Stand up for an Abused Child® W

Winter 2007 Vol. 23, No. 1

News and Information from the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association

Stand Up

for an

Abused

Child ®

Advocating for Foster Youth in Special Education

Also in This Issue: Guest Editorials by Foster Parent and Former Foster Youth Top Tips: Maintaining Balance as a Volunteer Summer Camp Resources that the children be placed in suitable homes with foster parents or next of kin, at least for the time being. Volunteer VOICE My third CASA case initially made me somewhat ner- vous, but it all ended well. The judge was ready to take the children away from the mother. Instead, he chose to put by Emogene Pye a CASA volunteer on the case to see what was taking the Volunteer, Wayne County CASA mother so long to comply with the court order. I do believe in keeping the children together if we can. The mother Detroit, MI really loved her children. It took a lot of investigating to get this family back together, but I did that. And now they are doing fine. At one point, the mother lost her job and went to a shelter My CASA friends call me Jeanie Pye. I retired in 1996 after for awhile. But she had enough confidence in me as a CASA 32 years with the Ford Motor Company, where my job was volunteer that she called and asked me to advocate for letting to make seat covers for cars and trucks. I then traveled to the father take the children rather than putting them back Europe and other places, which I enjoyed. But after awhile, I into the system. I spoke with the father and did some other had to find something else to do with my time. So I got more checking to make sure this was the right solution. Then I involved in my church committees. I also went to art school called the caseworker. She agreed to let the father care for the and learned to draw and do many arts and crafts. I love it! children. This is just one example of why While in school, I was looking for a picture to draw and it is so important to work together came across the word CASA. I read what it was all about, and with the other people involved it stuck with me. I eventually called the 800 number and was in a case. referred to Wayne County CASA in Detroit. I have kept in touch with I have been a CASA advocate for eight years now. this family even though the My dedication to each family has made me act like their case is closed, so I will always shadow, trying to lead them in the right direction that will know how they are doing. As help them to reunite with their children. Or when that’s they grow up, the children are not possible, to have the child placed in a new, loving proving to be very bright. The adoptive home. girls have a 4.0 GPA, and the So far, I have worked with four families and 19 chil- boy has a 3.2. The mother has a dren. I like being a CASA volunteer because it makes new job and is doing fine. me feel that I’m giving something back to the community. If there had not been a CASA Anything I can do for children is always rewarding. I volunteer for these children, especially like to see the joy in their eyes when I’m sure they would have they get to see their mother for the first time been split up into dif- after they have been removed from their ferent homes. I am home and separated from each other. very proud of When I do my job as a CASA vol- what we do. Any- unteer and the parents do theirs, one who cares it’s usually possible for families about children, to stay together. Sometimes e s p e c i a l l y i f the mother is able to com- they have raised ply with the court order a family, could and the children be a good volun- return home. teer. I don’t think Other times, that there could a parent can’t be a better pro- or won’t get gram—for children t h e n e e d e d or for advocates services. Then I themselves—than have to recommend CASA.

2 Winter 2007 Surveys Inform Recruitment Campaign for New Volunteers Mimi Feller, President

Do you know how you feel when a bad cold/flu descends on those who inquire about CASA work are either current or you? Scratchy throat, watery eyes in slits because they hurt retired teachers. Again, the shared qualities of nurturing and so much...well, you know the rest! When Michael Piraino hopeful futures. and I visited the Pine Ridge Reservation and Oglala Lakota Is there a National CASA strategic partnership with teachers’ CASA program in South Dakota in November, we met Judge groups in our future? I hope so! Emory, who was having one of those miserable days. Yet his whole face changed—lit up—when he spoke passionately Another example of new learning is that about 12% of about the difference the CASA program makes in Pine Ridge. people who respond to our outreach efforts go on to become Judge Emory also stressed the importance of honoring the active CASA and GAL volunteers. We also learned that local “extended family” in our work with children there. programs do a great job of following up on the volunteer inquiries we send them. The potential volunteers in our study I had wanted to learn first-hand about CASA efforts on tribal rate their satisfaction with local CASA program follow-up reservations. Arlana Bettelyoun, Oglala Lakota CASA director, with four points on a five-point scale. and Sara Kelly, South Dakota state director, made this possible. The research also drives home the value of timely response I came away with a firm belief that National CASA and many to prospective volunteers. Success with potential volunteers/ state directors must continue to work together and invest in donors is more likely if we respond to their inquiries within a ways to advocate for our Native American children. week or less. Fully 72% of participants in our study received Our tribal efforts are part of National CASA’s overall goal to a response within a week and 21% within a few weeks, so significantly increase the number of advocates and children our programs are doing a solid job. We also learned that it is served by 2008. Key to achieving this is reaching out to important to find ways to engage potential volunteers whose prospective CASA and GAL volunteers (and donors too) in schedules currently prevent them from taking cases. our CBS public service spots, “Grow CASA” marketing and From a separate set of in-depth interviews with potential other appeals. volunteers/donors, we learned that people are most But how do we know if such outreach efforts are successful? motivated to help the CASA cause when they see our work National CASA is committed to measuring results. Some as helping to move children from living in temporary foster recent examples are the following. care to living in nurturing, permanent homes. This can mean This past summer we surveyed over 1,500 people who reuniting the children with their birth parents once the homes made inquiries to National CASA over a 12-month period. have been made stable and safe or, when that is not possible, Our research concentrated on how people learn about the placement with a caring relative or adoptive parent(s). CASA cause, who they are, why they seek us out, satisfaction Finally, donors and volunteers are motivated by the with the response to their inquiries and conversion rate to opportunity to help their entire community by ensuring that volunteering. its children are more closely and safely connected to families, Some results were expected, others were surprising. schools, friends and neighbors. The research confirmed that women over 40 are well Using the insights gained through this research, National CASA represented among prospective volunteers, as are people has created a new volunteer and donor recruitment advertising who enjoy gardening (nurturing, new beginnings, growth) campaign, which our programs and volunteers are receiving as as a favorite pastime. More revealing was the finding that you read this. We are off to a strong 2007 and, because of you, internet information and television PSAs are key prompters we are closer to realizing our vision of a CASA or GAL volunteer to possible volunteers. We also found that roughly 25% of for every child who needs one.

inside the

A publication of the National CASA Association, representing 948 program offices and 53,847 CASA volunteers Voices & Viewpoints nationwide. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a na- Volunteer Voice, Emogene Pye ...... 2 tionwide movement of community volunteers who speak up for the best interests of abused and neglected children. Message from the President ...... 3 CASA volunteers work for the judge to review and monitor cases of children who become part of the juvenile The Advocate’s New Clothes justice system. CASA volunteers work closely with the child Guest Editorial by John M. Palladino, PhD ...... 5 and family to bring an independent assessment of the case to court, recommending to the judge what is best for the child’s Will the Tortoise Win the Race? future. Guest Editorial by Former Foster Youth ...... 12 CASA volunteers help prevent children from becoming “lost” in the child welfare system. CASA gives children Closing Words from Judge Hatchett ...... 26 a chance to grow up in safe, permanent homes. Mimi Feller...... President Marcia Sink...... Immediate Past President Special Features & Profiles Hon. Ernestine Gray...... Vice President Advocating for Foster Youth in Special Education ...... 7 Michael Piraino...... Chief Executive Officer James Clune...... Chief Communications Officer Michael Skinner...... Managing Editor Sharon Heiber...... Contributing Editor Regular Features Brian Lew...... Contributing Editor Child Welfare News ...... 14 The Connection is designed to keep CASA programs, volunteers and the public abreast of the latest news and Novel Volunteer Book Club ...... 15 developments affecting CASA’s work with abused and Top Tips for Volunteers: Maintaining Balance ...... 16 neglected children. Written contributions are welcome. Published quarterly by the National CASA Association. Resources for Foster Youth—Summer Camp ...... 17 The Connection is produced and paid for by the National Association News ...... 18 CASA Association. This project was supported by Cooperative Agreement Pointers from Programs ...... 20 No. 2002-CH-BX-K001 from the Office of Juvenile Justice Off the Newswire ...... 21 & Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice. Points of view or opinions in this Awards & Recognition...... 22 document are those of the authors and do not necessarily People in the News ...... 23 represent the official position or policies of the US Depart- ment of Justice. Donor Memorial Gifts ...... 24 Unless otherwise noted, children in Connection photos CASA Crossword ...... 25 are not from actual abuse and neglect cases.

Support provided by the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation

Subscriptions: $35 for one year. Subscriptions to The Connection are included as part of National CASA Association membership. © 2007 by the National CASA Association, 100 W. Harrison, North Tower - Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98119-4123. Phone (206) 270-0072 or (800) 628-3233 Fax (206) 270-0078. Email: [email protected] nationalcasa.org and casanet.org All rights reserved.

