her colleagues is published in the October to 2003—the only increase of any substance 15-17. 2004 issue of the Journal of the American reported by MTF….” • Adolescents who were treated for mental Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Wu and colleagues examined the health problems were more than two times Funding was provided by the National as likely to be dependent on inhalants prevalence and characteristics of inhalant Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of • Adolescents who abused or were de- use, abuse and dependence among 36,859 the National Institutes of Health, a com- pendent on two other drugs (such as adolescents aged 12-17 who participated cocaine/crack, marijuana/hashish, heroin, ponent of the US Department of Health hallucinogens, sedatives, tranquilizers, in the 2000 and 2001 National Household and Human Services. pain relievers and stimulants) also were Surveys on Drug Abuse (recently renamed likely to use inhalants; they were about The most commonly used inhalants re- the National Survey on Drug Use & Health) four times more likely to be diagnosed ported by participants were glue, shoe polish with inhalant abuse and about nine times by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health more likely to be diagnosed with inhalant and gasoline. Other inhalants used included dependence. nitrous oxide, lighter fluid, spray paints, Services Administration. Approximately correction fluid and paint solvents. Boys 9% of the survey participants—represent- “Our study provides more evidence that were more likely to have ever used gasoline ing nearly 2 million adolescents nation- early use of inhalants may be a precursor for or nitrous oxide, while girls favored glue, wide—reported having ever used inhalants later drug abuse that grows to include abuse shoe polish, spray paints, correction fluid in their lifetime. Among adolescents who of multiple illegal substances,” says Dr. Wu. and aerosol sprays. There were no gender reported using inhalants during the past “We found that approximately 60% of the differences in the prevalence of inhalant year, 11% met the diagnostic criteria for adolescents who reported using inhalants abuse or dependence. abuse or dependence. during the past year also reported the use of more than one type of inhalant.” Adds Dr. Volkow: “Children and adolescents who abuse inhalants are at substantial risk of illness and death, so it is important for prevention programs to target children when they are young. Factors such as early inhalant use, foster care placement and coexisting mental illnesses may help identify young people who are especially vulnerable to severe drug abuse and mental health problems.”
For more information, visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse website at drugabuse.gov.
20 Spring 2005 Foster Youth and Graduates Find Their Voices
Foster youth and graduates from foster Missouri Division of Family Services Youth of focus group interviews with foster care care are finding their voice, and people are Advisory Board is a group of teenagers who youth in West Virginia. Their conclusions? listening. Whether springing from grassroots are in foster care and know the system’s Programs developed for youth in care must or Department of Youth Services offices and strengths and weaknesses. From this vantage be adolescent-centered, community-based, private care foundations, all share a primary point, they “try to help make the system comprehensive, collaborative, egalitarian, goal—to empower youth with the skills to better for all concerned.” Visit this group at empowering, inclusive, visible, flexible, advocate for themselves and for change. geocities.com/heartland/lake/2796. culturally sensitive, family focused and Their stories are powerful, and their insights affirming. Visit nysccc.org/FCYouth/Fos- are often poignant and pointed—they want The Mockingbird Times is a monthly ter_Care_Report2002.pdf. to see change. With increased frequency, newspaper designed and produced by young Connect for Kids at connectforkids.org is an their voices are heard. Listen to their message people who are currently, or have in the award-winning multimedia project of the at some of these sites: past been, involved in the Washington state foster care and group home system or are Benton Foundation, helping adults make California Youth Connection is a youth-run homeless. Each edition emphasizes themes their communities better places for families organization that provides invaluable oppor- significant to children and youth accessing and children. The website offers a place on tunities for current and former foster youth social services across the nation. Distributed the internet for parents, grandparents, edu- cators, policymakers and others who want to to learn leadership and advocacy skills. nationally and on the website, Mockingbird become more active citizens. Not designed Their active and dynamic web presence Times is a voice for young people—interact- directly by and for youth, it nonetheless is at calyouthconn.org says they are “young ing with youth from across the nation by sensitive to the issues that bring about out- people, who because of our experiences accepting their articles, poetry and art for of-home placements. with the child welfare system, now work to publication. For more information, visit improve foster care, to educate the public mockingbirdsociety.org. This article was adapted and reprinted with and policy makers about our unique needs permission from Fostering Families Today, and to change the negative stereotypes many The Youth Advocacy Center, founded a magazine about the parents, children and people have of us.” With 22 active chapters in 1991 by Betsy Krebs and Paul Pitcoff, dedicated professionals of foster care and domestic adoption. Through articles and and more than 250 members, ages 14 to 24, lawyers for children in family court, is stories reflecting professional