CASA of Pima County Newsletter

CASA of Pima County 2225 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713

Main office: 520-724-2060

Volume 4, Issue 1 January/February, 2017

CASA Support Council News

Holiday Party – record-breaking attendance!!

The CASA Support Council was delighted that so many CASA

children attended this fun event, along with their CASAs, on

Sunday, December 4th. The total number attending was 97!! If

you were unable to attend, there are still teddy bears available

for your child. Please contact your CASA Coordinator to

obtain one. See the article in this issue with pictures and details

of this event.

CASA Support Council’s Holiday Activity

A number of CASA children enjoyed the Tucson Symphony

Orchestra’s, “The Magic of Christmas” on December 17th and

18th. The Support Council sincerely appreciates the Symphony

for donating free tickets to us. Please see the article in this

issue for what this experience meant to our CASA kids.

CASA Support Council’s Annual Christmas Giving Tree

Event

The Support Council would like to thank everyone who

purchased retail gift cards at supermarkets and business

locations around Tucson. This is always a wonderful way for us

to spread the word about CASA children and the CASA

Program. This was a very successful year! The gift cards will

be used throughout the year for celebrating children’s

birthdays, graduations, adoptions, etc.

JC Penney gift cards are still available!

As the 2nd semester of school begins soon, the Support Council

would like to remind CASAs that JC Penney gift cards worth

$110, are still available to purchase clothing, including

uniforms, for school aged children. The gift cards are provided

by the Assistance League under their nationwide “Operation

School Bell” program. To pick up your card, please contact

Krissa Ericson (krissa.ericson@pcjcc.pima.gov or at 724-

2069.) The Support Council will continue to provide for

clothing needs of infants and toddlers.

Goodbye 2016; Welcome 2017!

We would like to wish CASAs and the CASA Program Staff a

happy and healthy 2017. In 2016 we supported 278 CASA

children. We’re looking forward to supporting even more in

2017. Thank you to the CASAs who contacted us with requests

for new activities and experiences for your CASA children. We

will be updating our website soon with the Dec., 2016 revision

of “Things to Do”, a list of free and discounted activities.

Thank you CASA! A note from Christa…

After several attempts to write this, it has become

overwhelmingly clear that I do not know how to say goodbye to

the CASAs or to the CASA Program. Over the last 4 years, I have

learned so much and I have had the pleasure of working with so

many wonderful people- it is no wonder I don’t want to say

goodbye.

To the CASAs that I have supported, worked with, or even just

met- It takes a special kind of person to say, “I want to help a

child in need, and I want to do it for free.” It takes strength, a

big heart, and thick skin to do what you do. You fight for the

children that do not have a voice, you inspire children that have

lost hope, and you are a safe constant in a frightening and

changing world.

To the CASA Program- I have learned so much working with you

all. We all are so different, but somehow we were able to all

mesh together and make an amazing team. I am thankful for all

the support I have received and I will miss venting, celebrating,

and working with you all.

As I start my new adventure in nursing school (and getting

married), I will take with me

countless wonderful memories

from my time here. Even just

knowing that there a so many

people out there that care and

want to make the world a better

place makes me smile and gives

me hope for the future. I wish you

all the best in 2017 and can’t wait to come back as a CASA!

Inside this Issue:

Pg. 2 - CASA Kudos Pg. 4 –Things to Remember in 2017 Pg. 8 – CASA Recruiting Update by Jill LaBrie Pg. 9 – Community Agency Spotlight: Aviva Children’s Services Pg. 12 – Siblings, together or apart? By Dr. Jacobs Pg. 13 - 15 – Announcements, Upcoming CASA Events Pg. 16 – CASA Book Club & Case Support Dates Pg. 17 – 19 – CASA Support Council Information Pg. 20 & 21 - January & February Calendars Pg. 22 – Contact Information Page

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CASA Kudos

Welcome to our newest CASA trainees, Ron,

Tom, Barbara, Jennifer, Melody & Denise! It’s exciting to end the year with a strong training class!

Congrats to CASA Lucille Boilard-Harkin for helping your two CASA children find their forever home!

Kudos to CASA Anne White for a great first court report and hearing in November. The Judge stated that "the CASA has diligently been involved with the minor and has appropriately and aptly informed the Court regarding any relevant issues concerning the child, with the thanks of the Court for her work".

Kudos to CASA Mike Treacy for your diligence and ongoing professionalism that has "won over" challenging team players.

Kudos to CASA Kathy Anderson for going above and beyond to visit your child out of state so

he can see a familiar face. Dr. Tobiason mentioned “She has been incredible in her advocacy for

J., she has visited him twice out of state, and she has been a vital team player (often driving the

team).”

Congratulations to CASA Jennifer Anderson for helping your CASA child find permanency through adoption! Thank you for providing the Judge with all the important information and all your hard work throughout the long case.

Thank you to CASA Andie Cohn for balancing two very interesting and different CASA cases.

Thank you to CASA Sariah Bechtel for creating exceptional Contact Log entries and providing several key insights to help your young lady.

Kudos to CASA Nathan McDonald for your work to help move your case toward reunification of a 5-year-old boy with his father.

Kudos to CASA Lesa Jensen for getting up to speed quickly with a large number of people involved in the Case of two little sisters.

Kudos to CASA Allison Wannemacher for quickly establishing rapport with your CASA teens! Kudos to new CASA Sigrid Hooijmeijer, CASA Patty Dean, CASA Cheryl Zormeier, and

CASA Cathy Brizendine for accepting their first cases. Kudos to Co-CASAs Susan Canty and Carolyn McGorray for your excellent court report.

Judge Butler noted, “It was very helpful and instructive to the Court” and expressed that she was very grateful to the CASAs for giving her a great picture of what is going on in the case. FCRB also expressed their gratitude to the Co-CASAs.

The FCRB thanked CASA Roberto Estillore for his support and commitment to advocate for his CASA youth’s best interests and thanked him for attending the Board review.