Winter 2007 The Advocate’s New Clothes

Guest Editorial By John M. Palladino, PhD Assistant Professor of Special Education, Eastern Michigan University Foster Parent

My journey through foster care advocacy caseload but were overtaxed with other rived, we learned the boys had missed over has always reflected my role as a CASA vol- pressing matters. After all, the court system 75 days of school each year. Their profiles unteer, the core of all that I hope to provide typically requests court reports, not report mirrored the common educational plight on behalf of youth in care. My “inner CASA” cards. I began to understand why education of children in care. keeps me honest, focused and commit- was not always their top priority. My main goal became making sure the ted—even now that I’ve put aside volunteer For Ms. Wilson’s volunteers, education boys attended school each day. I immedi- advocacy to serve as a foster parent. was a consistent concern. We were the lead- ately encountered barriers. The boys needed It all began in Omaha, where, as a spe- ers who made sure that individual youths’ medical attention for their asthma. Available cial education administrator, I encountered educational services were addressed. One of doctors who accepted Medicaid patients re- children who lived in foster care. I noted my cases involved a high school boy, Randy, quired daytime appointments. They needed how my students endured hardships that who was 17 years old and still considered glasses, and the only optometrist available also entry into the system only exacerbated. a freshman. Randy changed schools several required that the boys miss school. Poor attendance, improper clothing and times during his tumultuous foster care his- Family visits further complicated despondent affects were commonplace. tory. He was never in one place long enough matters. The boys are part of a larger sib- It appeared as if no one cared about their to earn credits to advance to his senior year. ling group. Visits and counseling sessions education. School simply was not a bleep Through my advocacy, Randy was able to had to be scheduled during the day. This on anyone’s radar. embrace postsecondary vocational training caused the boys to miss school one morn- I did, however, meet several students and prepare for life after foster care. ing a week. who had on their side committed case pro- I relocated from Nebraska to Michigan My frustration in optimizing school fessionals concerned about their education. four years ago to begin a career as a special stability for my foster sons further con- The consistent variable throughout these education college professor. Although vinces me that CASA volunteers are vital cases was the presence of a CASA volunteer. Michigan’s slogan is “Great Lakes, Great stakeholders in this issue. They can sym- I thought, “Should I become a CASA? Is that Places,” the 6,000 youth in its foster care pathize with case professionals’ and foster the route to securing educational and emo- system could benefit from greater effort. parents’ roadblocks—yet do so while cham- tional stability in these young people?” I decided it was time to incorporate my pioning for and achieving ideal resolutions I contacted Nancy Wilson, director of CASA skills into a new role: foster parent. for children. I hope that this issue of The Douglas County’s CASA program. We vis- Six months ago, two boys arrived in Connection motivates and assists volunteers ited about the ins and outs of volunteering. my home (ages 7 and 9). No school files in making education a top priority for the I will never forget her wise words: accompanied their placement. I knew the youth we serve. “If you’re going to do this, I need you ropes and thought I could access their to be there from start to finish. It’s the one records within 48 hours...the documents gift we can provide. Otherwise, you will just arrived four months later! Telephone calls, be one more revolving door in these kids’ emails and dropping my “PhD” status did The Connection normally includes an lives; they deserve better.” not speed up the process. editorial from an expert to complement the I decided to fulfill Ms. Wilson’s charge. At the very least, I knew I could estab- ideas of another author writing the feature Over five years, I learned first hand the lish proactive collaborations with their new article. In the case of special education, however, we were fortunate to meet a other side of the educational story. I met teachers. My experiences as advocate, teach- subject-matter expert who also has very wonderful caseworkers, foster parents, er and professor informed my approach. In personal experience related to his specialty. guardians ad litem and counselors. These response, two extremely dedicated teachers As called for in CASA best practices, he is committed professionals genuinely cared set out to address the boys’ academic and taking a break from volunteering while about the education of the youth on their behavioral deficits. Once the records ar- serving as a foster parent.

Caribe Royale Resort June 9–12 2007 Orlando, Florida

Celebrate 30 Years of the CASA Cause for Abused Children

Why not combine training that will improve your child advocacy, networking with peers and leaders in the field—and enjoying fun in the sun? Join us in Orlando for the National CASA Conference, with workshops on 60 practical topics, inspirational keynote addresses and an awards banquet recognizing child welfare leaders. We’re saving trees and postage this year with paperless registration. Visit casanet.org/conference to learn more or register now.

Special Discounts In appreciation of the work that CASA and GAL volunteers do, we now offer a volunteer discount of $50 off the conference registration rate. Visit casanet.org/conference for more information on this discount as well as special rates for students and National CASA members.

Winter 2007 Advocating for Foster Youth in Special Education By John M. Palladino, PhD

The child welfare system is riddled whom “the system” protected them. The the connection between child abuse/ne- with complex policies and procedures apparent vicious cycle precludes positive glect and academic or behavioral deficits. created to protect the families and youth solutions that a viable education could Although some foster children and adoles- it serves. Understandably, the demands of provide. Education serves as a gateway to cents succeed or even excel in their educa- court reports, family service plans, foster positive outcomes, and its stability should tional programs, many display academic home placements as well as other legal and occur at all levels, elementary through and behavioral problems that necessitate managerial tasks exhaust service providers’ post-secondary. interventions associated with special edu- time. As a result, youths’ educational needs Securing viable educational opportuni- cation. Bernice, a second-grade teacher in are often overlooked. CASA volunteers, ties for foster youth requires awareness of North Dakota, shares her awareness of the with their best interest mandate, are need for academic intervention: in an ideal position to offer insights “I believe that foster care and direction for foster care youths’ children are not always able to educational stability. work to their fullest potential. The typical foster youth will Unresolved family issues make it spend 33 months in foster care dur- difficult for the child to focus on ing which time at least three years of his or her studies. They usually schooling will occur. This reality is arrive in their new school without most pronounced among the 50% of any advance warning and without youth who are 11 years old or older. any former school records. It takes Oftentimes the youth will have expe- awhile to determine their strengths rienced multiple school placements and weaknesses and to plug them prior to their entry into care. Thus, a into the correct academic setting. need exists for consistent educational But...they are usually far, far below advocacy from the onset of the youth’s all academic benchmarks.” placement until reunification or other Andrea, a CASA volunteer permanency objectives are met (Bass, from Nebraska, has experienced Shields, & Behrman; Massinga & many school problems in her CASA Pecora; Conger & Finkelstein; Em- cases: erson & Lovitt). “Not once have I been a CASA One only needs to examine the for a child or teen without some form bleak outcomes of aging-out foster of gap in their educational profile. care adolescents to understand the For the young ones, the problem has need for greater educational advocacy. usually sprung from ADD [Atten- The teenagers typically begin their tion Deficit Disorder], and teachers independent lives entangled in at-risk see me coming in the front door of problems, such as poverty, jobless- the school and say, ‘Amen, you are ness, homelessness, experimentation here! Help!’ For the older students, with controlled substances and no it’s all about their bouncing around post-high school educational or vo- [from foster placement to placement] cational plans. They begin to develop and never earning enough credits to profiles similar to the caregivers from graduate or even move on to the next

Continued on page 8

Education (continued from page 7) page. They’re so far behind and lack the Important Definitions Related to Special Education skills to pull themselves forward, so they When working with a child who • An inability to maintain satisfactory just drop out. Can you blame them?” has been diagnosed with a disability, the interpersonal relationships with It is incorrect to assume that all foster peers or teachers child’s advocate would do well to ask, care students require special education • A general pervasive mood of un- “Who determines these criteria?” and to happiness or depression services or other similar interventions. question the meaning of terms within • A tendency to develop physical However, research suggests that the need each definition below. This can help symptoms or fears associated with for educational advocacy on behalf of foster personal or school problems individualize the support provided to the youth with disabilities is great. Intervention child in question. Furthermore, an observed behavior should address both academic and behav- problem must adversely affect educa- Learning Disability ioral problems. tional performance and must occur A learning disability (LD) is a frequently, over time and be of sufficient Academic Problems discrepancy between one’s intellectual intensity to evoke concern. An educa- ability and actual achievement in school. Children typically enter foster care tional advocate may well ask, “What The Individuals with Disabilities Educa- with deficit skills in the core academic areas about students who do not display dis- tion Act (IDEA) further defines it as a of reading, math and writing that warrant ruptive/negative classroom behavior but condition in which a student is unable to a learning disability label. Approximately have unmet emotional needs?” succeed with research-validated instruc- 75% of the children perform below grade tional interventions. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity level. Fifty percent of these students have Disorder Emotional-Behavioral Disability repeated a grade. Researchers have cited The Individuals with Disabilities The Individuals with Disabilities children’s exposure to alcohol and drugs as Education Act is the federal legislation Education Act defines an emotional-be- well as constant school placement changes that classifies Attention Deficit/Hyperac- havioral disability (EBD) as problematic as core risk factors (e.g., Evans; McMillen, tivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) as “other behavior in one or more of the following Auslander, Elze, White, & Thompson; health impairment.” The American areas: Zetlin, Weinberg, & Kimm). Psychiatric Association defines ADHD • An inability to learn that cannot be John De Vivo, licensed master social explained by intellectual, sensory or as a pattern of frequent and severe inat- health factors tention or impulsivity. worker and regional director of Lutheran Social Services in Ann Arbor, MI, con-