expertise and the California Youth Connection has initiated dedicated to teaching young adults to ad- experienced perspective of dedicated parents, legislation and policy decisions that facilitate vocate for themselves and take control of Fostering Families Today explores issues youth’s emancipation process. their lives. Although the Youth Advocacy that profoundly affect families and children. Center is run by professionals, it is driven Visit fosteringfamiliestoday.com for more Strong Able Youth Speaking Out, or Say by the needs of foster care youth and at-risk information. So, is a statewide self-advocacy group of adolescents who have dreams and ambitions foster youth in North Carolina. Members Do you have a foster youth resource but lack the access and resources to plan for to recommend to Connection readers? meet monthly to talk about their experiences We’re especially interested in featuring their futures. For more information, visit and push for changes. The group started resources available nationwide. Send youthadvocacycenter.org. your suggestions to three years ago with a grant from the Kellogg [email protected] with Foundation and is now paid for with state More Precious than Gold—Voices of “Foster Youth Resource Suggestion” in the subject line of your message. money. See saysoinc.org. Foster Care Youth provides a summary
21 Public Policy National Legislation, Federal Activities and Reports of Importance UPDATE to CASA/GAL Programs and the Children We Serve
Individuals with Disabilities program in the Violence Against Women Senate and House Appropriations Com- Education Act (IDEA) Act (VAWA). The bill is expected to mittees. With Congress expected to tackle Reauthorized be introduced early in the new session spending this year and attempt to begin Congress approved in November of Congress, as Biden works with other reducing the federal budget deficit through reauthorization of the IDEA, with a new Members of the Senate Judiciary Com- program funding cuts, the appropriations focus on improving educational opportu- mittee. Senators Hatch (R-UT), Specter committees will be key power centers in nities for children in foster care. National (R-PA), Kennedy (D-MA) and Leahy the debate. Picked to chair the Senate com- CASA worked with Senators Patty Murray (D-VT) have joined Senator Biden in mittee is Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS). Rep. (D-WA), Mike DeWine (R-OH) and Judd working on VAWA legislation that will Jerry Lewis (R-CA) will chair the House Gregg (R-NH) to include amendments to garner bipartisan support. Representative committee. Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) improve educational stability and outcomes Conyers (D-MI) is expected to lead the will continue as chair of the Senate Ap- for foster and homeless children with dis- effort on the House side. National CASA propriations Subcommittee on Commerce, abilities. The Act assures that: is seeking an authorization of $24 million Justice, which has jurisdiction for CASA’s for the CASA program through FY 2010. funding. • Children’s educational needs are consid- ered by the judge and the child welfare Congress appropriated $11.897 million In other changes, Sen. Judd Gregg system in making decisions. for CASA for FY ’05, which provides (R-NH) moves to the chair of the Senate • A specific individual is appointed to advo- grants to develop and expand CASA pro- Budget Committee, giving up the helm of cate for each child’s educational needs. grams and state organizations as well as the Senate Committee on Health, Educa- • Child welfare, school and judicial systems training and technical assistance support. tion, Labor and Pensions (HELP), which communicate with each other about indi- For FY 2006, National CASA is request- will now be chaired by Sen. Michael Enzi vidual foster children. ing an appropriation of $17 million. The (R-WY). The Senate HELP Committee has • Delays are eliminated in enrolling children $5 million increase is supported by a jurisdiction over several key child welfare in new schools or transferring school re- cords when students move because of a recommendation of the Pew Commission programs, including the Child Abuse Pre- new placement. on Children in Foster Care to expand vention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). The full text of the legislation is CASA advocacy in areas where children Adapted from Washington Memorandum, available at http://frwebgate.access.gpo. are underrepresented, particularly large an electronic publication of the National Child gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=108_cong_ metropolitan and rural areas. Abuse Coalition. bills&docid=f:h1350enr.txt.pdf. Public Policy Update is written by deputy Committee Chairs Named for chief executive officer M. Carmela Welte Reauthorization of CASA New Congress ([email protected]). Slated for New Session The 109th Congress convened on Janu- National CASA now publishes Public of Congress ary 4 for the swearing-in of newly elected Policy Update electronically. This inno- Funding for the CASA program is Senators and Representatives as well as to vation allows us to provide more timely updates and also expands our subscriber currently authorized through FY 2005. begin the work of the 2005 legislative session list. Subscribe directly by sending an Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE), the with the appointment of committee chairs. email to [email protected] and enter Public Policy Update in the subject original champion for CASA’s funding, Important committee chairs opening heading. is leading the effort to reauthorize the up in the 109th Congress include both the