Kudos to CASA Mary Hudson for coordinating with the CFT team, in order to work together for her CASA teen, and for transporting her CASA teen to school from her group home many times.

Thank you to CASA Rufus Tamayo for your dedication to your CASA teen. You definitely are the one person who knows him and consistently voices his needs as well as what is best for him to the team.

Kudos to CASA Edith Connors for commitment to your CASA children while navigating a full-time job and family life!

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Judge Butler thanked CASA Margo Lunsford for her report, stating, “I found it very helpful.” Judge Metcalf stated to CASA Rosalie Greenfield, “I appreciate your time and attention to

your CASA child.” At the same hearing, the child’s attorney commended CASA Rosalie’s work with her CASA child. She stated, “(CASA child) loves her CASA.”

Thank you to CASA Howie Adams for finding recruitment and grant opportunities for the CASA Program.

Judge Pratte noted her appreciation to CASA Steve Lautenschlaeger for his advocacy for his CASA youth, and for the time that he has devoted to his CASA youth’s case.

Kudos to CASA Patty Dean within just 3 weeks of being appointed to her first case she composed an excellent report for the court filled with information she quickly gathered. Good work!

Congrats to CASA Alan Dankwerth for being a consistent figure in your CASA case and helping the child find permanency. The case closed in December with an adoption celebration!

Kudos to CASA Tanya Ivey for your handy work in helping a potential adoptive placement understand one of your CASA youths needs and strengths. Your ability to build rapport with her from afar is proving to be very beneficial for your CASA child and the potential adoptive placement. A special thank you to Peer Coordinator Robyn Kessler for helping Tanya transport the boys on December 24th!

Kudos to CASA Susan Hirsch for her research and application of how the ICWA pertains to her CASA child’s case.

Judge Butler thanked CASA Linda Sherrill for her reports on all four children in her new case, even though she had been appointed to the two youngest children only three weeks before the Dependency Hearing. Judge Butler acknowledged that it was a hard task, and thanked CASA Linda, as the CASA report was very helpful to her.

Kudos to CASA Kristin Thompson for advocating for her CASA child in a very complex case. Kudos to CASA Jane Dobrovolny for accepting her second case. Thank you to CASA Sylvia Canelos for being on the CASA panel at December Academy. Kudos to CASA Sal Quijada for spending quality time with your 3 CASA children around the

holidays! Thank you for your willingness to take on a sibling group of three. Kudos to CASA Sheryl Brown for helping your CASA children find permanency.

Congratulations on your case ending in Family Reunification. Thank you to CASA Kathleen Elsberry for mentoring two new CASA’s. Kudos to CASA Pam Flint for writing a great court report that helped the Court decide to

change the case plan. Kudos to CASA John Swiencicki – you have done so much to bring comfort and the right

medical services to your CASA child! Thank you CASA Judy Price for having a new CASA attend your Dependency Review and for

helping another CASA out at the CASA Support Council Holiday Party. Thank you to Peer Coordinator Ginger Tonkin-Sugimoto for your willingness to mentor

and support others as a Peer Coordinator. Thank you to CASA Robin Rosenthal, Peer Coordinator Robyn Kessler, and CASA

Margaret Mishra for helping out at the CASA Support Council Holiday Party. A special thank you to CASA Ardie Banks for your continued advocacy, on all fronts, on behalf

of your CASA child. Ardie’s constancy and belief in the child as well as her persistence in being a true team member are truly rewarding to see.

Thank you to Peer Coordinator Sandra Rohen for accepting the Educational Surrogate responsibility for 3 CASA children.

Kudos to CASA Dayle Lansman for reaching out to the biological father of her CASA child and supporting his efforts to work on his case plan. Congratulations Dayle, for a great first court report and for being thanked by the Judge for your work on the case.

Congratulations to CASA Lorna Boon for your advocacy and hard and fun work on behalf of your CASA child. The child’s adoption was finalized at the recent Adoption in the Park and along with Lorna, the adoptive family’s family and friends from all over participated in the celebration! Also, thank you so much Lorna, for hitting the ground running on your second case.

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Thank you CASA Lisa McDaniel, for your hard and thoughtful work on your case as you also planned your recent wedding. Congratulations on completing your first court report and on the Judge addressing your recommendations in Court.

Thank you to Peer Coordinator Richard Cook for all the support you give to several CASA advocates AND for being a strong, stable and reliable adult for your CASA teen.

A special thank you to CASA Marsha Luttrell for your diligent and dedicated advocacy work on behalf of your CASA children. Two of the children in Marsha’s case were recently adopted at the November Adoption in the Park. You and your efforts are truly appreciated, Marsha!

Congratulations to CASA Andi Dempsey for your thoughtful advocacy, through many twists and turns, on behalf of your CASA child. The dependency on the child’s case was dismissed as permanent guardianship was established with the child’s wonderful relative placement.

A special thank you to CASA Sally Sumner for your persistent and diplomatic teamwork and constant belief in the CASA child’s abilities and dreams. Sally’s case was dismissed as permanent guardianship was finalized with her child’s relative placement.

Thank you to Co-CASAs Katie Espinoza and Aimee Felix for all of your work on behalf of your CASA children. Aimee’s and Katie’s persistent advocacy has helped ensure the children are in appropriate placements and that they are receiving the therapeutic and educational services they need.

Thank you CASA George Franklin for your continued advocacy and support of your CASA child. Thank you for traveling out-of-county as you help ensure what is absolutely best for the child.

Thank you to CASA Susan Barrable for being a stable and vocal CFT member – without your efforts your case would have “gone off the rails”!

Kudos to CASA Marsha Gary for writing an excellent first court report & for providing much needed 1:1 time to your CASA child.

Kudos to CASA Conny Swacha for taking a second case, engaging with members of the team, and introducing the child to new opportunities and learnings!

A special thank you to Peer Coordinator Roger Pinkstaff for all of your years as a CASA advocate, for being such a wise and thoughtful mentor to new CASA advocates, and for participating in many recruitment and training activities with your former CASA child. Roger’s leadership and kindness continue to help build and strengthen the CASA program and to remind us all of the meaning of our work and the importance of our children.