Winter 2007 siders learning deficits to be the norm in foster care: National Working Group on Foster Care and Education “Rarely does a child or teenager enter into care with a solid foundation in academics. To ensure successful educational care and for those responsible for their outcomes for children and youth in well-being. The Working Group is com- It would be an injustice to the youth and the foster care across the country, these ten mitted to heightening awareness of the entire foster care system if academics are not organizations have joined together as the educational needs of children and youth at the forefront of our efforts.” National Working Group on Foster Care in care as well as to promoting best and Behavioral Problems and Education: promising practices and reforms across Research has identified significantly • ABA Center on Children and the Law educational, child welfare and juvenile higher rates of mental health needs among (abanet.org/child) and family court systems. • American Public Human Services youth in foster care. The prevalence offers a Association (aphsa.org) The goals of the Working Group are to rationale for why psychologists and school • Casey Family Programs (casey.org) promote: personnel have labeled between 50% and • Child Welfare League of America • Educational stability for children and youth in foster care 80% of the nation’s foster care population (cwla.org) • Education Law Center • Seamless educational transitions for with an emotional-behavioral disability (Pennsylvania) (elc-pa.org) children and youth when education (EBD). Similar to learning disabilities, • Juvenile Law Center (jlc.org) changes do occur EBDs are often deep-seated conditions • National CASA (nationalcasa.org) • High quality educational experiences, expectations and aspirations • National Child Welfare Resource intensified by entry into foster care (e.g., for young people in foster care Center on Legal and Judicial Issues Marcus; Shinn; Sullivan). (abanet.org/child/rclji) • Greater national attention to the Sexual abuse often precipitates negative • National Council of Juvenile and disparate educational outcomes for Family Court Judges (ncjfcj.org) young people in foster care, particu- internalized behaviors (low self-esteem, pas- larly children and youth of color sivity, withdrawn affect, helplessness). Physi- • National Foster Parents Association (nfpainc.org) The Working Group is committed cal abuse typically manifests in damaging This effort grew out of joint recogni- to multi-year efforts to reach its goals. To externalized behaviors (aggression, noncom- tion that only with collaboration could learn more about the National Working pliance, impulsivity). Neglected children practice, policy and cultural changes Group on Foster Care and Education, demonstrate both types of behaviors. Youths’ take place that will support educational please contact Carmela Welte, National abilities to cope with EBDs depend on secure stability and achievement as priorities CASA deputy CEO, at 800-628-3233, attachments with foster parents and other in the lives of children and youth in ext. 203. adult caregivers. Yet behavior problems often result from youths’ release of rage and anger towards the one available adult presence in their lives, foster parents. Responding to Special Educational Needs Foster care status should not be an automatic gateway to special education. Researchers have confirmed a significant overrepresentation of foster youth in programs designed to serve students with severe behavior disabilities. Advocates should ask, “Do foster youth genuinely need to be placed in such programs, or do biases drive the decision?” Placing a child in special education should be done only to meet defined needs (deficits), accentuate strengths and work towards measurable goals. While a special education classification can be beneficial, it Continued on page 10

Education (continued from page 9) can also reinforce the negative stereotypes and low educational expectations of foster youth that are already all too prevalent. So it is important to only “label to enable.” No student should be in a program that inappropriately limits the student’s potential. Likewise, educational advocates should not look to special education placement as a “fix” or “cure” for learning or behavioral difficulties. The field of special education acknowledges disabilities as lifelong conditions. Success in school significantly increases the likelihood that foster youth will be able to manage the transition to adulthood. Yet, despite the importance of education, it is rarely a priority in the foster care system. CASA volunteers can make a difference in this arena by focusing their advocacy in the three special education-related areas Assessment An important element of the interven- discussed below: assessment, monitoring Advocate for assessment if the youth is tion plan is to help students understand and transition planning. having school difficulties. Rule special edu- their academic-behavioral limitations as cation in or out. If services are needed, the well as their strengths to overcome them. goal is immediate transition into a special Foster care provides a teachable timeframe education program. This process is often in which life skills can be developed and Other Websites Supporting hindered by lack of school records. CASA sustained. Birth family, where possible, as Educational Advocacy volunteers with their unique role and access well as caseworkers, foster parents, CASA Annie E. Casey Foundation (aecf.org) may be able to speed record transfers. The volunteers, teachers and others should Works to build better futures for disad- two elements of a student’s file most helpful collaborate to identify and encourage the vantaged children and their families by in assessing disabilities are: development of coping skills in foster youth fostering public policies, human service • Individualized Educational Program (IEP): with disabilities. reforms and community supports. A document detailing educational and behavioral goals as well as services to help Planning for Transition out of The Future of Children the student cope with a disability. Related Foster Care (futureofchildren.org) services should be documented, includ- Advocate for services necessary to Provides research and analysis to pro- ing whether an educational surrogate has mote effective policies and programs been named and, if so, who it is. prepare foster youth for adulthood. Equally important, discuss the future with them. for children. You can sign up for email • Assessment Records: Scores from formal notification and a brief update whenever and informal tests as well as other school Researchers and practitioners have sounded new material is added to the site. measures that document the student’s the alarm about the poor preparation of current level of performance. LDonline (ldonline.org) foster care youth for post-high school pur- Seeks to help children and adults reach Monitoring suits. While child welfare has earmarked their full potential by providing informa- Monitor the progress of a student with limited funds for foster youths’ vocational tion and advice about learning disabilities disabilities. Make sure the intervention and college expenses, funding is only part and ADHD. You can sign up for ld news- line, the latest national news on LD and plan is reviewed periodically and revised as of the equation for success. Nick, a CASA ADHD emailed daily. needed. Finding appropriate accommoda- volunteer from Nebraska, states:

United States Department of Health tions (interventions) requires trial and error, “My CASA teenager really needed lots and Human Services/Administration since no two disability profiles are alike. of help. I asked all the case professionals for Children and Families (acf.hhs.gov) Developmental changes and other external about monies available to help him. I... Provides information about services factors may alter needs or strategies over found programs that emphasized his vo- for families; policy and planning; and research. time. Foster youths’ experiences of abuse cational goals and got all the applications and neglect further complicate matters. for him to complete. It went nowhere.

10 Winter 2007 Educational advocacy at this stage CASA Volunteers and Helpful Publications works best when it involves the youth Educational Advocacy and their caregivers in planning. Does CASA volunteer involvement in edu- Please also note the references cited cational advocacy varies from program to at lower right. the teenager eventually want to attend college? Drive a car? Join the Army? Buy program. Some volunteers assume the role Casey Family Programs (2006). It’s my a house? One tool a CASA volunteer of educational surrogate. Others participate life: Postsecondary education and train- in special education planning in a less struc- ing. Seattle, WA. Available at casey. can use to talk about the future is a tured way. Regardless, CASA volunteers org/resources/publications/imlpostsec- vision plan. Ask foster youth to share ondaryed.htm. their perceptions of what a typical day, should be cognizant of the three types of advocacy discussed in this article and do Lavoie, R. (2005). It’s so much work to month and year will look like at age their best to see that a concerned, capable be your friend: Helping the child with 18. Help the student link present skills adult has ongoing involvement in education learning disabilities find success. New with future aspirations. Talk about what issues throughout a youth’s placement in York, NY: Touchstone. elements are necessary for success, what foster care. McNaught, K. (2005). Mythbusting: may be missing and how it might be Breaking down confidentiality and added before exiting the foster care sys- decision-making barriers to meet the tem. Start early. Preparation for aging John Palladino is assistant professor of special education needs of children in foster education at Eastern Michigan University care. Washington, DC: American Bar out of foster care takes at least three to and the foster father of two boys. He can be Association Center on Children and the four years of planning. reached at [email protected]. Law. Available at abanet.org/child/rclji/ One example is Joe, a 15-year-old education/caseyeducationproject.pdf. foster youth who wants to study car mechanics at a vocational school. He cur- References rently attends an Bass, S., Shields, M., & Behrman, R. (2004). “Children, families, and foster care: Analysis alternative school and recommendations,” The Future of Children, due to his behav- 14(1), 5-29. ior disability. He Conger, D., & Finkelstein, M. (2003). “Foster care and school mobility,” Journal of Negro also struggles with Education, 72, 97-103. academics due to Emerson, J., & Lovitt, T. (2003). “The poor reading skills. educational plight of foster children in schools and what can be done about it,” Remedial & Joe’s foster parents Special Education, 24, 199-203. are willing to pro- Evans, L. (2004). “Academic achievement of vide care for him students in foster care: Impeded or improved?” Psychology in the Schools, 41, 527-535. until he reaches Marcus, R. (1991). “The attachments of age 18. The foster children in foster care,” Genetic, Social and parents have never General Psychology Monographs, 117, 367-398. Massinga, R., & Pecora, P. (2004). “Providing provided care for a better opportunities for older children in the teenager before and child welfare system,” The Future of Children, do not know how 14(1), 151-174. McMillen, C., Auslander, W., Elze, D., White, to help Joe other T., & Thompson, R. (2003). “Educational than to make sure experiences and aspirations of older youth in he goes to school foster care,” Child Welfare, 82, 475-495. Shin, S. (2003). “Building evidence to promote every day. Ideal educational competence of youth in foster care,” educational advo- Child Welfare, 82, 615-632. Why? Because I did not discuss, at length, cacy would engage Sullivan, P., & Knutson, J. (2000). “Maltreatment and disabilities: A population- this whole new scary future for a young man Joe, the foster parents, caseworker and based epidemiological study,” Child Abuse & who didn’t even know what tomorrow was other caregivers in planning benchmarks Neglect, 24, 1257-1273. going to look like, never mind next month needed for him to realistically be ready Zetlin, A., Weinberg, L,, & Kimm, C. (2004). “Improving education outcomes for children in or next year. You’ve got to start at ground for school or vocational enrollment in foster care: Intervention by education liaison,” zero and meet them at their levels.” three years. Journal for Students Placed at Risk, 9, 421-429.

