CASA Youth Advocates, Inc. Delaware County and Chester County

Together we can keep our #EyesOnChildren and support families to prevent abuse and neglect. Learn more and join us in our work to increase child well-being and improve the safety net for families across Delaware County through the Voices for Children Coalition. Visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway (@childwelfare) for child abuse prevention resources and strategies for strengthening families. https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/ #ChildAbusePreventionMonth

Today is International Transgender Day of Visibility- a day dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, and a day to celebrate their accomplishments. Transgender youth are overrepresented in the child welfare system and fare worse than their cisgender peers. CASA stands in support of trans youth as we work to educate ourselves, our volunteers and our community to advocate for and to provide gender-affirming services critical to kids safety and well-being. #TransDayOfVisibility

In 1977, Seattle Judge David Soukup spent sleepless nights wondering whether he had made the right decisions for the children before his court that day. He wanted more information on the kids. It struck him that volunteers could be recruited and trained to speak up for the best interests of each child in his courtroom, and the first program was started in King County, Washington. After he retired from the bench, Judge Soukup became a volunteer. He called it both the hardest and best thing he had ever done. Learn how you can get involved today - visit www.delcocasa.org to get started.

Yesterday our first volunteer Advocate class of 2021 was sworn in by the Honorable Judge Rick Lowe of Delaware County. These 15 community members have taken a pledge to be a strong voice for our youth who have experienced abuse and neglect. Please help us to congratulate and welcome this incredible group!! They have already completed 35 hours of training to prepare them for the tasks ahead. We are so grateful to have them join our team. The new Advocates are: Diana Capriotti ...(Ambler), Gretchen Demarest (Coatesville), John Ettore (Coatesville), Joe Farrell (Chadds Ford), Laura Gribben (Phoenixville), Marion Hanuschek (Wynnewood), Jennie Jacobson (Bryn Mawr), Sofia Kochiashvili (Phoenixville), Caren Levin (Chestnut Hill), Mike Matte (Downingtown), Marsha Peterson (Media), Angela Pipitone (Aston), Roxiann Sirna (Downingtown), Stephanie Sofer (Chester Springs), and Aparna Thornton (Glen Mills). See more

We need more volunteers to be consistent and caring adults in the lives of our vulnerable youth. If you've considered becoming a CASA volunteer, register for an information session and learn more. Sign up for one of the three sessions being offered in April at https://www.delcocasa.org/news-and-events. #volunteer

Follow our partners at the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County, Inc. as they educate us all about teen dating violence this month. Do you know the red flags to watch for to know if the teens in your life are experiencing unhealthy or abusive relationships? This week they are focusing on LGBTQ youth and last week they provided great information on technology and dating violence. Thank you to our friends at DAP for all they are doing to protect and serve youth in our community.

More than 40% of children in the foster care system have educational difficulties, and graduation rates for children who have been in the system are abysmal at only 50%. COVID added an extra layer of vulnerability for children. We are working to ensure CASA youth have needed services, technologies and support to help them succeed. Learn more about educational services at a training this Sunday.

Please take advantage of a child abuse prevention training opportunity being offered by the Chester County District Attorney's Office. DA Deb Ryan said, This is a subject close to my heart. I spent years overseeing the child abuse unit, prosecuting some of the most horrific cases, and serving as a previous county coordinator dedicated to eradicating child abuse. Stewards of Children puts the responsibility for protecting our children into the hands of the adults. During the pandemic, we have to remain extra vigilant in keeping eyes on our children." A Stewards of Children virtual workshop, which is open to the public, will be held Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. You can sign up here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/regist/2639337393311678480

