July 2019
Reminders and Deadlines for CASAs
JuneVolunteer Hours
To submit your May 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
Thursday, July 4 (Independence Day)
Friday, July 5 (Day after Independence Day)
August Birthday Club Deadline
If you would like to request a $25 gift card for your case child's July birthday, please click on this link, Birthday Club, to request the gift card no later than Friday, June 21. Please note that the gift card provider does not accommodate late requests.
Continuing Education
Drop-In Small Group
Wednesday, July 10
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.
Bio Parents Small Group
Tuesday, July 30
5:30-7:00 p.m.
VFC Chesapeake Office: Boardroom
Join peers and an advocacy supervisor at this Small Group meeting to discuss your case, working with bio parents, and placements with bio parents. Please RSVP to Advocacy Supervisor Victoria Valencia at VictoriaV@speakupnow.org.
Grief and Trauma in Youth
Tuesday, July 30
10:00-11:30 a.m.
VFC Chesapeake Office: Training Room
Dr. Yuliana Noniyeva, Ph.D, a clinical psychologist from UC San Diego Health, will discuss the signs and symptoms of grief and trauma in children and provide tools for how to best support your case children. Please RSVP to Advocacy Supervisor Carly Galbraith at CarlyG@speakupnow.org.
Educational Needs of Youth in Foster Care
Wednesday, August 7
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
VFC Chesapeake Office: Training Room
The San Diego County Office of Education Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program provides intensive, specialized educational training for CASAs. The goal of this training is to improve school stability and educational success. This Continuing Education session will also include extensive special education training and cover pertinent educational legislation specific to youth in foster care. CASAs will have ample opportunity to ask case-specific questions. Please RSVP to Advocacy Supervisor Jane Wehrmeister at JaneW@speakupnow.org.
Drop-In Small Group
Wednesday, August 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
Thursday, August 15
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 the discussion will consist of Juvenile Justice-related topics, all CASAs are welcome to join and participate. RSVP to Juvenile Justice Advocacy Supervisor Jessica Miller at JessicaMi@speakupnow.org.
Juvenile Justice Basic Advocacy Training
Thursday, August 22
5:30-7:30 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 how to support 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 Jessica Miller at JessicaMi@speakupnow.org. If you are unable to attend this training but are interested in learning more about VFC’s Juvenile Justice pilot program, please email Jessica.
Court Report Workshop
Tuesday, August 27
10:00-11:30 a.m.
VFC Chesapeake Office: Training Room
Whether you are a new CASA coming up on your first court report or a veteran in need of a refresher, this workshop will review our court report process and provide individualized support for your specific report. Feel free to bring along your case documents, notes, and a laptop or tablet computer to help you leave with a more complete report. Reservations are required. RSVP to Advocacy Supervisor Bonnie Robinson at BonnieR@speakupnow.org or 858-598-2221.
At-Home Continuing Education
All the Sweeter: Families Share Their Stories of Adopting from Foster Care by Jean Minton tells the stories of 12 families who have adopted at least one child from foster care. Minton also explores the common challenges these families faced, including complications that accompany transracial adoptions, helping children understand adoption, relationships with birth parents, and raising a traumatized child. If you read this or another relevant book or watch a relevant movie or television program, please contact your advocacy supervisor to receive Continuing Education credit.