11 Will the Tortoise Win the Race? I’m 20 and still in high school. by Eric Green

to think I was not intelligent enough to a difficult task. I stopped believing that I pass high school classes. I would sit in class could ever pass, even if I got all the extra looking at the assignment while everyone help in the world. I thought I’d never be a else completed theirs. successful person. Everybody says you need to graduate Sometimes when I took an assignment Then I began to refuse to do classwork. from high school to succeed in life. But seriously I’d do well. Then I’d feel proud I’d spend my time writing poems or draw- what if you just can’t pass your classes? and confident. Most of the time, though, I’d ing pictures—two things I know I’m good Should you keep trying? I’m 20 years old become overwhelmed and frustrated. at. When the teacher asked me about the and I’m still in the 11th grade. I failed 9th “I Tried My Hardest” assignment I was supposed to be doing, I’d grade once and failed 10th grade three Once, in math class, I got extra help have nothing to show. times. I’m not sure I’ll ever graduate. and did all of my assignments. When I got “Inattentive” and “Uncooperative” Until 9th grade, I was in special educa- my report card, I saw that my math teacher I hoped that my teachers would notice tion classes. In elementary school, I felt like had given me a 65. that I was angry, or lost. But when I took the smartest kid in the class. I was a straight “Why did you give me a 65?” I asked my adoptive mother, Lorine, to my par- A student. In junior high, I constantly got him. ent-teacher conferences, my teachers only 100s on spelling quizzes, and sometimes “You didn’t do well on the exams,” seemed frustrated. made the honor roll. he said. One teacher told her, “Eric is a very In sixth grade, I started to have trouble I was furious. Didn’t he know I was talented poet and artist, but he doesn’t do for the first time. When my math teacher working as hard as I could? Didn’t he un- the work that is required of him. He just called me up to the board to solve a prob- derstand how it feels to try hard but not sits in the back of the classroom and writes lem, I was the slowest one to finish in the be rewarded or recognized? I thought I his poems. He is very inattentive and unco- whole class. Some of my teachers yelled deserved a better grade because of my effort, operative. He’s a nice young man. I know and screamed at me. One teacher called me even if I couldn’t do well on the tests. he can do better.” “slow” and “stupid.” I began to hate her and Situations like that made me feel ne- Lorine said, “You see, that’s the same think of myself as stupid. On good days, glected by my teachers. Growing up, my exact thing that I be telling him. He gets I’d tell myself, “I’m smart, just not as quick parents and my first foster parent neglected mad and starts to cop an attitude. He as other people.” me. My biological parents would disappear doesn’t like to study, or do his homework. “I’m Not Slow” without a trace and leave my siblings and Every day he just comes home and sits on In the 9th grade, I got switched to me in the house for hours. They didn’t seem the floor and draws and writes poems.” regular classes and went to the resource to notice who I was or what I needed. Every teacher we met told my mother room for extra help. In my regular classes, “I’ll Never Catch Up” the same thing. Even my art teacher, whose students talked down to kids in special ed., I felt the same way when my teachers class is my favorite, told her, “Eric is not pay- calling us slow. I’d think, “That’s where overlooked the efforts I made, or stood ing attention in class, he does not do the as- you’re wrong. I go to resource room because by while other kids in the class teased me signments. Eric does what he wants to do.” I have a learning disability, and I’m willing and called me names. I felt that some of “School Won’t Help Me” to get as much help as possible.” But I kept my teachers did not want to deal with me I felt embarrassed because it was the my mouth shut because I didn’t want to get anymore and didn’t pay attention to me truth. One day in my art class, the task was teased even more. when I asked for help. I felt lonely and to draw a still life of a bowl of fruit. While That year, my biological mom died. isolated and stuck with problems that I the rest of the class was drawing the fruit, My mind was not on school at all. Suddenly couldn’t solve. I was doing my own drawings, because I school was too hard. I seemed to have lost Eventually, I stopped asking for help. only like to draw self-portraits, cartoon my ability to understand the work. I began I’d feel stupid any time I tried to complete characters and washing machines.

12 Winter 2007 I knew that I should do what was asked “Is There Something Wrong With Me?” and you should not use that diagnosis as of me instead of being troublesome. But when Lately, though, I’ve run into some an excuse.” Lorine asked me why I wouldn’t cooperate new obstacles. In New York, you have to I also told some of my teachers, who with my teachers, I was too embarrassed to pass certain exams to graduate. I’ve taken told me, “You need to have confidence come out with the reason for my behavior— some of those exams—in history and Eng- in your abilities. You have potential and that I felt like a failure. So I said, “I believe lish—and I’ve failed all of them, some more the intelligence to succeed. You’re smart, that school should suit my interests. I don’t than once. creative, artistic and unique. You write understand how learning math will help me And last year, I was looking through beautiful poetry. Do not punish yourself become a poet or an artist!” my file and I found out that I’d been di- like that, Eric. Believe in yourself.” Finally, the anxiety and the feeling of agnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. I Right now, I’m not sure what to wasting my life got to be too much. I told looked that up on the internet and found believe about myself. Some days I feel out that it’s a problem affecting children smart and hopeful, other days I’m dis- my mother, “I am dropping out.” whose mothers drank a lot while they were couraged. On those days, I don’t even try “If you decide to drop out of high pregnant. It listed these characteristics: to work toward graduation. I just sit in school, then you can leave this house and • Difficulty getting along with friends my classes, drawing and writing poetry. live with someone else,” Lorine said. and family Those are my talents, and when I look at A New School • Mental retardation the words and pictures I’ve created, I feel Luckily, my counselor helped me • Growth deficiencies like it doesn’t matter if I succeed in high transfer to a smaller high school where I • Behavior problems school or not. • Incomplete education could get more attention. I thought that Still, if I don’t graduate, I’ll feel like in a better environment I would do better Looking at the list, I thought to my- a fool for letting myself and my family in school and be able to go forward in life. self, “Do those traits describe me? Is there and friends down. I’m a smart person, I At first, I was more focused and willing something wrong with me?” want to succeed, and everybody’s in my to do the work. The teachers went out of I felt depressed. I feared that I might corner. My friends tell me, “Your mother their way to help me, and the students were never be a normal student and might never is right to be upset with you. You need an respectful and easy to get along with. graduate from high school. I felt angry that education.” My mom tells me, “I want to My counselor also explained to me that my biological mother drank (I remember see you with that paper in your hand.” having a learning disability is different from her drinking when I lived with her). I also I want to see that, too. being dumb. “When you’re a smart person worried that my brothers might have the with a learning disability, you can master an same thing. Eric Green graduated from City-As-School academic curriculum if you have plenty of “Everybody’s in My Corner” High School in June 2005. He is now a senior writer with Represent magazine. Reprinted assistance and you work hard. A dumb per- I went home and told Lorine what from Represent, Copyright 2005, with son is one who is unwilling to participate in I had read and how I felt. She refused to permission from Youth Communication/New classes or stick to the curriculum,” she said. believe it. She told me, “Eric, you’re smart York Center (youthcomm.org).

GET CONNECTED! The National CASA Assocation hosts several websites of interest to anyone who values promoting and supporting quality volunteer advocacy to help assure each child a safe, permanent, nurturing home. Visit the following sites to learn more.

NationalCASA.org CASAnet.org ShopCASA.org The National CASA website is one of CASAnet is designed to meet the needs A broad assortment of support materi- the strongest resources for recruiting of CASA program staff and volunteers, als and CASA/GAL promotional items is new volunteers and supporters for including the advocate’s library, program available through the ShopCASA site. state and local CASA/GAL programs. tools, updated information on national ini- The website contains volunteer stories tiatives and other material for download. along with information on recruitment, public NationalCASA.org/JudgesPage relations activities, news This webpage is dedicated to judges who and donating to National hear child welfare cases. Content is valu- CASA. able to other child advocates as well.

13 performance and peer rejection. What Do Child Welfare News Bystanders Do When Children Are Be- ing Bullied...And Why Do They Do It? is a Chapin Hall study of 6th- to 8th-grade Report Finds Higher Pregnancy (including aspects of foster care) and should students at a residential school. The study Rates Among Youth Aging Out implement changes in their schools to of Foster Care aimed to build understanding of children’s make them more responsive to the needs behavior when they witness bullying and The National Campaign to Prevent of adopted children. This is according to a the reasons why children defend victims, Teen Pregnancy asked the Chapin Hall new report released by the Evan B. Don- join in the bullying or avoid involvement. Center for Children to analyze its ongoing aldson Adoption Institute and the Center The goal was to investigate whether stu- study of youth aging out of foster care to for Adoption Support and Education. The dents make decisions to not defend victims examine the pregnancy, birth rates and sexual report, Adoption in the Schools: A Lot to because they believe that doing so would behavior of youth in the child welfare system. Learn, for the first time brings together be futile or dangerous. Researchers found Science Says: Foster Care Youth presents data research and years of broad experience that most students joined in bullying or on pregnancy and birth rates, sexual behavior on a range of issues that affect millions of withdrew from bullying situations rather and the use of reproductive health services children nationwide. As adoption becomes than defending victims. The evidence also among youth in foster care. The analysis increasingly common in the United States, showed that as students’ anti-bullying atti- reveals disproportionately high rates of sexual more and more adoptive families are con- tudes increased, their pro-bullying behavior activity, pregnancy and parenthood among fronting challenges when their children decreased and their defending behavior foster youth when compared to all teens, and attend school. The report offers recom- increased. Read the complete issue brief by those who age out of the child welfare system mendations for how educators can better searching for “bullying” at chapinhall.org. experience higher rates of pregnancy than meet these challenges. To read the full older adolescents who remain in care. Read Opportunity in America: report, go to adoptioninstitute.org/policy/ The Future of Children the complete brief by searching for “Science 2006_09_adoption_in_the_schools.php. Income and wealth in the United States Says” at chapinhall.org. Preparing for Adulthood: A Holistic are more unequally distributed than at any Synthesis of Research on Approach for Helping Youth Move time in the past half century. Yet Americans Disproportionality in Child Welfare Successfully from Foster Care have a deeply held belief in opportunity, and Almost 37% of the 500,000 children Congress passed the John H. Chafee most Americans think they, or at least their in foster care today are African-American, Foster Care Independence Act in 1999 children, will one day achieve the American yet they represent only 15% of the child to provide additional supports to young Dream. The latest volume of The Future of population in the US. A new study by the people to prepare them for aging out of Children reviews evidence on how close the Casey-Center for the Study of Social Policy foster care. Casey Family Programs also nation has come to this ideal and what might Alliance for Racial Equity documents that supports the successful transition of youth be done to improve opportunity. For more African-American children and youth are to adulthood with a collection of publica- information, visit futureofchildren.org and not only overrepresented in the nation’s tions, tools and events. This fourth release view the Fall 2006 edition of their journal. child welfare systems but are also subjected in Casey Family Programs’ Focus on Foster to poorer treatment within those systems Care series describes the critical transition CROSSWORD SOLUTION than are their Caucasian counterparts. The youth face as they leave foster care. The study is the first comprehensive summary brief includes the It’s My Life Framework of past and recent data examining racial and accompanying guides; Ansell-Casey disproportionality and disparities in treat- Life Skills Assessment and supplements; ment and services within the child welfare the Agency Self Assessment; and Casey’s system. It gives credence to concerns long guides to Chafee funding. Download voiced by child welfare professionals. Find Focus on Foster Care: Preparing for Adult- the report at casey.org/Resources/Publica- hood at casey.org/Resources/Publications/ tions/DisproportionalityResearch.htm. FoFC-Adulthood.htm. Schools Should Do More to Serve Exploring How Children React in Adopted Children Bullying Situations In order to give all students the best Bullying, which affects 20-40% of prospects for success, educators need to school-age children, can lead to low self- increase their knowledge about adoption concept, school avoidance, poor academic