Sharing a few other resources and events in honor of Black History Month: Topic: African-American History in the Digital Age Description: Learn how to access African-American newspapers which were eyewitnesses to historic events with local historian Syl Woolford. Date: 2/9/21... Time: 6:00-7:00pm Location: Virtual Registration: https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/7389482 _______________________________________________________________________ Topic: February Social Justice Speaker - Dr. Joan Duvall Flynn, Trauma and Racial Justice Description: Dr. Duvall-Flynn will speak about the connection between trauma and racial justice including the impact of emotional and psychological trauma on individuals and communities as well as the powers of the brain to heal from trauma. Date: 2/18/21 Time: 7:00pm Location: Virtual Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feb-social-justice-speaker-dr- _______________________________________________________________________ Topic: The Beautiful Struggle Book Talk Description: Celebrate Black History Month with a book talk on award winning African American author Ta-Nahesi Coates latest, The Beautiful Struggle. Date: 2/22/21 Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm Location: Virtual Registration: https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/7352468 ______________________________________________________________________ Pre-Recorded Webinar: Topic: Embrace Race: Same Family, Different Colors: Talking Colorism in the Family Description: Colorism- the preference for or presumed superiority of people based on the color of their skin- is related to racism, but can be more subtle and, for many of us, feels less familiar. Colorism, at once an interracial and intra-racial phenomenon, can be particularly devastating when perpetrated within racial groups, often within families. In this webinar, journalist and author Lori Tharps will take a deep dive into the origins of colorism in different racial and ethnic communities and how this pernicious form of discrimination affects our parenting and family dynamics. View Webinar Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHDVclPuW7c&t=49s _______________________________________________________________________ Books, TV and Film: PBS Black Culture Connection: https://www.pbs.org/black-culture/home/ NPR Tiny Desk celebrates Black History Month: https://www.npr.org//celebrating-black-history-month-at-th 26 26 Black Americans You Don’t Know But Should: https://www.oprahmag.com/black-history-month/ See more

We would like to wish a Happy Hanukkah to all who are beginning their celebrations. Wishing your families peace, light and a meaningful holiday season.

This video, Everyday Heroes highlights the difference CASA Volunteer Advocates make in the lives of abused and neglected children. It also provides a rare opportunity to hear directly from the children about their homes before and after a CASA Volunteer Advocate came into their life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kDpeloe6JE Sign up to become at Advocate at www.delcocasa.org

Black children are four times more likely to exit foster care without achieving permanency. That means they aren't reunified with family and they aren't adopted. They age out without a permanent safe home. Last week Tamara Wilson (CASA's Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and Phyllis Slutsky (CASA Advocate) shared this statistic when interviewed live on-air by WURD Radio and CMPRadio.net. "Systemic racism is a big deal in child welfare and we want to make sure people are aware of it and know that you have the ability to make a difference and change a child's story" said Wilson. Learn more at: https://fb.watch/26vIvamGTb/ #neighborhoodconversations

One month from today, we will be hosting Ashley Rhodes-Courter, MSW. Please click on the event page for full details and registration information. Her story has inspired us and we hope you will take this opportunity to hear from this incredible woman.

Our first virtual event was a SUCCESS thanks in part to these amazing sponsors! Thank you again to our corporate partners. Our gratitude to all who attended, bid on auction items, and donated to Fund-a-Child. We also want to thank our community partners, CASA youth, advocates and Board members who contributed to our Gala presentation. If you missed it, you can watch now: https://youtu.be/5S5mqBUEd18?t=31

Our sincere thanks to our friends at The Joy of Sox for donating three bags of socks to our CASA youth. Socks seem like a small thing until you don't have any. Our Advocates will begin distributing them along with winter coats and gear to make sure our children stay warm this winter.

Don't miss the article by Leigh Anne McKelvey of CASA about the Voices for Children Coalition in today's Daily Times. "If we’re going to have the biggest impact possible for our kids, we need all of Delaware County united behind them. There are many ways for concerned individuals, organizations and government agencies to get involved in our work. Please join us for our online training on legislative education and advocacy on Tuesday, November 17, at 10:00 a.m. (http://bit.ly/3dHeznEVadvocacyVFC) or join us for one of our Action Team meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at 2:00 p.m. Our kids are counting on you."

We were absolutely blown away by your support and generosity at last night's Gala! Thank you for bringing hope to children and ensuring our Advocates can continue being there for our most vulnerable youth. Congratulations to our volunteers of the year: Norman Viss and Shanice McTear. If you missed the Gala, you can view it now at: https://youtu.be/5S5mqBUEd18?t=31 We are so close to reaching our $50,000 Fund-a-Child goal and you can help us get there by giving at https://delcocasa.org/support-us/donate-now

Tickets are on sale now for our Virtual Gala. Purchase yours here: https://CASAYA.givesmart.com. Have a watch kit shipped to your home including wine, snacks and photo props to enjoy as we come together to bring hope to children.

TODAY is the Gala and you don't want to miss this event!! It's not too late to register . You can also keep bidding on auction items until tonight at 9pm. Sign up or bid now: https://CASAYA.givesmart.com Plan a vacation with our homes in Western Maine and Sea Isle City. Restock your wine rack with the wine basket, win big with our lottery basket, and check out the children's toys and experiences.... This is a streamed event. No one will be seeing you online so you can watch in your PJ's or in a tux or gown. Sit back and relax in the comfort of your own home, and be inspired by the changes we've made in children's lives this year thanks to our volunteers and supporters like you.

