Reminders and Deadlines for CASAs
November 2018
Ocotber Volunteer Hours
To submit your October volunteer hours, please click here. When submitting your hours, remember to include hours spent driving to and from visits, meetings, and other CASA-related destinations. Thank you.
VFC Office Closures
Monday, November 12, 2018 (Veterans Day)
Thursday, November 22, 2018 (Thanksgiving Day)
Friday, November 23, 2018 (Day after Thanksgiving)
Monday, December 24, 2018 – Tuesday, January 1, 2019
December Birthday Deadline
If you would like to request a $25 gift card for your case child’s December birthday, please click on this link, Birthday Club, to request the gift card no later than Wednesday, November 21. Please note that the gift card provider does not accommodate late requests.
Juvenile Court and Community Schools
Thursday, November 8
5:30-7:00 p.m.
VFC Chesapeake Office: Training Room
The San Diego County Office of Education’s Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS) provide fully accredited educational programs for school-age youth who are either wards of the Court or have been referred by social services, probation, or one of the 42 school districts in San Diego County. Services are provided to students who are incarcerated, pregnant or parenting, in foster care, expelled, chronically truant, in drug treatment centers or group homes for neglected or abused children, or experiencing homelessness. Join us to learn more about the programs and opportunities provided by JCCS. RSVP to Juvenile Justice Program Manager Maggie Kipper at MaggieK@speakupnow.org or 858-598-2253.
Medical Disabilities and Psychotropic Meds
Tuesday, November 13
1:00 to 2:30 pm
VFC Chesapeake Office: Training Room
Dr. Megan Korey Lukasik, a clinical psychologist with Rady Children’s Hospital, will provide information on various disabilities, including cerebral palsy, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and others. She will also give suggestions on how best to advocate for children with such disabilities. This presentation will also provide an overview of commonly prescribed psychotropic medications. Please RSVP to Advocacy Supervisor Laurel Nelson at 858-598-2284 or LaurelN@speakupnow.org.
Drop-In Small Group
Wednesday, November 14
10:00-11:30 a.m.
VFC Chesapeake Office: Boardroom
Drop in to a Small Group meeting to discuss your case with peers and an advocacy supervisor. No RSVP is required. Please join us.
Juvenile Justice Open Topic Small Group
Wednesday, November 14
5:30-7:00 p.m.
VFC Chesapeake Office: Boardroom
Please join us for a Juvenile Justice Open Topic Small Group to discuss your case with peers. Although discussion will consist of juvenile justice-related topics, all CASAs are welcome to join and participate. RSVP to Juvenile Justice Advocacy Supervisor Kristina Estes at KristinaE@speakupnow.org or 858-598-2251.
Healthy Helpers Interactive Workshop
Thursday, November 29
5:30-7:00 p.m.
VFC Chesapeake Office: Training Room
As a CASA, you are exposed to some of the most heart-wrenching moments in a child’s life. Given the emotional toll of this important and challenging work, it is very important to take care of yourself and your emotional well-being. In this interactive workshop, licensed therapist Kyleigh Baker Bishop, MFT, will lead exercises intended to help identify and acknowledge your needs and techniques to care for yourself. Please RSVP to Advocacy Supervisor Jessie Stein at 858-598-2283 or JessieS@speakupnow.org.
Small Group: Working with Younger Children
Tuesday, December 4
5:30-7:00 p.m.
VFC Chesapeake Office: Boardroom
Do you work with younger children and need help navigating behavioral issues, the Developmental Screening and Enhancement Program (DSEP), or visitation ideas? Are you unsure about how to properly advocate for a younger child? Advocacy Supervisor Carly Galbraith will be leading this Small Group meeting to discuss all aspects of working with case younger children, those about 10 and younger. Please bring questions and ideas to share with the group. RSVP to Carly at 858-598-2202 or CarlyG@speakupnow.org.
Holiday Party & Gift Cards
Saturday, December 8
11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 2-4 p.m.
VFC Chesapeake Office
Voices for Children’s Annual Holiday Party is coming soon. We will be offering two different times to accommodate all of the children. Please fill out this RSVP form and email it to HolidayParty@speakupnow.org by Monday, November 12, whether or not you plan to attend. If you and your children are not coming to the party, please fill out the RSVP form anyway to request a gift card for your child. If you have questions regarding this event, please email Sabrina Goosby at SabrinaG@speakupnow.org.
Drop-In Small Group
Wednesday, December 12
10:00-11:30 a.m.
VFC Chesapeake Office: Boardroom
Drop in to a Small Group meeting to discuss your case with peers and an advocacy supervisor. No RSVP is required. Please join us.
Juvenile Justice Basic Advocacy Training
Thursday, December 13
Noon-2 p.m.
VFC Chesapeake Office: Training Room
Are you assigned to a dual status case? Do you want to learn more about the juvenile justice system and supporting youth on probation? This session will teach you how to navigate the juvenile justice system and how to advocate for youth on probation. Please RSVP to Juvenile Justice Advocacy Supervisor and Trainer Kristina Estes at KristinaE@speakupnow.org or 858-598-2251. If you are unable to attend this training but are interested in learning more about the VFC’s Juvenile Justice Pilot Program, please email Kristina.