Congratulations to Co-CASAs Ken Browning and Cynthia Dean for accepting a second case. Thank you Ken, for quickly beginning your work on behalf of your CASA child.

Kudos to CASA Barbara Baehler for accepting your first case! A special thank you to Peer Coordinator Bonnie Lawrie-Higgins for your invaluable work

as a CASA peer coordinator! Thank you for recently participating on the CASA Panel for our new CASA advocates.

Thank you to Peer Coordinator & Support Council President Linda Koral for presenting to our new CASA Advocates every other month in 2016!

Thank you to CASA Penny Cheshire for your enthusiasm in taking on a sibling group of 3 as your 1st CASA case – you are doing a wonderful job!

Kudos to CASA Tori Elkins for taking such a challenging case!

Things to Remember in 2017

1. DASHBOARD & CASAAZ.GOV EMAIL: All advocates are strongly encouraged to log in to

the Dashboard & CASAaz.gov email on a regular basis. We are sending important announcements

and information via the email system and want you to be able to take advantage of all that CASA of

Pima County offers!

Remember the Dashboard is our online case management system.

Link: https://apps.azcourts.gov/Casa/Login.aspx

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Use this tool to view documents disclosed on your case; enter your case activities such as

outings with your CASA child; submit your court report; and account for your training hours

throughout the year.

Remember your CASAaz.gov email is for all things CASA. Link: https://p3plcpnl0711.prod.phx3.secureserver.net:2096/

Use this email to communicate with individuals on your CASA case as well as with your

Peer Coordinator & Program Coordinator.

2. TRAINING: All CASA Advocates & Peer Coordinators will complete 12 hours of training per

year. Four hours should be completed through in person or interactive training.

Eight out of the 12 hours can be Independent Study activities. Some examples are:

1. CASA website Online Trainings (www.azcasa.org under “Online Training”)

2. Movies

3. Books (30 minutes per 50 pages read).

Four hours should be in person or interactive training. For example:

1. Monthly Learning Events (MLE)

2. Case Support Meetings, Teen Case Supports, Infant & Toddler Case Supports

3. CASA Book Club Discussion

4. Community Trainings

In June of 2015 CASA of Arizona stated that helping with recruitment activities could be

logged as training hours. For example, 2 hours spent helping with Tucson Meet Yourself

will be logged as 2 hours towards your training requirement. Talk to Krissa, Jill or your

Program Coordinator if you have questions about this change.

Don’t forget to log your trainings into the Dashboard. This will give you a record and cumulative

total of your completed training hours for the year!

If you attend a Community Training, your Coordinator may ask you for the Certificate or

PowerPoint for this training so it can be documented that it is an appropriate training. The CASA

office only receives sign in sheets from MLE, Court Facilitated Trainings, Case Support

Meetings, Teen & Baby Case Supports and CASA Book Club. *Due to space constraints and

other logistics some trainings and events will require you to RSVP in advance. Please pay close

attention to all announcements.

3. CONTACT ENTRIES ON DASHBOARD: All advocates are required to submit a contact log

every month. With our new online case management system, advocates are encouraged to enter

case activities (contacts) on an ongoing basis. If you enter your activities throughout each week

you will be all set come the last day of the month. If needed, a contact log can be completed on a

word document and sent into the CASA office but this is only done on a case by case basis. Please

talk with your Program Coordinator. These entries & logs are due to the CASA office by the 1st of

the following month. It is very important to have everything submitted by the 1st day of the

following month because the CASA office has to submit reports containing that information

by certain deadlines.

Once the CASA picks up there case file, they will start to document case activity on their

contact logs.

CASA Advocates are to document all contacts with all parties on the case, including the

CASA Coordinator. Document your phone calls, emails and even times you just leave a

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voice message! Document your outings or visits with your CASA child as well as your

attendance at meetings and trainings.

CASA Advocates will submit contact logs until there case is dismissed by the Judge. (Ex:

Case is dismissed on November 2nd; the volunteer will still need to submit this log on

December 1st). If you will be unavailable for a period of time, please let your CASA

Coordinator know so this can be documented.

4. COURT REPORTS: CASA Advocates will submit their court reports TWO weeks prior to the

hearing. Court reports will be submitted for ALL Dependency Reviews & Permanency Hearings.

Court Reports should be entered into the online case management system, the Dashboard.

For editing purposes, a word document version of a court report can be emailed to your Peer

Coordinator and Program Coordinator using your CASAaz.gov email address.

If your COURT REPORT is submitted late, it may not be processed and submitted to the

court. You also might not be called upon by the Judge for your thoughts/ideas. It cannot be

EMPHASIZED enough as to how critical these reports are to the Judges, the CASA

Program, to your Coordinator and to the CASA children.

5. ADVOCATE & PEER/PROGRAM COORDINATOR CONTACT: At minimum we ask that

personal contact between CASA Advocates & Coordinators is once a month. We anticipate it will

be more regular. This is an important way for CASA Advocates to update Coordinators on their

cases as well as meeting our CASA State Program requirement.

To remain active/not assigned (such as working on a special project), an advocate must

complete 3 hours of organized program activities per month (and meet other active

advocate requirements, including training hours).

Advocates participating in SPECIAL PROJECTS must have regular contact on these

projects & submit a contact log every month. This is a requirement per the State of

Arizona CASA program. (Ex: Educational Consultant, ALERT Team Facilitator, CASA

Support Council, etc.).

To remain inactive and not be exited from the CASA program, an advocate must complete

12 hours of in-service annually. It is also State policy that a CASA Advocate cannot be

inactive for longer than six months.

If a CASA Advocate has not been on a case for a year or longer, then the CASA is required

to complete the CASA Flex Training or CASA Advocacy Academy (CAA), in its entirety as

a refresher.

If you do not maintain contact with the program we may be required to exit you from

the program, based on guidelines set by the state CASA Office. So please stay in touch!