22 Spring 2005 President Bush Greeted by children and four foster children. They are all her commitments, “Guardian ad Litem CASA Volunteer considering expanding their family through comes first. Once you work with those adoption. Linda Cuddy, coordinator of families and children, you realize they need CASA of Douglas County, says “Frank is a someone to advocate for them and you want CASA on whom I can always rely, in spite to be there.” Editor’s note: Birnie was also of his hectic schedule.” Says Schnorbus inducted into the Twin Citian Volunteer Hall of this recognition: “I am very grateful to of Fame at a ceremony held at the Minneapolis have been able to represent so many other Institute of Arts. volunteers.” Governor Brad Henry Appears in Oklahoma CASA PSA GAL Volunteer Featured in Magazine The October 2004 issue of Mpls/St. Paul Magazine, Minnesota, selected GAL volunteer Jerilyn Birnie as one of nine “Volunteers of the Year.” Under the title “A Gift for Giving,” the magazine saluted
President Bush with Frank and Robin Schnorbus
The Record Courier of Gardnerville, Nevada carried an article in October about CASA volunteer Frank Schnorbus and his wife Robin. In recognition of Schnorbus’s (Front L-R) Taylor Rodriguez, Governor Brad Henry, First work as a CASA volunteer in the 9th Jerilyn Birnie with a framed photo Lady Kim Henry, Austin Day (Back L-R): Champagne from Mpls St.Paul Magazine District Court in Minden, Nevada, the USA Reteria, Jacoby Jones, Miracle Lennox Freedom Corps invited the couple to greet President George W. Bush at Reno’s airport. Birnie with a full-page photo and quotes Governor and Mrs. Brad Henry of (See usafreedomcorps.gov). Schnorbus was on her passions, most challenging experi- Oklahoma appeared in a public service portrayed in the article as a CASA volunteer ence and how she finds time for so many announcement (PSA) on behalf of CASA “responsible for promoting and protecting selfless acts. An elementary school teacher beginning in January. The PSA features these children’s best interests during the time who has volunteered for more than 17 years the most recent child abuse statistics, along they are assigned to him. He is currently an with Washington County’s GAL Program, with information on how Oklahomans can advocate for two children and has assisted Birnie is quoted in the article that her most contact their local CASA program to help. with three others.” Frank is an active leader challenging experience is “probably my Oklahoma CASA will reach the entire state in the home school program for Nevada court cases—getting parents and children with this new awareness tool thanks to Brian and Robin home schools their seven to work together.” But she notes that, of Sabolich of Sabolich Video Productions.
23 Garden Stake Project at Stake project, in which they distributed Jewelers retail locations and also at fredmey- Johnson County CASA, Olathe, KS specialized garden stakes to 11 local nurser- erjewelers.com. The retail price is $1,250, ies. The garden stakes, provided by Kansas with a portion of proceeds donated to CASA CASA, pictured a young child and gave for Children. This is not the first time that basic information, including the ongoing Fred Meyer Jewelers has been affiliated with need for additional volunteers. Later, the the CASA organization. Edward Dayoob, four students volunteered for 12 hours on a president and CEO of Fred Meyer Jewelers, Saturday at the Lenexa K-Mart Garden Cen- played a pivotal role in introducing National ter, resulting in 5% of the day’s garden sales CASA to the Jewelers for Children commit- being donated to Johnson County CASA. tee, resulting in CASA becoming one of a An information booth was available onsite, handful of national children’s causes that providing program and volunteer informa- Jewelers for Children supports each year. tion to shoppers. Children who stopped ProKids Annual Auction Gala by the booth were greeted with a CASA Kids at Stake project Cincinnati’s ProKids, OH balloon. Executive director Lois Rice says Four public relations students from the four students “brought a fresh, creative MidAmerica Nazarene in Kansas selected approach to the Kids at Stake project. Each Johnson County CASA for a final class of them did a wonderful job in helping cre- project. Scott Lero, Clint Snyder, Sarah ate publicity, locate nurseries and build an Stark and Kelsey Van Dyne created and event to benefit the abused and neglected held an event to help build awareness for children of CASA.” the CASA program. Working with CASA staff, the students created the CASA Kids Ladies Longines DolceVita Watch CASA for Children, Inc., Portland, OR Through the generosity of Fred Meyer Evelyn White (CASA volunteer), Tracy Cook (executive Jewelers, CASA director) and Sheree Paolello, anchor/reporter Channel for Children 5 News in Portland is Cincinnati’s ProKids recently hosted benefiting from its 12th Annual Auction Gala at the down- the sale of the town Hyatt Regency Hotel. More than ne w “CASA 500 guests turned out to enjoy the live Watch.” The and silent auction event, which raised over Ladies Longines DolceVita Ladies Longines $120,000 for the organization. Channel 5’s DolceVita—in polished stainless steel with Sheree Paolello served as emcee for the gala, 10 diamonds on a mother-of-pearl dial and which was also sponsored by MOJO 94.9. a diamond-set heart at 12 o’clock—is one of Auction items included trips to Costa Rica 200 limited-edition, numbered pieces. The and Keystone, Colorado as well as original CASA logo is engraved on the case back. artwork from local artists Barbara Heimann, Garden stake (front and back) The watch is available at select Fred Meyer Kevin Kelly and Michael Manning. Guests
24 Spring 2005 also bid on a private 30-person cruise, six bottles of Chateau Margaux and a Hilton Head villa vacation. The evening began Awards with a special Friends of Children reception, National CASA Advisory Board Member Receives the hosted by sponsors Jeb and Nirvani Head. 2004 Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence With entertainment provided by the Cincin- nati Rhythm Band, the guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, a dinner buffet and cocktails.
