WHY BECOME A CASA ?

Montgomery County CASA Program

WHAT IS CASA

The CASA Program recruits, trains and supports volunteers who serve as advocates to children who are in the court system as victims of abuse and/or neglect. CASA volunteers are appointed by the court. The CASA’s major role is to recommend a course of action to the court that is in the child’s best interest. The ultimate goal is to make sure each child has a safe and permanent home. The Montgomery County CASA Program is certified through the Indiana Office of GAL/CASA and the National Court Appointed Special Advocates Association.

WHY BECOME A CASA

Each year in Montgomery County, a hundred or more children are taken out of their homes because of neglect or abuse, often due to their parents’ involvement with drugs. These children need someone whose sole purpose is to keep only their best interests in mind.

The CASA will make a direct impact on a child’s life and perhaps on lives for generations to come.

WHO CAN BECOME A CASA

A volunteer needs only to be an adult, 21 years of age or older, who wants to help abused and neglected kids. The program provides training, support, and supervision. We welcome volunteers from all cultures, professions, ages, socio-economic backgrounds, ethnic and educational backgrounds. I

VOLUNTEERING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYONE

The Montgomery County CASA program does not discriminate against any individual because of age, race, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or handicap in the provision of services or recruitment of volunteers.

For more information c
ontact:

Jane Christophersen @ 362-0694 #13 janecysb@sbcglobal.net / Sue Brassel @ 362-0694 #20 sbrassel@sbcglobal.net

Adverse Childhood Experiences

I was at a workshop the other day and the speaker mentioned Adverse Childhood Experiences. I googled it and found a very interesting study. It revealed information about the health, social, and economic risks that result from childhood trauma.

The study stated that 63% of the people who participated in the study had experinced at least one category of childhood trauma. Over 20% experienced 3 or more categories of trauma they call Adverse Childhood Experiences.

The more categories of trauma experienced in childhood, the greater the likelihood of experiencing:

• alcoholism and alcohol abuse
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• depression
• fetal death
• poor health-related quality of life
• illicit drug use
• ischemic heart disease
• liver disease
• risk for intimate partner violence
• multiple sexual partners
• sexually transmitted diseases
• smoking
• obesity
• suicide attempts
• unintended pregnancies

Yet another reason to become a CASA and advocate for abused and neglected children to ensure that their needs do not go unheard. If you are interested in becoming a CASA contact Jane Christophersen at 362-0694 #13 / janecysb@sbcglobal.net 

When is it okay for your child to be HOME ALONE?

Home is the place where a child should feel 

protected and safe. But what about those times when a parent can’t be there? If there is no affordable after-school program or sitter available, when is it okay for your child to be home alone?

There is no right answer for every child. There is no magic age when a child suddenly becomes responsible and mature. But there are ways to evaluate your child’s capabilities in order to make a more informed decision.

Review these questions:

·         Is your child mature enough to be home alone?

o   Age in years and age in maturity are very different things. A child who does not know how to respond to a knock at the door, or one who forgets to lock the door, is not ready to be left alone.

·         Can your child handle fear, loneliness, and boredom?

o   These are some of the things kids face when they are home by themselves.

·         Is there a responsible adult nearby, a relative or a neighbor, who your child can call for assistance?

o   Even if you work nearby, there may be times when you will not be available. Who can your child turn to then?

·          Does your child know emergency procedures? Have you reviewed fire escape routes? Is there a first aid kit available, and does your child know how to use it?

o   Role-play with your child. Pretend there is an emergency and see your child’s response.

·         Does your child perform everyday tasks such as fixing a snack, dialing the phone, and writing messages?

o   These are necessary skills.

·         Does your child regularly solve small problems without assistance, knowing when it’s okay to ask for help?

o   If your child arrived home to find the front door open, or a window broken, what would be the results?

·         Are there siblings who will also be home? Does your child manage conflicts with/among siblings without adult help?

o   The best way to answer this is to watch your child with siblings. If your child doesn’t manage well when you’re home, most likely the situation will not improve when you’re away.