6. COURT HEARINGS: Attendance is vital. On the rare occurrences that you cannot attend, notify

your Coordinator as soon as possible so they can try to attend in your absence or notify the Judge.

7. FOSTER CARE REVIEW BOARD (FCRB): It is important for the CASA Advocate to attend

the FCRB, however, if you cannot attend, please be prepared to submit a statement by:

Phone: #388-4300

Fax: # (602) 307-1220

Email: FCRBT@courts.az.gov - CASA of Pima County requires that you only use your

CASAaz.gov email to submit emailed statements.

All statements should be received by FCRB four days prior to the scheduled review date.

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8. CHILD AND FAMILY TEAM (CFT) Meetings: It’s very important for CASA Advocates to

attend monthly CFT meetings. It’s a great opportunity to get updates on the case plan tasks,

placement, behavioral concerns, medical concerns, education needs, visitation, etc. Most

importantly it gives the CASA the opportunity to provide case input to the team.

Notify your Coordinator if you cannot attend so they can try to attend in your absence.

9. PROGRAM COMPLIANCE: Ongoing Certification Statement and fingerprints must be done

every two years. You are also required to submit proof of your automobile insurance every year.

10. CONFIDENTIALITY: Everything related to the case you are assigned is confidential. Please

talk with your CASA Peer Coordinator and Program Coordinator about confidentiality and sharing

case information with any parties; specifically sending/receiving email messages.

In June of 2015 CASA of Arizona released CASA specific government email to eliminate

some of these extra barriers for our CASA advocates. If you have not attended a computer

training – contact your Coordinator to get in to an upcoming class! Please remember there

are many folks involved in a case and not everyone is an official party to the case. Your

Coordinator will assist you in maneuvering through the aspects of confidentiality.

11. REIMBURSEMENT REQUESTS: See summary of reimbursements later in this newsletter!

Outings, Special Requests & Mileage reimbursement requests are to be done on the CASA

Support Council Website: http://pimacountycasa.org/casa-links/current-casa-forms

TUTORING: CASA Support Council will no longer be providing funds for tutoring.

Arizona Friends of Foster Care (AFFC) will fund a variety of activities and items for

your CASA child. The AFFC website has a list of items that they award money for, such as

tutoring, school pictures, bikes and more. For Tutoring, AFFC website has a 12-week

funding periods with renewals up to one year. You will need to identify the tutor you

would like. The AFFC website is: http://www.affcf.org

12. GIFT CARDS are available to all CASA Volunteers for your CASA child’s birthday, Holiday’s,

& special occasions, etc. Please contact your Program Coordinator ahead of time so they will have

the gift card ready for you to pick up or have it mailed to you. This effort is also provided by the

CASA Support Council for Pima County, Inc.

13. ACTIVITIES: The CASA Support Council for Pima County, Inc. has provided the CASA office

with zoo passes, Desert Museum Passes (very limited supply) and Children’s Museum Passes.

Please contact your Program Coordinator to find out how to get a pass! Also watch for updates

regarding the work of the CASA Support Council in our bi-monthly newsletters. They are always

working hard to provide support to our CASA advocates & CASA children.

Share the work of CASA of

Pima County with a

friend and help us give more

children hope for a bright

future in 2017!

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CASA Recruiting Update by Jill LaBrie

Thanks to each and every Advocate and staff who assisted in recruiting in 2016. Whether you assisted at

a formal event, participated in commercials/interviews, distributed CASA material in the community,

talked to potential applicants when they wanted more information from someone who is an Advocate,

gave me contact information for potential presentations/events or told people about the program and

encouraged them to think about becoming an Advocate. This was so greatly appreciated. I continually

say the CASA Advocates are my most valuable resource, and I, by far, have the very best of the best

when it comes to resources!

2016 has been a very successful year, and the bar is set to be even more successful in 2017. We are

again this year going to be running television ads on KVOA and radio ads on all Cumulus radio stations

beginning the last week of December or early January running through June. We will continue to have

print ads run in various papers and periodicals in the greater Tucson area. Our State Office will also be

running some television ads on a local station in February.

We will be at lots of events in the community in the next several months that you may be interested in

helping with or just stopping by to say hello. We will be down in Green Valley for the Green

Valley/Sahuarita Volunteer Showcase on Wednesday February 1 from 10:00 to 12:00, the HOPExpo on

Tuesday February 21 from 10:00 – 2:00 (this would be great for any of our college students to help with),

Tucson Festival of Books Saturday and Sunday March 11 and March 12, Pima County Fair Thursday April

20 through Sunday April 30. I am guessing that there will be more events coming up, but I don’t have

dates as of yet.

I am going to resurrect the Coffee with CASA events beginning in January. These are pretty informal

information session that take place at local coffee shops (Posada Java in Green Valley and all three

Beyond Bread locations in the Tucson area). If you know of other locally owned business like this that

may be willing to partner with us, especially in the Marana, Vail/Rita Ranch area, south side of Tucson or

anywhere else in town please let me know. I will be sending out the dates and locations in the next

week or so. I will be working on developing a targeted recruitment plan aimed at recruiting more male

Advocates. Thanks to the gentlemen who have agreed to be part of that project.

If you have any recruiting ideas you would like to share with me or would like to help with please let me

know. Again thank you for helping to make 2016 the year we went over 200 Advocates!

Jill LaBrie

CASA Recruiter

(520)724-9238

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Community Agency Spotlight

THE TRUTH OF AVIVA MAGIC: the Disposition to do Good

By CASA Jennifer Anderson

Benevolence means “The disposition to do good.” For me, this is the virtue that describes every

individual that works, volunteers, donates and spends anytime in any capacity at and with Aviva

Children’s Services.

Aviva, is more than an agency, it is more than a building, it is a community of men and woman, who at

their core want to be a part of the Aviva Mission Statement, “The Mission of Aviva is to enhance services

that improve the quality of life for children who are victims of neglect, abuse and poverty and are in the

care of The Department of Children’s Services.”