Doug Mitchell, Singing for CASA CASA of New Hampshire Soulful singer- songwriter Doug Mitchell performed an acoustic con- cert in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for the benefit of CASA. The Boston Globe once called (L-R) William Vickrey, administrative director of California courts, Judge Edwards and Supreme Court Justice Mitchell “a refresh- Anthony Kennedy at the Rehnquist Award ceremony Doug Mitchell ing summer breeze National CASA Advisory Board Mary Campbell McQueen, president on today’s music scene.” With both Patriots Member Judge Leonard Perry Edwards of the National Center for State Courts, and Red Sox games taking place that after- II received the National Center for State calls Judge Edwards “one of the most noon, those who opted for music over sports Courts’ 2004 William H. Rehnquist effective and progressive trial judges in were treated to the best of the musician’s Award for Judicial Excellence. One of the America, especially in the area of juvenile talents. With five solo albums to his credit, most prestigious judicial honors in the and family courts. Judge Edwards stands Mitchell draws from a seemingly limitless country, the award is presented annually out, not only for his numerous achieve- repertoire of over 2,000 songs, reaching back to a state court judge who exemplifies the ments, but also for his leadership style, to classic folk and constantly shifting pace with highest level of judicial excellence, integ- which has positively influenced courts in contemporary music in over 250 shows a year. rity, fairness and professional ethics. Judge California, the nation and the world.” Jus- Although he is not considered a traditional Edwards is currently Santa Clara County tice Anthony Kennedy, on behalf of ailing country performer, three of his songs were Superior Court Judge in California and Chief Justice Rehnquist, presented the selected as Song of the Year by the Country past president of the National Council of award to Judge Edwards at a ceremony in Music Association. Two of his albums featur- Juvenile and Family Court Judges. Judge the Great Hall of the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC. William Vickrey, ing those songs earned Album of the Year Edwards was instrumental in creating the CASA program in Santa Clara County state court administrator of California, titles. Mitchell’s promotional manager and (Child Advocates), and his tremendous introduced Judge Edwards at the dinner, Seacoast Friend of CASA Tammy Benjamin support over the past two decades has while Judge Shirley Abrahamson, Chief helped coordinate the effort and reports that helped the program to develop into one Justice of Wisconsin and president of the Mitchell has indicated his desire to perform of the largest in the country. Conference of Chief Justices, also spoke. again to help the children of CASA.
25 (Awards, continued from page 25)
Angels in Adoption Celebrates golfer Kirk Triplett and NBA executive Pat sage from the President was delivered by CASA Volunteers Williams were honored as National Angels deputy secretary for health and human for their dedication to adoption and foster services Claude Allen. care. Senator Carl Levin of Michigan and CASA Director Honored by Women’s Fund of New Jersey CASA of New Jersey’s executive director, Rita Gulden, was named an honoree by the Women’s Fund of New Jersey (wfnj.org) for her leadership and excellence in the nonprofit sector. She joins an influential and elite group of Senator Mary Landrieu with Jackie Wilson, state women who have made significant strides director of the Ohio CASA/GAL Association in a wide range of industries statewide. At the Women’s Fund 2004 Fall Gala, Jackie Wilson, state director of the held at Drumthwacket, the mansion of Ohio CASA/GAL Association, Jerry Fox- Child Advocates of Fort Bend County board president New Jersey’s Governor, winners were Joan Damon with NBA executive Pat Williams hoven, state director of the Iowa CASA honored for their dedicated service and Program and the Child Advocates of Fort Senator Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania talents. The Women’s Fund has honored Bend County (Texas), among others, presented awards, alongside CCAI board women advancing the fields of healthcare, were honored at the Angels in Adoption members Senator Larry Craig, Senator banking and finance, pharmaceutical and Awards Gala held in September at the Mary Landrieu, Representative Dave Camp medical technology, biotech industries Ronald Reagan International Trade Cen- and Representative Jim Oberstar. A mes- and real estate. ter in Washington, DC. The Angels in Adoption Program, the signature public awareness program of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), Colonial CASA Named Healthcare Heroes Recipient raises Congressional awareness about the Colonial CASA