·         Is your child comfortable with the idea of staying alone?

o   Ask! If the answer is no, then it is definitely not a good idea. A child must feel confident about being alone and self-sufficient for the time you are way.

If you and your child are confident that the time is right, try leaving your child for short periods of time to test the results. Call it an “experiment.” First, make sure that these elements are in place:

·         There should be a basic agreement, a contract of sorts, between you and your child about what is expected when you are away, with clear rules as to what is off-limits.

·         Make a thorough check of your home for safety risks, access to kitchen appliances (especially gas), alcoholic beverages, and firearms. Remove these risks!

·         Make certain your child has every key necessary to get into the house, with a plan for what to do if the keys are lost.

·         All necessary information should be kept by every phone. Your home address, emergency numbers, your contact info, neighbor’s phone number.

·         And, if possible, leave a cell phone number or pager number to reach you immediately.

Afterwards discuss your experiment. Did each person feel comfortable? IF you still have concerns, contact a trusted professional or clergy person to help you address your concerns. Try the experiment again when everyone feels more comfortable and confident.

 This information was brought to you by Prevent Child Abuse Indiana www.pcain.org

ART from the HEART

Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau

PRESS RELEASE: Artist call out for Inaugural Art from the Heart event

            There is something special about creating art from the heart, and that is just what the Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau seeks.

The YSB is currently calling all artists, ages 15-19, to participate in the inaugural Art From The Heart event at creativeLAB, 117 E. Main St.  Artists are asked to create artwork with the theme “My Happy Place” in mind.  These works will be showcased at creativeLAB from May 7^th until May 17^th. During that time the community can place silent bids. On May 17^th there will be an artist reception and final auction.

Art from the Heart will help benefit the YSB’s Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA). It will also help the community recognize the importance of community involvement to prevent child abuse and neglect.

“As a community we all need to be aware that not every child has a happy place. It is our duty to look out for ALL the children, not just our children and our grandchildren. This is a chance for children in Montgomery County to help other children in need. What better way than expressing themselves through art?” Volunteer Coordinator Sue Brassel said.

All artwork will be auctioned off on May 17^th during a reception hosted by creativeLAB and the YSB.  Artists will receive a portion of the proceeds raised from their work. The remainder of the proceeds will go to benefit the CASA program.

The CASA program trains and supervises CASA volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children (CHINS) in Montgomery County. These CASA volunteers are able to be supports to the child to make sure their basic needs are being met, and that they are in a stable and loving home as soon as possible.

creativeLab is a gallery showcasing work from established as well as budding artists. It is an oasis for creativity and offers a variety of classes, and basic supplies to encourage art in all of its basic forms to all ages. The LAB is located at 117 East Main St, right next to Milligan’s Flowers and across from the courthouse. “I would like the creativeLab to be a springboard for emerging artists.” said Anne Sipahimalani, owner of creativeLAB. Anne strongly supports the work the Montgomery County CASA Program provides for our community.

Artists, if interested, are asked to contact Sue Brassel at the YSB at 362-0694 ext. 20 or sbrassel@sbcglobal.net. You may also pick up a submission form at the creativeLAB.

The entry form is below. Email me at sbrassel@sbcglobal.net and I will email you a pdf version.

Child advocates rally at statehouse

(March 5, 2012)  Representatives of Montgomery County CASA volunteers and staff participated in the inaugural CASA Day at the Indiana State House on Monday, March 5th. Montgomery County joined representatives from 47 other counties from the State rallying for the CASA program volunteers.

            CASA volunteers advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children who are involved in the child welfare system.  They are able to provide a voice in the court for the child, making sure the child’s best interests are presented to the court system.  They also strive to have the child in a permanent, safe and loving home as soon as possible.

            In the state of Indiana there are 3,200 CASA volunteers who advocate on behalf of more than 18,000 children.  Their volunteer efforts save the State $25 million dollars annually.  Almost 350 of those volunteers were at the State House today.

            Speakers included Indiana Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard, who was honored for his support of the CASA program. Supreme Court Justice Steve David also spoke to the CASA volunteers and staff about the importance of their work.  Finally, a former foster child, now serving as a child advocate, talked about the importance of advocating for those who are suffering abuse and neglect.

            Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau’s CASA Director Jane Christophersen said “It was exhilarating to be with so many CASAs who made the trip to the State House to rally for abused and neglected children.  I also really appreciated Senator Boots taking the time to come talk to our group.”

The CASA program is now accepting volunteer applications so every Child in Need of Services (CHINS) can be helped by a trained adult CASA volunteer who will act as an advocate and voice for the child. There will be a training session for these volunteers starting the week of  April 16th. 

If you or someone you know would be interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, please contact Jane Christophersen at 362-0694 ext. 13. She will discuss how you can start meeting the needs of abused and neglected children in Montgomery County.

CASA is a program of the Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau.  The Youth Service Bureau, founded in 1971 by the Montgomery County League of Women Voters, helps children become productive citizens through delinquency prevention, referral services, community education and youth advocacy.

            CASA Day was sponsored by the Indiana Child Advocates Network and the State Office of GAL/CASA, of the Indiana Supreme Court, Division of State Court Administration.

          

Child advocates rally at statehouse: wishtv.com

Four Things You Can Do to Help Children in 2012

Michael Piraino, Chief Executive Officer of the National CASA Association wrote a very thought provoking blog on the National CASA website.

Mr. Piraino talks about the economy and how it is affecting our community's children. According to Indiana Youth Institute, in 2010, 22.9% of children in Montgomery County were living in poverty. 33.2% were receiving free lunches. I doubt those numbers were any lower in 2011. If anything they were probably higher.

Parents are under stress trying to provide for their families and that stress filters down to their children.
Read the entire blog here => http://blog.casaforchildren.org/blog/opinion/children-2012/ to find out what YOU can do to help our county's children.

Guest Blogger: Did anyone read the article in the Indianapolis Star on Sunday?

Guest Blog written by Karen Branch, Executive Director, YSB       

Did anyone read the article in the Indianapolis Star on Sunday? We have had concerns for quite some time about the state of child welfare in Indiana and appreciate that Mr. Evans (the author of the article) is bringing to light what some of those concerns are.  As you can tell by the article, the tragic deaths of these children are happening all over the state and could happen here in Montgomery County as well.  Being a CASA and being the only one exclusively representing the best interest of the child, our job has never been more important! 

As the article states, all calls to report child abuse are now going to a central hotline.  When a call is received at the central hotline, the intake worker, after taking the information, makes a recommendation to the supervisor as to whether the call should be screened out or should be passed on to the County it originated from for investigation.  Even if the worker is recommending investigation, it has to be approved by the supervisor before being passed on for investigation.  If the supervisor does not approve the recommendation for investigation, the call may be screened out.  However if the supervisor agrees, the call will then be passed on to the County who is obligated to investigate.  In checking the statistics for 2011 for the hotline, they report receiving 146,070 calls for the year.  They report an average waiting time on hold to make a report, for non-law enforcement, to be two minutes and one second.  The average length of time spent between the intake worker and the caller is 11 minutes and 54 seconds.  There are several things of concern here. One is the absence of comparison between calls received and calls screened out.  I for one would be interested to know just how many calls are screened out.  The second concern is the fact that anyone would be put on hold when they are calling to report abuse, let alone that they are on hold for over 2 minutes.  I wonder if the $101,000,000 returned to the state from childrens services could have been used to hire more intake workers to prevent the public or law enforcement officers from being on hold when trying to protect children.   The third issue is the length of time on the intake calls.  Although I believe that if trained appropriately, you can gather pertinent information efficiently, one has to wonder if 11 minutes is enough time to get a clear picture of a complex situation. 

Substantiation of abuse is another concern.  I understand that there are statutory conditions that must be met for a situation to be substantiated as abuse or neglect.  But there is certainly room for interpretation of those statutes.  I am concerned that the interpretation currently is very narrow, leading to children going unprotected and in part, leading to the tragic deaths noted in the article. 