During my work as a Pima County CASA, I have been blessed to meet so many wonderful and caring

people who want to help our community’s children. Being a native Tucsonan, I take for granted that I

never have to use my GPS, and that “hidden gems” are what I seek when I travel. Well, for me Aviva was

a “hidden gem.” In early 2015, I attended a training that had something to do with life books. I had no

idea what I was going to learn, but I was open to learning about life books. The result, I literally moved

by a person I have never met that exuded the Virtue of Benevolence.

To this day, Cindy Lingel, Community Resources Coordinator/Life Books and Bags for Kids Coordinator,

with Aviva has no idea that she, moved me further out of my comfort zone and challenged me to

continue to strive for the desire to actively have a disposition to do good for others. Two years ago,

Cindy Lingel shared in that training what Aviva offers children in DCS custody, and specifically what her

program of Life Books is all about. She shared with us a few finished albums, and expressed the meaning

of what theses collections of pictures, stories (sad and happy), and events (positive and negative) are to

a child who in the foster care system, and has found permanency. Cindy impressed upon us that our

children in foster care should not feel shame for their life’s experiences, but rather be given the chance

to be told the truth of what brought them into care away from their mom, dad, sister/s, brother/s,

grandparents, and extended family. These albums document this time in their lives that include where

they were placed to live, what happened with their parents, and why adults in the court community

were deciding their lives for them. These beautiful albums made with creative hands, and a loving heart

are meant to be shared when the child’s permanent parent/guardian feels they are ready to take in their

individual story.

Shortly after the training on Life Books, I went online and read all about Aviva Children’s Services. I

eventually called Cindy and asked her if I could take her up on her invitation to have a tour of Aviva. She

was more than cordial, and I went. The facility is stunning! From the west end which includes the

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offices of the community resource team to the Bags and Quilts for Kids Closet which houses the precious

gifts that were sewn and quilted by the AVIVA DIVA’s. Cindy shared with me, “Our Diva’s are the heart of

our agency, and it is their spirit that lightens our day…when it is a DIVA day.”

This past September 2016, I sat down with Cindy Lingel, Christine Barfield, one of the creative forces

that bring to reality a child’s Life Books, and Monica Durand, Community Relations and Development

Manager with Aviva. They were so happy to tell me that this awe inspiring DIVA spirit has grown and

that the sewing room is no longer used only on Thursdays but Tuesday was added when the DIVA spirit

found its way to 12+ more woman that have this gift of quilting and sewing. This program was created

with the belief that not one child should be taken out of their house with their belongings in a garbage

bag, slung over the investigator’s shoulder. The AVIVA DIVA’s are sewing bags for foster care babies,

youth, and adolescence as well as quilting blankets. The bags are given to any Police or DCS investigator,

case specialist, and CASA at any time. In the same vein, the quilts that are bundled with a stuffed animal

or stuffed toy are given to babies, toddlers, and young children and can be accessed with a phone call

and a signature. The DIVAs do not stop there they also sew toiletry bags for pre-teen/teen boys and

girls, that are filled with age appropriate personal essentials.

For my CASA child, two years ago, I was so lucky, the DIVA that quilted the quilt I picked out for baby girl

was at Aviva, ironing masterpieces. Cindy introduced me and I asked her if she would sign her work of

art. Now that “my” baby girl has been officially adopted, I will be delivering a very large box to Christine

Barfield that will be filled with pictures and written documentation that illustrate the story of her

beginning and the first two and half years of her life in foster care and why she was not with her birth

parents. The box will also include every picture of her at the zoo, the Children’s Museum, our park

adventures, and her weekly class at Music Together. Christine will be creating her Life Book.

The east wing of the Aviva building is an amazing place where children and their families can spend their

scheduled visits together. When I entered for the first time, I was literally astounded. It was beautiful,

with toy houses, age appropriate toys, books, a place where young children could explore, use their

imaginations with their loved ones, and create memories. There are private rooms that are themed with

murals painted on the walls, couches, chairs, and every space is spotless and cared for with respect.

There is an adolescence/teen room with ping-pong tables, foozle ball tables and many games. The

kitchen and dining room is a common area for all visiting children and their families and observer to join

together for meal times. It does not stop there, outside is a wonderful covered playground padded with

the safest and highest quality material.

During our time together in September, the three women spoke about all the incredible programs, one

being the Parent Peer Program, which allows parents who are at different stages of their dependency

cases at Pima County Juvenile Court to come together for support and growth while they are working

through their DCS case plans and have peer support. This program is run by two individual’s whose own

children were in the foster care system at one time, and when Monica Durand spoke about the success

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these parents are having, was yet, another example of this communities desire to have the disposition to

do good. Monica was smiling from ear to ear when I asked her to tell me all about Aviva’s community

outreach, and Cindy joined in again with the incredible news of the opening of the new Aviva East.

It is my desire to showcase these programs and community events in upcoming CASA Newsletters. I say

thank you to the Aviva Board of Directors, and to each and every person who works or volunteers with

Aviva. Thank you for your selfless work on behalf of every child in the foster care system, within each of

you resides the Virtue of Benevolence.

For more information on Aviva visit:

Aviva Children's Services

Pictures of bears, blankets

and other resources

provided by Aviva to

children in foster care.

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Siblings, together or apart? By Dr. Elizabeth Jacobs

I recently met with a grandparents group in El Mirage to discuss a number of issues they were having

while caring for their grandchildren. Some grandparents were concerned that their grandchildren had

been separated between kinship placements and asked me to research policies on keeping siblings

together.

“Sibling” is generally defined more by relationship than by their genetic relatedness. Unrelated children

who have lived in the same family together are “siblings” more than children who share the same parents

but have not lived together.

An article from the Child Welfare Information Gateway (January 2013) highlights the pros and (a few)

cons of siblings placed together.

The benefits of keeping siblings together are obvious: siblings provide a sense of safety and emotional

support. As a foster child myself, I was always placed with one (or more) of my three older

brothers. This gave me an ever present feeling of protection when surrounded by strange people in an

unfamiliar environment. Research indicates that these supportive relationships last throughout childhood

and into adulthood, i.e., forever. In addition, research indicates that siblings placed together have a higher

probability of family reunification than siblings placed in different foster homes.