vol- thousands of foster children in this coun- unteers in Williamsburg, Virginia, were named re- cipients of the 2004 Dr. Blaine Blayton Outstanding Volunteer Award given by the Williamsburg Commu- nity Health Foundation. The award recognizes individuals or programs that have made a significant difference in the Colonial CASA volunteers in Williamsburg, Virginia were named health of the Williamsburg recipients of the 2004 Dr. Blaine Blayton Outstanding Volunteer Award Jerry Foxhoven, state director of the Iowa CASA Community. Colonial CASA given by the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation Program, with Senator Chuck Grassley volunteers were honored for try in need of permanent homes. The their decade of volunteer service. Colonial CASA has been serving local abused and gala recognizes and honors the work of neglected children since 1995, training 103 child advocates and advocating for safe and constituents who have enriched the lives permanent homes for 416 children. Of those served, 98 were identified as special-needs of children through adoption. More than children. Robin B. Bledsoe, executive director of Colonial CASA, says “We have an in- 1,000 people attended, including “An- credibly passionate and committed group of volunteers, and because of those qualities, the gels” from all 50 states and 170 Members children we serve have a much better chance at a bright future. I can’t think of anything of Congress. Actress Jane Seymour, PGA that is more important than that!”
26 Spring 2005 Some CASA/GAL associations offer state conferences for both staff and volunteers. Conferences cover a variety of issues, and many of these events provide an opportunity to earn continuing education credits. A list of state CASA conferences held throughout the year can be accessed at casanet.org/conference/state-conf.asp.
APRIL MAY JUNE
April 6-9 Honolulu, HI May 2-4 New Orleans, LA June 1-3 Miami, FL 6th National Conference on Family and 2005 Finding Better Ways Conference: 2005 Juvenile Justice National Symposium Community Violence Prevention—“Navigating “Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Child Welfare League of America Pathways to Violence Prevention: Children, Youth, and Families” Tel: (202) 638-2952 Exploring and Strengthening Links between Child Welfare League of America cwla.org/conferences/2005jjsymposiumrfp.htm Families and Communities” Tel: (202) 942-0826 Family and Community Violence Program cwla.org/conferences/2005fbwrfp.htm Tel: (888) 496-2667 fcvp.org June 3-8 Indianapolis, IN 17th Annual National May 5-7 San Diego, CA Juvenile Services Training Institute April 16-19 Atlanta, GA 3rd Annual Violence in the World of Our Youth National Partnership for Juvenile Services 24th National CASA Conference: Conference: “Partners In Prevention” Tel: (859) 622-6259 “Growing a Better Tomorrow for Every Child” The Family Violence and Sexual Assault Institute National CASA Association Tel: (858) 623-2777 Tel: (800) 628-3233 nationalcasa.org fvsai.org/Training/Workshops/YV%202005/ June 15-18 New Orleans, LA 2005YouthViolenceCall.doc 13th Annual Colloquium American Professional Society April 18-23 Boston, MA on the Abuse of Children 15th National Conference on Child Abuse and May 9-10 Arlington, VA Tel: (405) 271-8202 Neglect—“Supporting Promising Practices and 2005 Head Start Performance Conference Email: [email protected] Positive Outcomes: A Shared Responsibility” The Performance Institute Children’s Bureau, Administration for Tel: (703) 894-0481 June 23-25 Children and Families, US Department performanceweb.org Portland, OR of Health and Human Services 2005 Building on Family Strengths Conference Tel.: (703) 528-0435 Research and Training Center on Family nccanch.acf.hhs.gov/profess/conferences/cbcon- May 18-20 Atlanta, GA Support and Children’s Mental Health, ference/index.cfm Pathways to Adulthood: “Independent Living/ Portland State University Transitional Living Conference 2005” Tel: (503) 725-4114 National Child Welfare Resource Center rtc.pdx.edu/pgConference.shtml April 24-27 Albuquerque, NM for Youth Development 23rd Annual National American Indian Tel: (918) 660-3700 Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect: nrcys.ou.edu/nrcyd/npta05/npta05call.htm June 27-July 1 Denver, CO “Protecting Our Children” Investigation and Prosecution of National Indian Child Welfare Association Child Fatalities and Physical Abuse (NICWA) American Prosecutors Research Institute Tel: (503) 222-4044 nicwa.org Tel: (703) 549-9222
JULY
July 6-10 Las Vegas, NV American Adoption Congress 27th Annual Conference American Adoption Congress Tel: (202) 483-3399 americanadoptioncongress.org/conference
July 24-27 Atlanta, GA Foster Family-Based Treatment Association’s 19th Annual Conference on Treatment Foster Care Tel: 800-414-3382 Email: [email protected] ffta.org