Please join us in congratulating Diamond White-Randolph, CASA Senior Case Supervisor, on graduating from the Leadership Delaware County program offered by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. "Participants expand beyond the management skills that make them effective at work to develop the leadership abilities that will help them inspire their teams and create innovation and opportunity in their organizations and the community." Diamond has already brought innovation to ...CASA by leading our new Peer Mentor program. We are so fortunate to have her on our team! Learn more: https://www.delcochamber.org/leadership.html

With just 2 DAYS until the Gala, we want to thank another generous sponsor, Emerald Advisers! They shared the following message about why they support CASA Youth Advocates: "Children are the world’s treasure. Too many of these treasures live in an environment of neglect and abuse. CASA steps up to the challenges faced by these children by becoming their advocates. CASA trains dedicated volunteers to walk with these children and works tirelessly to be their voice when no on...e else is listening. We have seen their successes, but unfortunately many more children need champions in their lives. We salute CASA for their dedication to this mission of advocacy of our world’s treasures." Learn more about Emerald Advisers at https://www.teamemerald.com/ Time is running out to register so don't wait: casaya.givesmart.com

Happy Halloween everyone!

Our friends at Mission Kids hope you will join them in their efforts to empower kids to speak up against abuse by SHARING and engaging with this video on your social media platforms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv_uRkzo8Es&feature=youtu.be During these uncertain times, kids and teens may not know where to turn for help. Without teachers, school counselors, coaches, and other adults they may normally depend on, reaching out for help can feel scary. Over the past several ...months, Mission Kids has joined forces with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office to encourage kids and teens to use the Safe2Say Something Tool. Their message to kids is simple: As you start this school year, I want you to know that you’re not alone. If you’re feeling unsafe at home, or if you’re worried about a friend or classmate, it’s safe to say something! You can download the Safe 2 Say Something App, visit their website, or call their hotline to submit a tip to get you, or your friend, the help that you need while we all continue practicing social distancing. Even though we’re apart, we’re not alone. It’s Safe to Say Something!

This year so much has changed. CASA programs across the country stepped up with the help of supporters like you. Watch this incredibly powerful video to see how it has gone and how we've continued showing up for children.

We have a big goal to recruit and train 100 new volunteer Advocates over the next 2 years allowing us to help 200 additional children. Maybe 2020 has been too crazy for you, but we'd love for you to join us in the coming years. While we are currently serving about 250 children annually, there are 950 additional children in Delaware and Chester Counties navigating foster care without a CASA by their side. We want to reach every child and we need your help! No special background is needed. Spread the word. #volunteer, #delcopa, #chescopa

We've heard that reports of child abuse and neglect have dropped significantly during the pandemic and the reason is unfortunately NOT because abuse isn't happening. In fact, many suspect children are more vulnerable now. Hear from an expert by checking out this conversation on CBSN with Teresa Huizar of the National Children's Alliance. : https://www.cbsnews.com//child-welfare-advocates-abuse-ca/ Consider becoming a CASA GEM (Give Every Month) donor and allow us to keep children safe. Sign up at www.delcocasa.org.

If you missed Pennsylvania CASA's Town Hall yesterday, you can view it now: https://pacasa.org/townhall. Now more than ever, the work of CASA volunteers is essential to help change the story of a child in crisis. We are happy to work in partnership with the Commonwealth's other CASA program to protect our most vulnerable children.

Just a few of the proven positive impacts CASA volunteers have on children's lives. Please share! #CASAfacts. #volunteer #somegoodnews

Mark your calendars for this great workshop on November 17th being hosted by our Voices for Children Coalition.

Yesterday, 12 people were sworn in as Advocates by the Honorable Judge Rick Lowe. This group completed 35 hours of virtual training and are now prepared to be the eyes and ears of the court as they walk alongside children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Congratulations to Jenn Asplundh, Pam Beiler, Shellee Buchanan, Lauren Stevens Dambly, Mitch Gore, Amy Hoplamazian, Lisa Mackell, Lorraine McClain, Angela Morris, Yasemin Simsek, Joy Warner and Charmaine Waters. We are honored to have this caring group of adults join our CASA family. Please join us in congratulating them! Our next training begins November 2nd. More details at www.delcocasa.org.

This year we asked supporters to do a virtual 5K and have been so impressed that folks are still out there completing their Superhero runs. Our sincere thanks to Delaware County District Attorney, Jack Stollsteimer, for your ongoing support. He shared the following with us, As District Attorney, I work with Superheroes: the men and women of law enforcement and our CASA Youth Advocates who fight every day to protect kids. Please join me in supporting CASA. Thanks again!