Siblings placed together also tend to have better academic performance than separated sibs. Having the

children in the same placement also makes communication between placement, children, case managers,

and birth families easier than having to include two or more placements in the communication loop.

But there are some roadblocks to placing children together, the most obvious of which is the size of the

sibling group -- the most common reason for not placing siblings together. Sibling groups of three, four,

five, or more may be difficult, if not impossible, to place because of the licensing requirements for

differing numbers of children. Siblings may also be separated if one (or more) of the children needs a

higher level of care than other siblings, requiring a therapeutic foster home which may not be able to care

for all of the children.

In addition to the number of siblings and required level of care, research has uncovered other factors that

discourage keeping some siblings together. They include: serious behavior problems in one child that

may place siblings/foster siblings in danger; and the tendency of siblings placed together to focus on each

other and ignore the foster family’s efforts to include them in family activities. Separating siblings may

also provide "parentified" children, who have spent their lives taking care of younger children, an

opportunity to find their own childhoods.

The take-away from the research is that keeping siblings together is best but, in the end, this decision, like

all foster care decisions, should consider the best interest of each of the children.

For more information about this topic, visit: www.childwelfare.gov

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Announcements

Don’t forget to use your CASAaz email to

correspond with parties on your case! Also

check it regularly for important items such as

announcements from the CASA office.

Fixes, enhancements & upgrades are on their

way for the Dashboard. Thank you for your

patience with this new system.

We will continue to host computer trainings

each month in 2017– if you need a refresher or

just starting to use these tools for the first time

please plan to attend. If you’d like a 1:1 session

to help you navigate these tools on your own

equipment – that’s an option as well!

CASA Statistics at a Glance

143

193

163170

214

184

210

280

208

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

# of Cases # of Children w/ a CASA # of CASAs

CASA of Pima County 3 Year Comparison

2014 2015 2016

Follow CASA of Pima

County on Facebook &

Twitter to stay up to

date on local,

statewide and National

Child Welfare News.

https://www.facebook.com

/casaofpimacounty

https://twitter.com/CASA

PimaCounty

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12 Years

Peer Coordinator Linda Koral (2/2005)

11 Years

CASA Linda Pejchar

Peer Coordinator Terri Anderko

CASA Gloria Olvera

(2/2006)

5 Years

CASA Marsha Luttrell (2/2011)

4 Years

CASA Marianne Vivirito (2/2013)

3 Years

CASA Tina Lee

CASA Tina Whittemore

(2/2014)

2 Years

CASA Albert Carr (1/2015)

CASA Sheryl Brown

CASA Andie Cohn

CASA Tanya Ivey (2/2015)

1 Year

CASA Tina Aprahamian

CASA Katie Espinoza

CASA Roberto Estillore

CASA Rachel Gardner

CASA Marsha Gary

CASA Mary Hudson

CASA Lisa McDaniel

CASA Paula Walton

CASA Julie Wesley (2/2016)

Announcements Continued

CASA Library:

Did you know CASA of Pima County

has a library? We do!

We invite all Advocates to visit our CASA library

to help you with your case; to get training credit;

and ultimately to expand your knowledge!

Please remember to return library items as

soon as possible so we can share them with

someone else! Our library also has

books for you to take to your CASA child or

CASA teen.

Stop by the CASA Library next time

you are at Court.

Years of Service Recognition

Pima County CASA Advocate Oath

I, (INSERT NAME), AM A CASA ADVOCATE!

I AM DEDICATED TO MY CASA CHILD &

I WILL ADVOCATE FOR THEIR BEST INTEREST.

I PLEDGE TO PERFORM THE FOLLOWING DUTIES:

SEE MY CASA CHILD 1X PER MONTH (AT LEAST)

SUBMIT MY CONTACT LOGS BY THE 1ST OF THE MONTH

SUBMIT MY COURT REPORT 2 WEEKS BEFORE THE

HEARING

AND ATTEND COURT TO PROVIDE A VERBAL UPDATE!

I WILL SUPPORT CASA OF PIMA COUNTY BY

REFERRING FRIENDS & FAMILY MEMBERS TO

JOIN OUR TEAM!

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Training & Event Reminders

January CASA Trainings: Working with Victims of Sex Trafficking

Jan 19th – RSVP Required

Understanding Jacobs Law

Jan 25th – Currently Full – RSVP required

February CASA Trainings: Grief & Loss Series – Part 1

February 7, 2017 10:00 – 11:30am

Court Report Writing (for New CASAs)

February 22, 2017 2:30 – 5:00pm

RSVP information to follow –

check your CASA email!

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CASA Book Club

Day & Time Book Location Wed. January 25, 2017

5:30 – 7pm

I hate you--Don’t leave me

By J. Kreisman & H. Straus

Beyond Bread –

Wilmot/Speedway Location

Sat. February 4, 2017

10:00 – 11:30am

The Glass Castle: A Memoir

By Jeannette Walls

Wood Memorial Library – 3455 North 1st Ave., Tucson, 85719

Wed. March 22, 2017

5:30 – 7pm

Growing up in the Care of Strangers

By W. Brown & J. Seita Beyond Bread –

Wilmot/Speedway Location

Sat. – April, 2017

10:00 – 11:30am

I hate you--Don’t leave me

By J. Kreisman & H. Straus

Wood Memorial Library – 3455 North 1st Ave., Tucson, 85719

Note: We try to have 2 – 3 Copies of each book are available to check out via the CASA office.

Some titles are also available at the Pima County library. Thank you to the CASA Support

Council & various advocates who are donating books to our book club!

Contact Krissa with any questions about the Wednesday group –

Krissa.ericson@pcjcc.pima.gov or 724-2069.