27 The National CASA Association gratefully acknowledges the generosity of those who have contributed to the Association between July 1 and November 30, 2004. Advocate $500+ Gloria Patillo Cindy Nasser Jennifer M. Schroeder Margaret Stare Terri Bass Vikki Pynenburg Dawn Rego Janice Skinner Matthew Tarran and Elizabeth Coker Michael A. Rowland Susan Ricker Marie V. Stella Jennine Kirby Bill Corwin José Sahagún Lisa Shugoll Joan Talkowsky Joan Tashbar Tom Dunn Catherine Soderstrom Marcia Sink Tracey Thomas Drake Watson Sally Wilson Erny Carla Spaccarotelli Michael Skinner Sandra Ulrich M. Carmela Welte Hon. Ernestine Gray Lori Spangenberg Rebecca Smullin David Williams Jutta Young Leendert and Else Krol Andrew M. Springler Christine and Bill Stransky Victoria Williams Betty J. Zupancic A. Ross LeFevre Sim Staff Trudy Strewler Hester D. Willis Corporations, Howard Levine Judi Strause Tim Thomas Dorothy Worlatschek Foundations and Hon. J. Dean Lewis John Storms Norio Yamada Circle of Hope In-Kind Donations Patty Maribona Joni Tamalonis Friend $25-$49 (Monthly Giving Program) American Bar Association Shanon and Michele Morgan Nancy Bishop Employee Giving Mike Van De Merwe Kathy M. Allen Mariann Nolan Lee Blackburn American Express Beth Wagner Renee K. Altier Michael and Carin Piraino Theresa A. Carleton Financial Corporation Lilya Wagner Rebecca J. Andresen Rita Soronen Sonya Carr Barclays Global Investors M. Carmela Welte Pamela J. Bennett Matching Gift Program Alice Tobin Zaff Michelle Chappelli John and Juanita Wiedenhoft Pauline Bergevin The Chase Manhattan Sherry Chavoya Guardian $100-$499 Jill Wiedenhoft and Kathi J. Bivens Foundation Marian Azorr and James Goranson Terrence Briese Marty Cohen Continental Airlines Richard Criswell Candy Yu Terryl Bunn Bill Corwin Family Dollar Terene Bennett Patricia Champion Polly Dubbel HP Employee Charitable Nancy W. Buck Sustainer $50-$99 Melissa Chappell Sharon Ely Giving Program Monica Burmeister Nancy Andres Marjorie Copher Sally Wilson Erny Haddon Morgan Mueller Jim and Anne Clune Wayne Auer Lori A. Daniel Sarah J. Fettes Jordan Mackey and Katy Conner Samantha Benson E. Joe Demaris Sarah Fitzgerald Foreman PC Taressa R. Copeland Jan Biggerstaff Sally Fernandez Ana Gonzales Home Solutions Peter Dillon Dennis and LaVerne D. Henderson Kris and Oscar Gonzales I Do Foundation Coral Edward Elizabeth Chambers Cecily Hintzen Jennifer Haddon International Society Kris and Oscar Gonzales Susan Chase Lynn Honkanen Laura J. Hageman of Barristers Sherry and Rick Herman Sigmund Cohen J. Michael Hughes Jeremy Hockensmith Jewelers for Children Debby L. Hudson Betty Lou Dell Nichola A. Hurlburt A. Louise Jones JustGive.org D’Nika Jackson Barbara M. Disser James. E. Kofron Lee Ann Kubesch Promises, Inc. Randy K. Jones Sandy Elfers Karen S. Laforce Ryan Leeper Shaker Family Charitable Brendan Kenny Kathleen I. Frank Noel G. Lepore Jon Nepstad Foundation Tiffany Knox Heidi Harris Eula Lewis Rose Paljug Sierra Health Services, Inc. Ellen Levin Cynthia Hunt Marian Lowry Maryann Pimentel United Way California Capital Region Marci Lichtl Sarah Kahn Katharine Mallin Kenneth and Susan Pollack Washington Mutual Nancy and Peter Martin Pamela Larsen Debra A. Miles Maria G. Raines Employee Giving Program Silas R. Mountsier Yosef Levian Sarah D. Ning Kim Redd Women’s Club of Norfolk, Veronica Montaño-Pilch Bryn L. Lynch Mary Jane Pelletier Michael G. Romey, Esq. Selina Lau VA, Inc. GFWC Heather Nist Marie A. Penn Richard Ruff WorldReach, Inc. Kehokule’alani M. Monica Lopez Karen Reeves Jeannie A. Sahatdjian Carl and Marion Lyman The Richard and Lois O’Daniell Lorraine Ross Michael L. Skinner Worthington Foundation Michael O’Leary Kelly R. Meyers
In Honor of In honor of Mr. and Mrs. David Williams’ wedding In honor of Lois Ware – Hester Willis In honor of Tom and Amanda Dale, John Gagliano, In honor of Elizabeth, Nicholas, and Sarah In Memory of Gregor McLeod, Dale Mitchell, David and – Christine and Bill Stransky In memory of Johnnie Hunter – Tom Dunn Vonne Lankford – Home Solutions In honor of Janet and Warren Ward – Barbara Disser In memory of Laurel – Nancy Buck In honor of Brenda Honeyman – In honor of Laura Kavanaugh – Kathleen Frank In memory of Peggy Herman – Joyce and Ron Honeyman In honor of Mary Pryor – A. Louise Jones In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Craig Honeyman – Sherry and Rick Herman In honor of Lisa Cohen – Yosef Levian In memory of Kyle Peltier – Marci Lichtl Joyce and Ron Honeyman In honor of Susan Kobarg – Kelly Myers In honor of Doug Rude – In memory of Robert Criger – Lori Spangenberg In honor of Charlotte Hockensmith – In memory of Irwin Goodwin – Sim Staff Joyce and Ron Honeyman Lisa H. Shugoll In memory of Tracy Flynn’s father – Judi Strause In honor of Andrew Shapiro and Jean Yang – In honor of Zilda Santos McCausland – Peter Dillon Katharine and Sanford Mallin In memory of Joan Bristol – Terryl Bunn In honor of the Beane Family – Vikki Pyneburg In honor of Jan Biggerstaff – David Williams In memory of Charles H. Schroll – Janice Skinner