14 Winter 2007 Jeannette’s mother, Rose Mary—a It is at this point that Jeannette—now preoccupied artist and self-described “ex- a teenager—realizes that she and her sib- citement addict”—shares her husband’s lings must take control of their lives and intellect and taste for adventure. She also escape from their parents. possesses a laissez-faire approach to parent- “...That entire summer when I was 13 ing and a conviction that suffering would ultimately forced me to face the truth: that build character in her children. This theory even if Dad did love me, he loved (or at least was perpetually tested by Jeannette and her needed) alcohol more. And by the end of siblings, who frequently went hungry and that summer I had to admit to myself that suffered a series of injuries due to their I could no longer kid myself into thinking parents’ neglect. that Dad was going to protect or save me; What sets The Glass Castle apart from that the only one who was going to save many contemporary, “tell-all” family mem- me was myself. So that’s when I started my oirs is that while Jeannette Walls’s story is escape fund,” Walls wrote in the Amazon. one of extreme neglect, it is also one of her com forum. parents’—particularly her father’s—love Today, Jeannette Walls is a regular The Glass Castle for the children. contributor to MSNBC. For years, she By Jeannette Walls “My father’s love for me—flawed as kept her early life a secret, finally sharing Nonfiction, Scribner, January 2006, it was—was pretty much what kept me her story when she published The Glass 304 pages, simonsays.com going when I was a kid. I had to believe in Castle in 2005. In her childhood memoir, The Glass him or I had nothing,” the author wrote in Castle, Jeannette Walls offers a blow-by- an Amazon.com forum. “I actually think blow description of growing up with If you are inspired to read The Glass that in many ways I was incredibly lucky Castle, whether on your own or with your parents whose capacity for loving their because I did feel loved and my parents book group, you may want to ponder some children is greater than their ability to care both put a huge emphasis on education and thought-provoking discussion questions. They for them. self-esteem,” she commented in another can be found at nationalcasa.org/news_events/ publications_connection.html. Jeannette and her three siblings spend online forum. their childhoods on the road. The itinerant But by the second half of the book, family travels around the West in a series of when they finally settle down in Rex Walls’s What books are you reading? Have you broken-down cars, following their alcoholic hometown of Welch, West Virginia, the read a book that inspired, motivated or father’s wild dreams and money-making family is in an extreme state. Rex disappears enlightened you about issues in child schemes. Though he was a brilliant and (at on drinking binges for days at a time; Rose welfare? Send your book suggestions for future CASA Book Club features along times) charismatic man, Rex Walls’s inabil- Mary is present but increasingly withdrawn, with comments and reflections on the ity to hold a job—along with a penchant for consumed by her own needs and her art. book to [email protected]. spending what money did come in at the The family is living in a dilapidated home Put “CASA Book Club Suggestion” in the local bars—leaves the family in a perennial with no indoor plumbing and a garbage pit title of your message. state of poverty. in the backyard.

15 Six Ways to Maintain Balance

Gwen Wesley Board Member, CASA of St. Louis County, Inc., St. Louis, MO Member, National CASA Curriculum Advisory Committee

As we advocate for our CASA children, it is important that we balance demands and values in our personal lives against demands and values in our advocacy roles. I was challenged all six years as a volunteer advocate (four cases, nine children) to maintain healthy relationships with my family and friends while I worked to establish effective relationships with the children, CASA staff and other service providers. It can be done. And when done well, all aspects of our lives are enriched and our children are best served. Here are a few of the lessons I learned along the way.

1. Establish boundaries. 3. Organize and prioritize. 5. Appreciate all successes. Being on call 24/7 for a child for We all get the same number of During the journey to permanency whom you are advocating is noble hours in each day. How we choose for your CASA child, take time to and heroic. However, for your to use those hours is left up to us. “see” successes. Sometimes, we own sake, there needs to be some Everything that comes our way is miss opportunities to celebrate be- time that belongs to you and your not necessarily ours to do. It is OK cause the ultimate goal has not been family. It is not in the child’s best to say “no.” As we manage our achieved. Small successes give us interest—nor yours—for the child cases and the rest of our lives, it is encouragement to continue our to become so totally dependent on important that we prioritize and then work. There will definitely be chal- his or her CASA volunteer that you release ourselves from guilt over not lenges along the way, but look for attempt to fulfill roles beyond the doing everything. By organizing and what went right or what lesson was scope of advocacy. (I am talking to prioritizing, we gain better control learned even in disappointments. myself on this one!) We are not to be of how we use our time. When I 6. Allow mental health breaks. the parent or legal guardian. In ad- accepted the responsibility of advo- With all of the demands on our time dition, sacrificing your own physical cacy for my cases, my family took on and energy, it is important to take safety is not heroic; it is dangerous. more responsibilities in our home. mental health breaks. Set aside some If you perceive danger, do not take Somewhat surprisingly, things time for yourself to do what you want the risk. Contact your supervisor, went well. Tasks that I thought only to do even if it is nothing more than the case worker, or, if need be, law I could handle were handled quite sitting, thinking or just watching enforcement to get help fast. Know nicely—albeit differently. grass grow. Every minute of every your limits and honor them. day should not be jam packed. That 4. Utilize resources. leads to burnout. An article by Henry 2. Facilitate collaboration and We are not meant to be every- Neils (assessment.com/mappmem- conflict resolution. thing to everybody—nor to know bers/avoidingburnout.asp) lists 13 As you interact with all parties sup- everything there is to know about signs as burnout indicators, including porting your case, try to see each everything! There are resources that chronic fatigue; cynicism, negativ- person as a contributing member of can better our lives and the lives ity and irritability; sleeplessness and the team with individual responsi- of the children we serve. These in- depression; feelings of helplessness; bilities. Stay focused on the ultimate clude service providers, community and increased risk-taking. It is your goal of getting a child out of foster groups, religious or other spiritual time; use it wisely to benefit all as- care and into a permanent, safe, lov- organizations, family and friends. pects of your life. ing home. Objectivity is extremely Pay attention to the total you—mind, important and requires that we bal- body and spirit. Your whole person For more information, see chapter 10 ance our desire for personal wins is affected by your advocacy role. of National CASA’s Volunteer Training against ultimate wins for our CASA Using available resources can help Manual. Here you will find helpful advice children. We must do our part and balance our workload and provide on self-care, safety and getting needed support facilitate others doing theirs. needed support. and supervision.

16 Winter 2007 Boys & Girls Clubs Boys & Girls Clubs of America have served millions of youth ages 6-18. Visit bgca.org/clubs to search for a local program. Camp Fire USA Camp Fire USA offers day and resi- Summer Camp dent camp programs across the country. To locate a day or resident camp in your area, go to campfireusa.org and click on While CASA advocacy is not focused • The process of selecting a summer “Go to Camp.” on extracurricular activities, many volun- camp is a family experience. Children and parents should review websites and Camp to Belong teers—once the basic needs of the children brochures, then discuss goals together. Approximately 75% of children in and youth they serve are met—take the • Parents should help children establish foster care are separated from at least one time to seek appropriate enrichment oppor- realistic expectations by explaining camp rules in advance. of their siblings at the time of placement. tunities. These can include such activities Each summer, more than 700 children are as music lessons and team sports. • Additional considerations include staff- to-camper ratios and a camp’s ability to reunited with their siblings during a week Summer camp is a rite of passage for accommodate special needs. at Camp to Belong-affiliated camps. For millions of American children and youth. Foster families looking for financial details, go to camptobelong.org or email Time spent at a day or resident camp offers [email protected]. opportunities to explore new interests and resources to fund a summer camp experi- develop skills and self-esteem. ence should start by talking with their Easter Seals For those in foster care, summer camp social worker, who is likely to have the Easter Seals meets the need for acces- can offer added benefits, according to Dya- best knowledge of local resources. Families sible camping for children with disabilities na Eckstein, enrichment programs manager may also want to approach child-serving at 140 camping and recreation facilities at Treehouse. This nonprofit organization agencies in their community and utilize across the country. Go to easterseals.com, in Seattle funds “additional supports,” personal connections with their own faith click on “Services” then “Camping and including tutoring and summer camp, for communities. CASA volunteers can help Recreation” to search for a camp in your local children in foster care. children and teens research local summer area. Or call 800-221-6827. “Summer camp introduces positive programs and potential sources of financial Hole in the Wall Gang Camps role models, while providing a much-need- assistance. If the local CASA program has Hole in the Wall Gang Camps are the ed opportunity to get away from it all, make a “Friends of CASA” auxiliary, volunteers world’s largest family of camps for children new friends and just be a normal kid,” says may be able to apply for funds to cover costs with serious illnesses and life-threatening Eckstein. “Going to summer camp allows of activities such as camp. conditions. Children with cancer, sickle children in foster care to share a common According to the American Camp cell anemia, HIV/AIDS and many other experience with their peers.” Association, 90% of summer camp direc- conditions go to camp free of charge and Residential summer camps can also tors report offering campers some level of experience the simple joys of childhood provide respite for caretakers and give youth without compromising any of their medi- in foster care opportunities to connect with financial assistance. Early planning is im- cal needs thanks to state-of-the-art medical siblings living in other homes (see “Camp portant for caregivers seeking scholarships care. Visit holeinthewallgang.org. to Belong” below). and “camperships.” Eckstein suggests that youth and their Following are some national organiza- YMCA foster families consider the following when tions that operate day and resident camps More than 80% of YMCAs across the looking for a summer camp: across the country. All offer financial assis- country offer summer day camp programs. • First, foster parents should talk with their tance or scholarships at some or all program Most YMCA summer camps are co-ed, but case worker to clear the way and ensure that camp does not conflict with summer sites. Their websites will help locate a camp some are single-sex. Go to ymca.net and school or other obligations. in your area. click on “Find YMCA Camps.”