According to the 2011Kids Count Data Book, in 2010 the child abuse/neglect rate per 1,000 children under the age of 18 in Montgomery County was 29.5!!  This is more than twice the state average of 14.5.  We need to be very concerned and make sure that we are doing all that we can to keep children safe.  What we do not want to do is give up in frustration, or stop trying because “it won’t make a difference”.  What this article points out is that we have a lot to do to make a difference.  We need to call and keep calling when we suspect abuse, we need to educate everyone about child abuse signs and symptoms, we need to make sure people are aware of issues regarding child welfare and educate them about politicians’ stance on these issues.  CASAs need to make sure that they continue to be strong advocates for children.  Child abuse is not someone else’s problem, it is all of our problem and we need to stand up and make sure that we are doing everything we can to protect our most valuable asset, our children.     

Star Watch: Could deaths of Indiana children have been prevented?

Read these articles and tell me what you think in the comment section below.

Star Watch: Could deaths of Indiana children have been prevented?

Taylor Creech, 5 months old. Nygell Easter, 6 months old. Julian Hurley, 4 years old. Devin Parsons, 12 years old....

View the complete article at http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201201220245/LOCAL/201220337

Six months of suffering -- and a long history with DCS

Irdessa Vazquez was born with traces of marijuana and opiates coursing through her veins. Six months later, her life was over -- the victim of repeated physical abuse....
View the complete article at http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201201220715/LOCAL/201220379

My Heart is Warm on a Snowy Day

I just walked to the courthouse to file some reports and felt like I was inside a snow globe. It's cold and wet out there folks!

My heart was warmed by the thought that in my hand I held reports written by very special people trying to help some very special kids. Our CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocate)here in Montgomery County are an awesome group.

Being a CASA isn't always easy, but it is always rewarding. They go to bat for what they think is right for a child in need, and the Judge validates this when they enter that courtroom, they are asked for thier recomendations, and they are heard!

There are times if the CASA didn't speak up, the outcome for that child could be horribly different. The only agenda they have is to make sure that child has the best possible life circumstances allow.

They can't give them money, a new house and designer clothes. But they can make sure that they are warm, well fed, safe, educated, happy, and in the most loving home available to them. They don't work miracles folks... but sometimes it feels like it! 

I know, you are thinking, "I want to get in on that. How can I help?" You don't have to be a college grad, or have special training. The Montgomery County CASA program will give you all the training you need. Our CASAs are from all walks of life. Teachers, factory workers, store clerks, nurses, and retirees.

We will have a Spring training session. Give Jane or I a call or drop us an email. We would love to talk to you about the program.

Jane Christopersen 362-0694 #13 janecysb@sbcglobal.net
Sue Brassel 362-0694 #20  sbrassel@gmail.com


Click here for more details about being a CASA

CASA Volunteer Recognition Banquet

It's that time of year, CASA Volunteers. Time to join together for a good meal, entertainment and to be recognized for all your hard work on behalf of Montgomery County's children. Mark your calendars for February 17th. This year the banquet will be held at Crawfordsville Country Club, which is located at 3272 W. Country Club Road. The banquet starts at 6:30 p.m.. Your invitations are on the way. Please join us!

Other upcoming events include:

February 7th - Special CASA meeting combined with JUMP on "Understanding Meth Use and It's effects on Youth." 5:30-8:00 p.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church. Dinner will be served :-)

March 5th - CASA Day at the Indiana State House. Join thousands of other CASA Volunteers from across Indiana to rally for the right to advocate! Mark this on your calendar. More information to follow.

Sign up to receive this blog via email so you won't miss any important dates.

“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

There's more than corn in Indiana, there's snow :-)

It's just about time that we had a bit of this white stuff. Not that I am a big fan. When I think white I think the sandy beaches of Florida. But alas, I live in Indiana and white means snow. It also means baking, hot chocolate, curling up with a good book and a cup of tea.

What is your favorite snow day activity? Tell us about it :-)

National CASA CEO Michael Piraino

Happy 2012 everyone. I hope the holidays were ever thing you expected. I was unable to attend the National CASA conference, but recently I located National CASA CEO Michael Piraino's address from the 2011 National CASA Conference in Chicago, IL. I enjoyed what he had to say as I am sure you will.

National CASA CEO Michael Piraino

Have a wonderful week.