For more information on the monthly giving program, contact resource development associate D’Nika Jackson at [email protected] or (800) 628-3233 ext. 263.
28 Spring 2005 Connection Sightings
Where do you take The Connection? Send us a photo of you or someone you know reading the Connection in a unique or interesting location. Since the Connection staff is especially interested in comments from readers, submissions including feedback about the publication are most welcome. Send photos (minimum 4” x 6”) to The Connection, National CASA Association, 100 W. Harrison, North Tower, Suite 500, Seattle, WA, 98119, or email high resolution photos (300 dpi scanned at 4” x 6” size) to [email protected]. Include your names, address, phone number, email address and photo loca- tion/details.
National CASA board member Joyce Honeyman and husband Ron proudly display The Connection as they enjoy a typical San Francisco tourist outing.
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29 Types of Foster Care
Traditional Foster Care others to return to the biological family. One Short-Term Foster Care This kind of fostering is usually for reason many foster care providers opt for this This kind of foster care is intended to children who have been taken from their type of placement is that a high percentage provide short-term care to children whose parents because of neglect or abuse when it of children placed in fost-adopt families are parents may be experiencing special or is believed that the parents’ behavior can be very young—including infants. emergency needs of their own. This kind of changed and family reunification will occur. Foster Child Adoption care may be given when parents lose custody While the child is being fostered, the parents during the investigation of improper care It is not unusual for foster parents to receive a variety of services, often including but it is fully expected that the children will become interested in adopting a child who parenting education and therapy. Their be- return home within a few weeks. There is has been placed with them after they have havior and progress are closely monitored by often considerable contact with the family. come to know and bond with the child. Many social services. There is usually a good bit of It may also be an option when parents find families become foster parents with the sole contact between birth parents and children, themselves in a medical emergency with no intent of providing a safe and loving interim under supervision, as the parents learn and other child-care resources. environment for one or more children who practice new skills. The parents know they will either return to their biological families or Pre-Adoption Foster Care must meet the goals of the plan. If they fail be placed elsewhere for adoption. But no one Also known as “transitional foster to make enough progress, their rights can be can predict how the heart will react, and the care” and “cradle care,” this kind of place- legally terminated and their children placed foster family may choose to pursue adoption ment is generally for infants. The babies for adoption. The Adoption and Safe Families if it is legally possible. For more information, may need adoption, but for some reason Act of 1997 requires states to initiate or join go to foster-child.adoption.com. there is no family available at the moment. proceedings to terminate parental rights for In other cases, there may be a period of time parents whose children have been in foster Long-Term Foster Care before placement in the adoptive family while care 15 of the last 22 months. The purpose is Sometimes a child will come into foster parental rights are terminated. Babies may to allow these children the opportunity to be care in what is expected to be a short-term also be placed in transitional care while birth placed with permanent families more quickly placement, but events make it impossible for parents make a final decision on an adoption and minimize their time in foster care. the child to return home. Other times, fami- lies decide on long-term foster care instead placement. The amount of contact with birth Emergency Foster Care of adoption because they anticipate that they family members will depend on individual In some cases, children are left with will need a high level of support from social arrangements. no family to care for them, or their im- service providers for many years and want Therapeutic or Treatment Foster Care mediate removal from the current home to be sure of access to it. Or an older child Children sometimes come into foster is necessitated by extreme circumstances. will come into foster care and be adamant