17 Another co-host brought up the important issue of youth aging out of foster care without finding a family. Hatchett ex- Association NEWS: claimed: “They turn 18, they graduate from high school, they get a voucher—and they’re out on the street! We need to do a better National CASA Spokesperson Co-Hosts job for children.” PRism Award Recognition PRism Award Recognizes New Communications Professionals Laud Annual Report Hispanic/Latino Recruitment Video Workplace Flexibility Award National CASA and our Hispanic public relations agency, La Agencia de Orcí, won a prestigious PRism award from the Public Rela- tions Society of America (PRSA), Los Angeles Chapter, for outstanding work in the public relations field. The award was presented in October at PRSA’s annual awards dinner in Hollywood, California. The entry was submitted under the Audiovisual Presentation/Communica- tions category for the Suitcases—Volunteer Recruitment Video. With more than 94,000 Hispanic/Latino foster children in the US, La Agencia de Orcí was charged with developing a video to be used in increasing the number of bilingual Hispanic/Latino volunteers that advocate for these children in the family court system. League of American Communications Professionals Lauds Annual Report National CASA Spokesperson Co-Hosts The View The National CASA Association’s 2005 annual report, One Child’s Story, received three awards from the League of American On October 23, National CASA spokesperson Judge Glenda Communications Professionals (LACP). Our 2005 report received Hatchett co-hosted The View, an ABC-TV talk show on which a Platinum Award for excellence—ranking 11th out of 906 sub- women discuss relevant issues and share their no-holds-barred opin- missions from seven countries in all categories. We also took first ions. Judge Hatchett talked about her support of the CASA cause place in the annual report category for organizations with annual with Rosie O’Donnell and the other co-hosts. The View reaches budgets up to $1 billion. Finally, we received a second-place Gold more than three million viewers and offers an incredible opportunity Award for “most inspirational” across all categories. to raise awareness of the need for more CASA volunteers. According to Christine Kennedy, LACP managing director, On the program, Judge Hatchett talked about her eight-and-a- “National CASA Association’s 2005 Annual Report: One Child’s half-year tenure as a juvenile court judge in Atlanta’s Fulton County, Story, proves to where she personally saw the benefits of the CASA program. “We be remarkable recruit and train volunteers from all over the country. They help get in light of tre- children into permanent placements. They’re the extra set of eyes mendous com- and hearts. And we know that if a child has CASA, they are more petition. Over- likely to get into a permanent home than if they don’t. So we need all, we find this people to come and help children out of foster care.” work to be su- Rosie O’Donnell said of CASA, “It’s a wonderful program. You perb. Our belief get to change a child’s life. You get to be the constant force, to be is that the target there at all the horrific trials that they go to, with the termination audience will of the parents’ rights...and then to try to help this child until they find the level of get placed in a permanent family.” relevance to be

18 Winter 2007 excellent, demonstrating the success of this project in connect- National CASA was one of only nine organizations in Seattle to score ing with the right people and delivering a highly applicable and in the 80-90th percentile against a national representative sample of persuasive message.” companies with best practices around flexibility in the workplace. Key credit for this significant achievement goes to Kiaya, the Each of the honorees was applauded for representing the best young girl who willingly shared her story, and her family. For more flexible work policies in the nation. According to the judges, these detail about our awards, see lacp.com/2006spotlight/5265.HTM. businesses understand that workplace effectiveness and flexibility Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business are part of being an “employer of choice” today. The award is a project of When Work Works, a nationwide Excellence in Workplace Flexibility initiative to highlight the importance of workforce effectiveness and The National CASA Association was recognized with the 2006 workplace flexibility to enhance business competitiveness in the global Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility. economy. For more information, visit whenworkworks.org.

Organic Bouquet is National CASA’s source for eco-friendly, sustainable and fairly traded floral arrangements. Proceeds from the sale of any product Makes Someone’s Day purchased using the special online link below will result in a 10% donation to With a Special Bouquet support our nationwide recruitment and training of community volunteers.

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Visit organicbouquet.com/nationalcasa. Or call 877-899-2468 and mention that you want National CASA to benefit from your purchase.

19 —And Support Better Futures for Children CASA of Humboldt Kid Walk (CASA intern Kelly Herrell paints the face of Brian Foster, a CASA office volunteer’s son) Dreaming in Colour: P. Buckley Moss: and members of 45 teams that support Art Exhibit and Benefit Speak Up For a Child CASA through year-round activities—en- CASA of Northeast Tennessee Greene County CASA, Xenia, OH joyed pre-race festivities such as a magic Johnson City, TN Greene County CASA’s first dinner show and face-painting. Executive director event fundraiser was a resounding success. Steve Volow said afterwards, “The CASA Held in November, it raised over $19,000 Kid Walk is an opportunity to involve the thanks to many supporters and major con- community with CASA. Not everybody tributions from Canada Goose Gallery of can be a volunteer. Whether you are big or Waynesville, Ohio, and P. Buckley Moss, an small, it doesn’t matter who you are; you artist from Virginia. Ms. Moss, who moved can form a team and raise funds to support to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia in 1964 our work.” from New York, appreciates the quiet beauty Other team fundraising efforts have of rural scenery as included raffles and office drives. Tammy well as the pictur- Kingdom of Dreams by William Baxter Bledsoe Brown, CASA board member and vice esque and deeply president of Umpqua Bank, led her team CASA of Northeast Tennessee received religious Amish to raise money in such ways as holding an a large portion of the proceeds from the and Mennonite in-office fundraiser where employees are second edition of Dreaming in Colour, an “plain” people. In- allowed to wear jeans on Friday for a $5 exhibition of paintings by William Baxter corporating these donation. CASA of Humboldt celebrated Bledsoe. Stephanie Sanders, the program’s new elements into its 15th Anniversary in 2006. executive director, commented, “CASA of her art created an Americana Music Jam Northeast Tennessee is proud to partner impetus that revi- CASA of Central Texas, San Marcos, TX with William Baxter Bledsoe to increase talized her career. awareness of the program and raise much- Donations of Moss’s works and prints KNBT 92.1 FM in New Braunfels needed funds.” to related children’s charities have raised hosted the 10th Annual Americana Music The works vary in medium from millions of dollars for their causes. One Jam at Gruene Hall. Proceeds from the pencil to watercolor and oil pastel. The of her works, Speak Up For a Child...Every Voice Counts, is a numbered and signed collection’s subject matter is primarily print released in a limited edition of 1,000. English landscape, taken from Bledsoe’s A portion of the proceeds will be given to sketchbooks and notes he kept when he Greene County CASA. Moss was attracted lived in Fordham, England. Along with to the CASA program in part due to her receiving numerous corporate and personal interest in special education. commissions, Bledsoe served 18 years as Kid Walk Celebrates CASA the National Storytelling Festival’s official Country music star Marty Stuart (third from artist and has worked as a children’s book CASA of Humboldt, Eureka, CA right) and His Fabulous Superlatives with the illustrator. Recognition has come from such CASA of Humboldt raised $23,440 CASA program’s volunteer coordinator Erin Taylor, executive director Norma Castilla- disparate sources as the United States Air with its fourth annual Kid Walk in October. Blackwell and board member Diane Sanders (left Force and Prince Charles. Participants—including CASA children to right with Marty)

20 Winter 2007 concert, which sold out quickly, were donated Comedy Hour. Fisch was voted audience fa- to CASA of Central Texas, Inc. Featured per- vorite on a recent appearance of Last Comic formers included Robert Earl Keen, Buddy Standing and was chosen as one of Comedy Miller, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Charlie Central’s Fresh Faces of Comedy. Robison and Houston Marchman. CASA of Martignetti Companies of NH served Central Texas received $27,500, which will be as event sponsor. The inn set the atmosphere used to provide many abused and neglected with a superb menu. Photo opportunities children with a trained volunteer who will in front of a classic 1929 Rolls-Royce were advocate for their best interests. provided courtesy of Greg West Photography. Comedy Night for CASA of NH As event coordinator Joann Neumann states, CASA of New Hampshire, Manchester, NH Sylvester M. Wrenn, CASA of NH board president, “It’s always fun for our guests to dress up and Joann Neumann, event coordinator It was an evening filled with flappers and feel special just for one night. [And] the and feather boas. What else would you Jon Fisch and Mike McDonald from Bos- support and cooperation of our sponsors and expect at CASA’s Annual Comedy Night in ton. McDonald has toured the globe with volunteers enabled us to entertain our guests Roaring 20’s style at the Bedford Village the USO and has appeared on Showtime, in style and support the programs of CASA Inn? The gala event featured top comedians NBC’s Today Show and MTV’s Half Hour at the same time.”

