One Child at a Time

One Child at a Time
Author: Yolanda Bryant
Publisher: Freeze Time Media
Total Pages: 128
Release: 2014-12
Genre:
ISBN: 9780991355075

When children are taken from their family, due to abuse or neglect, they enter the custody of social services and are put into a foster home. Some of these children are lucky enough to be given a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). "One Child at a Time: The Mission of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)" shares the experiences of CASAs working to give children a voice in court, and a chance to return to a safe home, or to find a new forever home. First, you will meet Kelly, an engaging three-year-old that told her CASA the first time they met, "The people came and took me away from my mommy and daddy. I was crying and crying. I had to go and see a doctor. The doctor gave me a stuffed animal to make me feel better, but it didn't help." The words of this small child floored the author. She seemed to have a better understanding of her feelings than many children much older. It's no wonder that the author would become Kelly's biggest advocate. The second section of the book is a compilation of experiences and feelings from a variety of CASA volunteers. All kinds of people do this work; the only requirement is a love for children. Volunteers are trained for two weeks before starting a case. Along the way, when questions or concerns arise, each volunteer has a supervisor from the CASA office that they can turn to for advice and a listening ear. The joy of seeing a child find the happiness and security each one deserves is an experience that fills a CASA's heart with their own joy and happiness. It is the reason CASAs become hooked from the moment they take a case and meet their children.

Foster the Family

Foster the Family
Author: Jamie C. Finn
Publisher: Baker Books
Total Pages: 240
Release: 2022-02-15
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 149343442X

There are great rewards that come along with being a foster parent, yet there are also great challenges that can leave you feeling depleted, alone, and discouraged. The many burdens of a foster parent's day--hurting children, struggling biological parents, and a broken system--are only compounded by the many burdens of a foster parent's heart--confusion, anxiety, heartache, anger, and fear. With the compassion and insight of a fellow foster parent, Jamie C. Finn helps you see your struggles through the lens of the gospel, bringing biblical truths to bear on your unique everyday realities. In these short, easy-to-read chapters, you'll find honest, personal stories and practical lessons that provide encouragement and direction from God's Word as you walk the journey of foster parenting.

Lighting the Way

Lighting the Way
Author:
Publisher: CWLA Press (Child Welfare League of America)
Total Pages: 108
Release: 2002
Genre: Social Science
ISBN:

This volume collects the personal experiences of the volunteers who serve across the nation as Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). The CASA program trains ordinary people to become advocates for children, to learn all they can about an individual child and his individual troubles and struggles, and to report back to a judge about what the child needs as fairly and clearly as possible. This book shares CASA volunteers' tears and joys, their trials and triumphs, as they speak from the heart about the important role they play in the lives of children. (GCP).

Three Little Words

Three Little Words
Author: Ashley Rhodes-Courter
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 320
Release: 2008-01-08
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1416948066

Rhodes-Courter spent nine years of her life in 14 different foster homes. In this unforgettable memoir, the author recounts her years growing up in the foster care system, revealing painful memories but also her determination to discover the power of her own voice.

Etched in Sand

Etched in Sand
Author: Regina Calcaterra
Publisher: Harper Collins
Total Pages: 224
Release: 2013-08-06
Genre: Family & Relationships
ISBN: 0062218840

Regina’s Calcaterra memoir, Etched in Sand, is an inspiring and triumphant coming-of-age story of tenacity and hope. Regina Calcaterra is a successful lawyer, New York State official, and activist. Her painful early life, however, was quite different. Regina and her four siblings survived an abusive and painful childhood only to find themselves faced with the challenges of the foster-care system and intermittent homelessness in the shadows of Manhattan and the Hamptons. A true-life rags-to-riches story, Etched in Sand chronicles Regina’s rising above her past, while fighting to keep her brother and three sisters together through it all. Beautifully written, with heartbreaking honesty, Etched in Sand is an unforgettable reminder that regardless of social status, the American Dream is still within reach for those who have the desire and the determination to succeed.

Court Appointed Special Advocates Programs Nationwide

Court Appointed Special Advocates Programs Nationwide
Author: Katelyn De La Rosa Aceves
Publisher:
Total Pages: 23
Release: 2021
Genre:
ISBN:

Purpose: Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs throughout the nation serve the needs of children in the dependency system. Programs train volunteers to advocate for the children they are matched with. This review of CASA programs nationwide will address the gaps in the outcomes of children in the child welfare system who have CASAs by reviewing all published articles and relevant reports of social work online. Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items (PRISMA) guidelines, five databases were used to search the key terms listed below. Of the 393 records, 26 articles met inclusion criteria. Results: This review revealed gaps in service for minority youth in the dependency system, family challenges, program outcomes, and initiated an evaluation of volunteer burnout and retention. Discussion: CASA programs provide essential advocacy to children in the dependency system through the dedication of volunteers who work with families, child protective services, and the courts in order to improve outcomes for these children once they exit the system.