care medically fragile or severely emotion- Emergency foster families are specialists at that he or she does not want to be adopted. ally damaged. Foster parents may need to taking children with almost no notice. Often Ideally, a child will stay in the same home provide extensive medical support or mount the children are traumatized by the incident until adulthood, but unfortunately many an intensive campaign to improve these making them at least temporarily parentless, children are moved from one placement to children’s conditions. Some of these children requiring intensive help. another every few years or even months. In may have become delinquent, self-harming Fost-Adopt some states, foster parents and children sign or abusers of other children, animals or Fost-adopt programs were created to a long-term foster care agreement; however, adults. Or they may have been involved with bridge the gap between a child’s initial need it is not legally binding. A stable long-term drugs or prostitution. The last few decades for temporary care and the long-term need foster placement can seem very much like an have seen the development of a corps of for a permanent home. In fost-adopt pro- adoption to the child and foster parents But highly trained, dedicated specialist foster grams, social workers place the child with there is no real security because long-term parents to look after these children and pro- specially trained fost-adopt parents before fostering is rarely considered the best option, vide a therapeutic, safe environment for them the child’s biological parents’ rights have if an option at all, by social services since it is which may supplement professional medical been permanently terminated. Fost-adopt not legally permanent. In recent years, there care or therapy. This is a profession in itself parents make a commitment to adopt the have been a number of kinship applications and in most cases is paid accordingly. As in child if and when those rights are terminated for long-term or permanent foster care, often long-term fostering, many of these children and the child is legally free to be adopted. In called “relative foster care.” In these cases, develop permanent parent-child relation- fost-adopt programs (also known as foster- a child’s relatives have undertaken or want ships with their foster parents. adopt and foster-to-adopt), efforts at family to undertake care but for various reasons, reunification may still be ongoing—or bio- including legal responsibility or financial logical parents may be appealing a decision burden, are unable to. With the assistance of to terminate their parental rights. Children foster parent care allowances, the child can Sources: adoption.com, fosterparenting.com are generally considered less likely than remain within their own family. and author Roger R. Fenton.
30 Spring 2005
Something Fresh for Spring f ro m S h o p CA S A (800) 628 3233 x262
NEW ITEMS Someone There for Me Premium CASA Ink Pen “The children whose stories New! The Premium C ASA Ink Pen has blue ink, an easy-to-hold dark blue triangular fill this book...had someone barrel with silver accents and the CASA logo engraved on the side. who stood up for them when Item #7014 $6.00 it mattered most.” CASA Logo Earrings —Antwone Fisher N ew ! CA S A L o go D rop E a rr i n g s c o m e i n go l d o r s i l ver. T h e l o go m e a s u res $2.25 each 3/8”—about half the size of the CASA logo lapel pin. For pierced ears only. Sale Excerpt from foreword Item #7016G (gold) $8.00 by Antwone Fisher Item #7016S (silver) $8.00 Priced CASA Commuter Bag New! The CASA Commuter Bag is made of top-quality black polycanvas with the CASA logo embroidered in gold. Bag measures 12-¼” tall, 16-½” wide and 2-3/8” thick, expanding to 4” when the gusset is opened. Local Brochure Presentation Folder Item #7015 $25.00 & Poster
Presentation Folder New Photos! Our black & white folder has been updated. For the same great price , you can now order full-color folders featuring photos from our new photo campaign. Inside pockets have a slit for your business card on one side and a slit for including a CD-ROM or DVD on the other side . Item #2050 $1.50 Item #2050B $1 when ordering 50 or more
Local Brochures New Photos! Full color tri-fold brochure featuring photos from our new photo campaign creatively tells what our volunteers do and why as well as asking the reader to donate . The brochure also opens to reveal a poster. There is a large space on the back for local program information. Available in bundles of 100. Item #2074C (CASA logo) $25/bundle shopcasa.orgshopcasa.org Item #2074CB (CASA logo in bulk) $20/bundle when ordering 1000 or more
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage P A I D National CASA Association Seattle, WA Permit No. 1905 100 West Harrison Street North Tower, Suite 500 Seattle, WA 98119-4123