Nikki Amos, a volunteer for But there are happy endings, too, The Carroll County News, “The four CASA of Douglas County in Rose- Stone believes, “with just a little sup- years I spent as a CASA volunteer are burg, OR, was featured in the News port and guidance, and a lot of work among the most meaningful in my life. Review. After retiring from teaching, on the parents’ part.” Those are the Although personally childless, there she became a CASA volunteer in 1993 cases which keep her going. “My of- are nine young people who will always in order to “give back to her com- fice is right by the Albemarle County abide in my heart. They will live there, munity.” She was quoted as saying Courthouse,” she says. “Do you re- along with the organization which that her most rewarding cases were member in It’s a Wonderful Life, the allowed me to become closely associ- not just those when the kids graduate little girl says, ‘Every time a bell rings, ated with them, and to assist in some high school or even go off to college, an angel gets its wings’? Well, every small way in their quest for happy, but when the parents, too, can turn a time a child is adopted in Albemarle productive futures. Only CASA could corner: “The rewards are great when County, they ring the bell.” have given me such rewards.” you see a family that’s back together The Midland Reporter-Telegram The Seguin Gazette in Texas por- and happy and secure. It’s well worth highlighted Ed McCabe, Margaret trayed two CASA advocates, Beverly any time you spend.” Olgin and Brad Cline, volunteers and Walter Seidenschwarz, in an ar- The Hook of Charlottesville, VA, for CASA of West Texas, in a recent ticle on CASA of Central Texas. Over carried an article about Ruth Stone, article. McCabe, an oil and gas busi- the past six years, the couple has who had initially opened her home nessman, Olgin, who owns a day- helped 14 children reunite with their to troubled foster children before care business, and Cline, a college parents or find an adoptive home. To establishing Piedmont CASA, Inc. in student, attribute their dedication to make a positive difference in a life 1995. She recalled one volunteer tell- knowing that a child is going to have a troubled child, Beverly said that ing her that when things do not get a better life because of the decisions CASA advocates must be willing to worse, that feels like a major victory. they help judges make in court. stick it out for the long haul. Walter Indeed, she says, there are difficult Carra Harden, who had just re- added, “The reward comes when cases and for most families, being in tired from her work as a volunteer for they are adopted or reunited with crisis is the result of a long history. CASA of Northwest Arkansas, said to their parents.”

21 Awards & Recognition

CASA of Jefferson County executive director Dawn Lee, recruitment specialist Lancaster Gordon, attorney/photographer Don Vish, attorney and Jefferson County CASA board member Jim Milliman and Charles Middleton, managing director of Middleton Reutlinger

Public service announcements (PSAs) created by the Louisville law firm of Middleton Reutlinger forCourt Appointed Special Advocates of Jefferson County received two Awards of Excellence at the 2006 Landmarks of Excellence Awards. The awards—presented by the International Association of Business Communicators of Kentucky and the Bluegrass Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America—recognize outstanding achievement in communications and public relations. The PSAs were created to help recruit volunteers and increase awareness and donations for CASA of Jefferson County. They were published in Business First and won the award for excellence in writing/special projects and for best color photography in a publication. Jim Milliman, a managing director at Middleton Reutlinger, serves on CASA of Jefferson County’s board of directors. Amy Shoemaker, one of the firm’s associ- ates, volunteers as an advocate.

Renate Justin–retired family physi- [and] assisted the [CASA] agency a number vices; and Stevens County in programs for cian, author of articles on child welfare of times helping with fundraising activities, children and youth. The national awards and volunteer with CASA, Inc. of Lar- volunteer orientation and continuing to honor community-based, county govern- imer County, CO—was recently hon- dedicate her compassion and skills to help- ment initiatives that provide a legacy for ored by the Fort Collins community with ing these children.” the future of the country. The Acts of three awards. Justin received the City of Judges from the Points of Light Foun- Caring Awards are presented by Counties Fort Collins Human dation, the American Red Cross, America’s Serve America, a long-term project of the Relations Award— Promise-the Alliance for Youth, the Child National Association of Counties (NACo) Senior Category, the Welfare League of America and the Na- in partnership with Freddie Mac. United Way Senior tional Association of Volunteer Volunteer Excellence Programs in Local Government Award and the Lar- recognized three CASA programs imer County Child with the National Association of Advocacy Center Counties’ 2006 Acts of Caring Annual Guardian Awards. The three were Grand Renate Justin Award. In the Hu- Traverse County CASA, MI, man Relations Award citation issued CASA of Wise County, TX and by the City of Fort Collins, Justin was Stevens County CASA, WA. commended for her work as a CASA Grand Traverse County won the volunteer: “As a volunteer and advocate, award in the category criminal NACo president Bill Hansell (right) joins Preston V. Lee, Jr., Freddie Mac director of industry relations, in presenting she actively helps children who are the justice/emergency management; the award to Grand Traverse County CASA’s Esther Cooper, victims in tragic, abusive situations... Wise County in health/social ser- office manager, and Linda Fawcett, volunteer coordinator.

22 Winter 2007 “Once Upon A Dream” how he overcame his childhood to become CASA volunteer with Quinn by her side. Auction and Dinner a loving father and husband. Associate Judge Holly Clemons of the Sixth CASA of Tulare, CA Judicial Circuit, Champaign County, who A Canine “Volunteer” CASA of Tulare’s successful Once Champaign County CASA, Urbana, IL allowed the dog to explore her courtroom Upon A Dream auction and dinner featured so he could get comfortable, said, “It is CASA volunteers in Urbana, IL have a celebrity guest speaker, actor, athlete, activ- terrific to have Quinn as a resource to ease ist and author Victor Rivas Rivers. Mim new resource to help them allay children’s the anxieties of the children who must ap- Eichler Rivas, his wife, accompanied him. fears. Quinn, a four-year-old Labrador pear in court.” She also is author, coauthor and ghostwriter retriever, has completed extensive therapy Genevieve Lambert, the program’s of more than 12 nonfiction books, includ- training with both children and adults as executive director, added, “We are thrilled ing the New York Times bestseller Finding well as logging more than 150 hours of to have yet another instrument that will Fish with Antwone Fisher (who spoke in visits to nursing homes, the local hospital assist in making children more trusting and the National CASA Association 2002 an- rehabilitation unit and a children’s home. comfortable while dealing with the many nual conference and was featured in the Now, Quinn may sit right beside a fright- emotions that come with abuse and neglect. Winter 2003 Connection). ened child who has to testify in court. We are confident that Quinn will be the Rivers began According to Jillian Smith, Champaign key to unlocking children’s fears and the his career as an County CASA volunteer coordinator, a confusion that so many of them experience offensive lineman dog provides a sense of comfort and safety while in substitute care.” at Florida State that can help children open University before up about abuse: “It’s amaz- being drafted by ing, just the difference a the Miami Dol- dog can make. It gives them phins. As an actor something to pet and look at in more than two while they’re saying all these dozen films, he is things, so they don’t have to best known for Victor Rivers look you in the eye.” such roles as Eddie Murphy’s sidekick in Owner Kathy Trammel The Distinguished Gentleman and as Anto- of Philo believes that the nio Banderas’s ill fated brother in The Mask unconditional love that dogs of Zorro. On television, Rivers has guest provide is the key: “These starred on such hit shows as Miami Vice, kids have been through so JAG, Star Trek, CSI Miami and 24. much. That’s what Quinn In 1999, Rivers became a leading is there for. When Quinn’s activist in the cause of preventing violence there, they’ve got his undi- against women and children. As the na- vided attention—and mine, tional spokesperson for the National Net- too. For a kid who doesn’t work to End Domestic Violence, he uses have parents, that’s a lot, to his own harrowing story of surviving abuse have 30 to 60 minutes worth to raise awareness about what he considers of total attention.” our greatest yet most curable social ill. His In mid-November, Quinn with owner Kathy Trammel after new volunteers are sworn memoir, A Private Family Matter, describes Trammel was sworn in as a in by Judge John Kennedy (far right)

23 The National CASA Association gratefully acknowledges the generosity of those who made honor or memorial gifts between January 1 and October 31, 2006.

