May 2019
Reminders and Deadlines for CASAs
April Volunteer Hours
To submit your April 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, May 27 (Memorial Day)
June Birthday Club Deadline
If you would like to request a $25 gift card for your case child's June birthday, please click on this link, Birthday Club, to request the gift card no later than Tuesday, May 21. Please note that the gift card provider does not accommodate late requests.
Continuing Education
Drop-In Small Group
Wednesday, May 8
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.
Substance Abuse Treatment and Education
Wednesday, May 15
Noon-1:30 p.m.
VFC Chesapeake Office: Training Room
Staff from McAlister Institute will present an overview of their substance abuse treatment, recovery, and supportive services. McAlister Institute’s 25 programs cover prevention, education, outreach, intervention, outpatient treatment, short-term and long-term residential care, aftercare, and sober living. This session will help you to identify resource options for your youth, understand the referral process, and learn how to speak with your youth if they are ordered to participate in a McAlister program. The session is open to all CASAs; however, Juvenile Justice CASAs are strongly encouraged to attend. Please RSVP to Juvenile Justice Advocacy Supervisor Jessica Miller at JessicaMi@speakupnow.org.
Dependency Law Refresher
Wednesday, May 15
5:30-7:00 p.m.
VFC Chesapeake Office: Training Room
A former minor's attorney provides a refresher on dependency law and the dependency process timeline. We will also touch on important changes from 2018 and 2019 to the law affecting foster youth. Please RSVP to Kristen B. at KristenB@speakupnow.org or 858-598-2291.
Extended Foster Care (EFC)
Wednesday, May 22
10:00-11:30 a.m.
VFC Chesapeake Office: Training Room
HHSA social worker Elizabeth Rosas from the extended foster care (EFC) unit to discuss how CASAs can best advocate for nonminor dependents. Topics will include how youth can qualify to participate in EFC, what the goals of EFC are, and how CASAs and social workers can work as a team. Please RSVP to Madison Pope at MadisonP@speakupnow.org or 858-598-2256.
Drop-In Small Group
Wednesday, June 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.
Working with Social Workers
Wednesday, June 19
10:00-11:30 a.m.
VFC Chesapeake Office: Training Room
Do you ever wonder what a social worker’s day-to-day responsibilities are or how to work with a social worker to advocate for our case children’s best interest? An HHSA social worker will talk about the expectations they face in their job, what you can expect from social workers, and how we can all work better together for the children we serve. Please RSVP to Advocacy Supervisor Allen Fox at AllenF@speakupnow.org.
At-Home Continuing Education
Foster, an HBO documentary about the daily lives of five individuals involved in the foster care system in Los Angeles County, premieres Tuesday, May 7. The five individuals include a young mother struggling to overcome addiction and reunify with her young child; a teenager navigating the juvenile delinquency system; a foster parent helping young people in her care overcome trauma and abuse; a young adult transitioning to college and independence, and a social worker. If you watch this movie or another relevant program, or read a relevant book, please contact your advocacy supervisor to receive Continuing Education credit.