Contact Tricia with any questions about the Saturday group –

patricia.keeler@pcjcc.pima.gov or 724-2249

CASA Case Support Meetings

Infant & Toddlers Case Support: Wednesday Jan. 25, 2017 from 2:00 – 4:00pm Martha Cooper Library

Wednesday Feb. 22, 2017 from 2:00 – 4:00pm Martha Cooper Library

· Facilitator: Adelina – adelina.altamirano@pcjcc.pima.gov

Case Support in Sahuarita/Green Valley: Monday Jan. 9, 2017 from 9:30 – 11:30am (South of Tucson)

· Facilitator: Peer Coordinator Cynthia Dean – cdean@casaaz.gov

Case Support @ Nanini Library: January 9, 2017 from 3:30 – 5:30pm (Northside of Tucson)

· Facilitator: Tricia – patricia.keeler@pcjcc.pima.gov

Case Support in Vail: Wednesday January 18, 2017 from 5:00- 7:00pm (Eastside of Tucson)

Friday, February 17, 2017 from 10:30am – 12:30pm

· Location is being finalized – contact Amy for details

· Facilitator: Peer Coordinator Amy Hogan – ahogan@casaaz.gov

Teen Case Support: Friday Jan. 20, 2017 from 3:00 – 5:00pm at Martha Cooper Library

· Facilitator: Nicole – Nicole.stockett@pcjcc.pima.gov

Case Support @ Sandra’s: Monday Feb. 13, 2017 from 2:00-4:00pm (North/Central)

· Location: Sandra’s Home - Contact Sandra for address

· Facilitator: Peer Coordinator Sandra Rohen- srohen@casaaz.gov

Case Support @ Wilmot Library (AT): Thursday Feb. 23, 2017 from 3:00 – 5:00PM (Central/Eastside)

· Facilitator: Nicole Nicole.stockett@pcjcc.pima.gov

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CASA Support Council Thanks 2016 Supporters & Partners!!!

The Support Council provided a wide variety of services to the CASA children, CASA advocates,

and the CASA of Pima County Program in 2016. We are sincerely grateful for the contributions of

these supporters and partners who helped make it possible.

Thank you to the Assistance League of Tucson for providing JC Penney gift cards to buy clothing for

school aged CASA children, as part of their “Operation School Bell” program.

Thanks to Kim Wilson of the YMCA for providing us Triangle Y Summer Camperships. CASA children

enjoyed many activities, including swimming, horseback riding, crafts, etc.

Thanks to the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority at U of A. They held numerous fund-raising events

throughout 2016 that benefit our CASA children and the CASA Program. We appreciate them so much!

Thank you to the Tucson Symphony Orchestra for donating tickets to each of their “Magic of Christmas”

concerts. CASA children enjoyed the singing, dancing, and Santa Claus

Thank you to Tucson Arena for donating tickets to Disney on Ice.

Thank you to Bashas and Safeway retail stores for allowing us to place Christmas giving trees in their

stores. These are the primary resources for the gift cards we use throughout the year.

Thank you to Dimon Sanders and her family for helping us at the Support Council’s Holiday Party for

CASA children and at the Theta Black and Gold Ball.

Thank you to Golf ‘n Stuff for providing a great holiday party, including Santa, his Elf, and lots of

activities. CASAs can also take their kiddos there for free (show your badge) during the rest of the year.

Thank you to Funtasticks for providing us discounted packages so our CASAs can take children there

throughout the year.

Thank you to Tucson’s Roadrunner Hockey team for providing discount tickets to games.

Thank you to the Children’s Museum for their generous discounted community membership that can also

be used at the Oro Valley location. Our CASAs can show their badge and get free admission for

themselves and their CASA children every day they are open.

Thank you to the Arizona Desert Museum for donating passes for our CASA children.

Thank you to the Mini-Time Machine Museum for giving us a grant for free admission for 100 kiddos,

through December.

Thank you to Reid Park Zoo for a discounted membership to provide passes for our kiddos.

Thank you to the Arizona Friends of Foster Children for providing services that the Support Council

does not provide.

That you to Fry’s Community Rewards Program, where linking your VIP card to us provides quarterly

donations.

Thank you to all Pima County CASAs; your desire to provide unique, creative and fun activities for your

CASA children constantly inspires us.

Thank you to Krissa Ericson and the CASA Program Staff for all their support!!

Thank you to our all-volunteer CASA Support Council Board Members who tirelessly worked to

improve the lives of our Pima County CASA children.

Thank you to the individuals and families who made donations to the Support Council throughout the

year. In 2016 we became certified by the Arizona Dept. of Revenue as a “Foster Care Charitable

organization”. Donation amounts up to $500 for individuals and $1000 for married couples filing jointly

are a dollar-for-dollar credit on Arizona state taxes.

Linda Koral President, CASA Support Council

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Reimbursement provided by the CASA Support Council

2017 Reimbursement Info for CASAs Mileage Reimbursement

Mileage reimbursement will continue to be paid at the rate of $.15 per mile.

Please remember that mileage can only be submitted for 3 months prior to the date of expenditure,

and must be associated with duties performed as a CASA or to benefit the CASA program.

Mileage should be submitted via the on-line form on our website – up to 3 months may be filled out on

the same mileage reimbursement form.

We will continue to monitor gas prices and trends and may change the mileage rate accordingly.

http://pimacountycasa.org/forms/mileage-reimbursement-request/

Outing Reimbursement

• Any number of outings in a given month may be reimbursed for an aggregate monthly total of up to $25

per person (including the CASA). All outings for a given month must be listed on the same

reimbursement form. NOTE: Receipts must be provided, either by scanning and emailing them to

treasurer@pimacountycasa.org, or mailing them to our P.O. Box 36017, Tucson, 85740.

http://pimacountycasa.org/forms/outing-reimbursement-request/

Special Requests under $100 or over $100 Fill out the applicable form completely on our website, including the "Details of the request" (service

and cost) and "Describe the need" (how will this request make a difference in your CASA child's

life). Receipts must be provided. NOTE: No expenditures over $100 should be incurred by the CASA

prior to receiving approval from the Support Council. If your need is urgent, email us

at linda@pimacountycasa.org.

http://pimacountycasa.org/forms/special-request-over-100/ or http://pimacountycasa.org/forms/special-request-under-100/

Reimbursement for Clothing

Requests for clothing for school-age CASA children, whether emergency or regular need, will be

accommodated only through JC Penney gift cards, which should be requested from your CASA Program

Coordinator. These gift cards are donated by the Assistance League of Tucson to the Support Council.