In honor of In honor of Jeanne Criger – Lori Spangenberg In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Latif – Amanda Jo Amadon In honor of Lars Huschke – Carrie J. Strauch In honor of Matthew and Christine Jones – Are J. Andresen In honor of Judy A. Terry – Craig Terry In honor of Patrick and Timothy – Annette Biggin In honor of Joanna Woodbury – Lynne A. Thoman In honor of Louise Closs – Robert Blum In honor of Dan Vogel – Christian M. Vogel In honor of Britt Banks – Charles R. Blumenfeld, Esq., In honor of Shon Wilson – Chantal D. Wilson Robert Connery, Esq., Goodman LLP In honor of Sally Erny – Joan and Marty Wilson In honor of Ed and Taeko Markovich – Bradford A. Burns In honor of Carol Wilson – Marc Wilson In honor of Theodore Skafidis Jones – Nicole Collins, Michael Davoli, Jackie Mandel, Autumn Mascio, Arlene Mendelson, Marc Ornstein In honor of the birth of Patricia and John McCarthy’s first child – Francis and Courtney Conway, Antonio R. De Armas and Joann Digirolamo, In memory of Kathleen N. Dehler, Emeli Gomez, Lissette Hernandez–Fernandez, In memory of Barbara (Galle) Baptiste – Aranya A. Albert Debbi Herzig, Barbara Holmes, Monica Mehta, Sarah M. Menninger, In memory of Le’Ann Dixon Steffee – Susan J. Baratta, Lisa R. Feeley, Jean Rothstein, Clarice G. Ryan, Patricia Ryan, Stephanie Ryan, Bonnie and Steve Furnett, Dinh and Jane Huynh, Diane McGovern, Susan Ryan McCarthy, Aliya Sahai, Barbara Valk, Cynthia J. Wallace Sam Moser, Sue Nates In honor of Matthew Lambert – CRI/Criterion Catalysts In memory of Lori Morach – Sandra Beitsinger In honor of Kip and Carroll Mallahan – Stephanie Cromwell In memory of Hon. Stephen Herrell – Bruce H. Blank, Diane L. Christofferson, In honor of Janet Ward – Barbara M. Disser Van Hutcherson, Marge M. Silverberg, Stanley C. Silverberg, Mary Sundberg, In honor of Anne Levine – Katy Eldredge M. Carmela Welte, Deanne and Richard Wilson In honor of Kim Busker – Stephanie Evans In memory of Barbara Clune Foster – Theresa Carleton, Sally Wilson Erny, In honor of Michael Busker – Stephanie Evans Susan Grant, Sharon Heiber, Brian Lew, Michael Skinner In honor of Barbara Flinker Ruttenberg – Laurie J. Fortin In memory of Mark Benjamin Cayce – Bill Chamblee In honor of Bev Sessoms – Susan H. Freese In memory of Fran Dopirak – Philip Crew In honor of Nancy Wood – Laura E. Gray In memory of Martha Marable – Elizabeth C. Dunn In honor of Sonja Laubhan – Paulette Grothues In memory of Stella Marie Elliott – Timothy Elliott In honor of Leslie Guillon – Michon Herrin In memory of John Mays – Sharon French In honor of Douglas Rude – Joyce and Ron Honeyman In memory of Lydia Schneider – Friends of Niles/Riverfest Inc., J.L. Wentland In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Honeyman – Joyce and Ron Honeyman In memory of Joan Ball O’Bryan – Doug Garrett In honor of Michael James – Mark and Paula James In memory of Ramona Cardenas – Debbie I. Gayle In honor of Jennifer Peters – Karen T. Kawanami In memory of Jack – Jeannie Houts In honor of Michael Skinner and Mark Mendelow – Brian Lew In memory of Momoy Ilumin – IBM Corporate Support Program In honor of Duffy and Carlos – Herbert B. Lipman, Tamar and J.P. Ravid In memory of Bill James – Ed and Ronne Kaufman In honor of Jago McLeod – Lauren G. McLeod In memory of Lyn Sullivan – Breeda McGrath In honor of Sandy Keyser – Anne E. McCollough In memory of Dr. T.R. Miller – Robert Miller In honor of Emily’s Wedding – Ruth E. Miller In memory of Darlene Catherine Morgan – Michele B. Morgan In honor of Mike and Dorothy Don – Stefani J. Miller, Shari L. Reed In memory of Aunt Claire – Anthony Perrin In honor of Lindi Kirkbride – Glenn and Ruth Moore In memory of Ricky Holland – Sid Probstein In honor of Larkin Tackett – Daniel Nold In memory of Frank Sampogna – Carmela Puglisi In honor of Peter Hirschberg – Jeffrey Osborn In memory of Shelby Cordill – Tonya C. Ratliff In honor of Rod DePue – Laura Otto–Salaj In memory of Mr. Kesnowski – Nancy Saxton–Lopez In honor of Ben Mahnke – Leticia Pearman In memory of Donna – Karen Schlaegle In honor of Evan Rice – Maryann Pimentel In memory of Freida Sher – Florence Shapiro In honor of Richard Polakoff – Louis M. Polakoff In memory of Kim Krekel – Leslie Smith In honor of Christine Arnold and Matthew Jones – RAD Staff APHIS In memory of Lisanne Hitt’s Father – Laurie Standard In honor of Marcia Sink – Rev. Rudolph P.F. and Virginia Ressmeyer In memory of Joe Tamalonis – Anne Marie Tamalonis In honor of Joyce Honeyman – Geraldine Roberts In memory of Edward Pransky – Pamela Tyson In honor of Steve Salstrom – Christine S. Salstrom In memory of Marilou Caldwell – Westin Kierland Resort and Spa In honor of Ruth Scheuer – Janet Sherman In memory of James M. Brand, Jr. – The Wholefood Farmacy In honor of Isabella Blue – David A. Sims In memory of Lee Wilson – Marc Wilson

24 Winter 2007 CONNECTION C R O S S W O R D

1 2 3 4 5

7 8

11 12 13

14 15

16 17

19 20 21 22 23

27 28

31 32

Created with EclipseCrossword - www.eclipsecrossword.com ACROSS DOWN 2 Brothers and sisters 1 Not nurtured properly 4 To grow vigorously; flourish 3 Purposes toward which an endeavor is directed; 8 Attack physically objectives 9 Pertaining to health care 5 A child in the earliest period of life, especially 10 Place where health care is provided before he or she can walk 11 Instruct or teach privately 6 Not at risk 14 To look over again or study 7 To declare someone independent of the birth family 15 An account presented in detail 10 A body whose task is to hear and submit a decision 16 Direct ancestor on cases at law 18 The CIA’s last word 11 Instructor 19 A dwelling place together with the family that occupies it 12 Give voice to one’s thoughts 21 Individual court sessions 13 Lawyer 25 A male parent 17 To bring separate family members back into a whole 27 A group of elements forming a complex whole; 20 Maternal unit collaborative network 22 To give an opinion on how something should be 28 Examination of evidence and applicable law by a 23 The principle of moral rightness; equity tribunal to determine specified charges 24 To develop or promote a quality in another; 29 Boss a system of care 30 Early part of life 25 A group of related individuals 31 A person between birth and puberty; an offspring 26 Violated, whether physically, mentally or sexually 32 Person who speaks up for another See page 14 for solution.

25 by Judge Glenda A. Hatchett

to help ensure that they grow up securely Bridging the Gap: Foster Children in permanent and loving homes. There are and the Faith-Based Community over 940 CASA or volunteer guardian ad litem (GAL) program offices throughout the country, so there is probably one near Two popular biblical sayings, “Train religious communities have always taken a you. As a congregation, you can work with up a child in the way he should go and stand in changing statistics and making a a CASA/GAL program to host events or when he is older, he shall not depart from difference. One issue however that has not have a CASA representative speak about those ways” and “Honor your father and gotten as much attention is that of foster the issue of foster care. As individual mem- mother,” found in Proverbs 22:6 and care and the welfare of children who are bers in your congregation, you can make a Exodus 20:12 respectively, focus on the im- placed in the system. It’s not because it difference by becoming a CASA volunteer. portance of child rearing and parent-child is not as prevalent as other issues we face Last year, CASA volunteers helped over relationships. Whether Jewish, Christian, today because it indeed is. Most of us know 225,000 children; however, with more Muslim or Buddhist, faith-based commu- of a child who is living in a foster home or than 500,000 children in foster care, over nities have always encouraged parents to a group home, but we don’t always see the half of these vulnerable children still don’t instill morals and values in their children effect it has on not only the child involved have anyone to help direct them onto the so that they will hold to those teachings but also the overall impact on the well-be- right path. as they become adults. Such scriptures as ing of the community. I pray that the issue of foster care will these have long served as important prin- As with the other issues religion has be taken on by the faith-based community ciples for parents and children. addressed, I encourage the faith-based so that the lives of children in communi- Although these passages have been community to get involved in the issue ties across the country can be changed and widely accepted by many parents and of child welfare. There are many ways to positively affected for generations. When a children, both scriptures assume that help. First, it is important to build aware- child has no permanent home, it is hard for parents are in the picture. Now, consider ness. In addition to the more than 500,000 them to have a permanent spiritual com- a situation where there are no parents in- children who are in the foster care system munity as well. Just think, by standing up volved... who is there to raise up the child on a given day, each year three million for a child in the foster care system, you can and teach them the principles to live the children are reported abused and neglected help them find a home to live where they way God desires them to? Who is that child in the United States—that’s nearly 9,000 can be safe, loved, nurtured and encour- supposed to honor, when there is no one children every single day. Nationally, 37% aged to become all that God has planned there to respect? For more than 500,000 of those children are African-American—a for them to be. children across the United States who are disproportionate rate compared to the in the foster care system as a result of abuse African-American US population. or neglect, they don’t have to imagine this Once you are aware, you can then act. because it is their reality. One way is to get involved with the Na- Judge Glenda A. Hatchett is the author of For many years, religious institutions tional Court Appointed Special Advocate Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say! have been pillars in the community and (CASA) Association. There are currently and the presiding judge of the nationally syndicated court television series, Judge stood at the forefront in tackling many more than 50,000 CASA volunteers—ev- Hatchett, now in its seventh season. She is issues that plague communities across the eryday heroes who are advocating in court the national spokesperson for the National country. From civil rights to voting rights, on behalf of abused and neglected children CASA Association.

26 Winter 2007

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