Priority for the JC Penney gift cards will be given to kinship non-licensed foster placements. The only

exception will be for clothing that is for a CASA child younger than school age.

Clothing requests that are associated with Outings will also need to use the JC Penney gift cards.

If your CASA child is under the age of 5 with a need for clothing, fill out an “under $100” special request

form (Kinship non-licensed foster placements will be given priority). If there is an emergency need for

clothing– contact your Program Coordinator to discuss the situation and find out about a gift card or

other resources available.

Gift cards for birthdays, adoptions, etc.

Please request gift cards for birthdays and other special occasions from your CASA Program

Coordinator. The Support Council provides these throughout the year to the CASA Program.

Other occasions may include: adoptions, graduation, making the honor roll, or vast improvement in

grades or other occasions where it is appropriate to recognize your child.

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CASA Support Council Cont. –

2016 Holiday Activities for CASA Children

Golf N’ Stuff Holiday Party – December 4th

Santa and his Elf were there! Lots of teddy bears arrived!

CASA children had lots of fun!

Tucson Symphony’s “The Magic of Christmas” – December 17-18

CASA Barbara – “We were in the 5th row from the stage & almost smack dab in the center. The Tucson

Symphony’s Magic of Christmas was so, so magical for this little boy. For two hours, he didn’t have a care in the

world. There was snow falling, a snowball fight, Christmas carolers, big guitars, dancers and Santa. The dancers

were his favorite part of the program”.

CASA Conny – “We had a wonderful time. It was outstanding. And we even got to sing along for a while. My 8-

year-old CASA boy said, “it was AWESOME”. The conductor was very engaged with the audience throughout

the show. There was, indeed, Christmas magic”.

CASA Sal – CASA girl 10 – “I liked the dancers the most. They were really good. The Russians were amazing.”

CASA girl 9 – “Santa Claus was a big surprise. I liked him the best. CASA boy 10, “I liked the orchestra. The first

chair was wearing the Santa hat that means she is the best.”

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Calendar of Events

JANUARY, 2017 SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT

1 2

CASA OFFICE CLOSED

3 4 5 6

7

8

9 Sahuarita/GV Case Support

9:30am – 11:30

Nanini Library

Case Support 3:30pm –

5:30

10 Peer

Coordinator Information

Session 4:30pm

Juvenile Court Conf. Rm B

11

12

13

14

15 16

CASA OFFICE CLOSED

17

Peer Coordinator & Staff Meeting

1:30pm

18

Vail Case Support

5:00pm – 7:00pm

19

Sex Trafficking Training

1pm @ Abram’s Building

20

Teen Case Support

3:00pm – 5:00

21

22 23

24

25 Jacobs Law

Training 10:00am

Cenpatico (RSVP Required)

Infant & Toddler Case Support 2 –

4pm

CASA BOOK

CLUB 5:30pm – 7

Beyond Bread - Wilmot

26

Years of Service Recognition

Dinner 5:00pm

Training Center (RSVP Required)

27

28

29 30 31

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Calendar of Events

FEBRUARY, 2017 SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT

1 Initial Peer

Coordinator Training

RSVP to Krissa

2 3 4 CASA BOOK

CLUB 10 –

11:30am Woods Lib.

5

6

7 Grief &

Loss Series Part 1

@ Tu Nidito 10:00am

8

9

10

11

12 13

Sandra’s Case Support Meeting 2 pm – 4

14

15

16

17 Vail Case Support

10:30am – 12:30

18

19 20

CASA

OFFICE CLOSED

21

22 Court Report Writing – For NEW CASAs

2:30 – 5:00pm

Infant & Toddler Case

Support 2-4pm

23

Wilmot Case Support Meeting 3pm - 5

24

25

26 27 28

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Contact Information

CASA of Pima County 2225 E. Ajo Way, Tucson AZ 85713

Main Phone Number: (520) 724- 2060 - FAX 724-2211 http://www.casaofpimacounty.org

Program Supervisor: Krissa Ericson 724-2069

Coordinators: Nicole Stockett 724-9240

Christa Coxall 724-9241

Support Specialists: Maria Chavez 724-5024

Karen Abman 724-9242

Lupe Ornelas 724-2060

Adelina Altamirano 724-4516

CASA Recruiter: Jill LaBrie 724-9238 Tricia Keeler 724-2249

CASA Volunteer Screener: To Be Filled CASA Intern: Katie Espinoza 724-4589 CASA Trainer: Jania Wright 724-4579

If you are interested in writing a story or article for this newsletter, contact Krissa Ericson –

krissa.ericson@pcjcc.pima.gov

**Check Facebook and Twitter for more stories, events & updates**

www.facebook.com/casaofpimacounty

Twitter: @CASAPimaCounty

Photo Credit to: various CASA Staff

Special thanks to Linda Koral & Various CASA staff for offering their insight in an effort to develop

this great newsletter!

CASA Support Council for Pima County, Inc. P.O. Box 36017, Tucson AZ 85740 Phone Number: (520) 575-5130

www.pimacountycasa.org President: Linda Koral 465-4425

Directors: Sharon Inorio

VP, Programs: Eloise Williams 743-8603

Peter (Bud) Inorio

VP, Governance:

Frederica Leonardo-Torres

Treasurer: Karlene Nelson 591-4841

Jon Merritt

Secretary: Elda Lopez 269-3061 Jan Webster

Back Row: (Left to right) Nicole,

Adelina,

Jill,

Karen,

Maria,

Lupe,

Tricia

Front Row: (Left to Right)

Jania,

Krissa,

Christa