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Greetings!
Whatever traditions you observe this time of year, chances are that family and friends are a central part of your holiday celebrations. For far too many foster children - in Alaska and around the country - the holidays are simply another loss, and separation from loved ones during special times can be particularly painful. Recently in Alaska the number of children and youth in foster care topped 2,400. That number has been increasing steadily since June of this year, and represents a substantial increase over the average of 2,000 that has been the norm for most of the past decade. According to a recent ISER report, Trends in Age, Gender, and Ethnicity Among Children in Foster Care in Alaska, children in Alaska were twice as likely as children nationwide to be in foster care in recent years-nearly 10 in 1,000, or 1%, compared with about 0.5% in the country as a whole. Why does this matter? It means that an already overwhelmed system is now even more overloaded. This is just one of the reasons the CASA program is so important; no paid person working in our child welfare system will ever have a caseload of one, but CASA volunteers have the luxury of focus to devote to just one child or sibling group at a time. Imagine the difference that can make! Learn more about ways you can help foster children and youth in Alaska.
From all of us at Alaska CASA: wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season and a spectacular 2015!
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News and Events
Thanks for Making the 18th Annual FAC Silent Quilt Auction a Success!
The Friends of Alaska CASA (FAC) 18th Annual Silent Quilt Auction on Saturday, November 29 was a big success, raising over $26,000 to support CASA in Alaska. Nearly 200 donated quilts in all shapes, sizes, and themes were available for bidding; click here to view a sampling of the incredible beauty and variety of this year's quilts. We are grateful for the 92 generous quilters from Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Washington, and even New Zealand who donated quilts this year. The exquisite king-size raffle quilt, "Warm Irish Chain," made and donated by Becky Rudisill and machine quilted by Melanie Hancock was won by Anchorage CASA volunteer/FAC board VP Dianne Horbochuk!.
Please join us on November 28, 2015 for the 19th Annual Silent Quilt Auction. Email Debby Hudson or call Debby at 337-7990 with any questions.
OPA Seeking CASA Program Coordinator/GAL in Juneau
With Lynn Squires-White leaving her job as the Juneau CASA program coordinator/ guardian ad litem (see Juneau News for a message from Lynn), the Office of Public Advocacy is seeking applicants to fill the position. We're looking for an individual with a passion for the CASA program and a desire to serve as an advocate for children and youth.
Click here to read the full announcement. The deadline to apply is January 2, 2015.  Fostering Futures Training Scheduled
Are you interested in not only advocating for but also mentoring an older foster youth? We have the answer! Fostering Futures Alaska seeks to pair youth (14-21) with a specially trained and equipped CASA volunteer who works in a mentoring capacity in addition to the advocate role, to improve outcomes on such measures of well-being as educational attainment and delinquency prevention. The next Fostering Futures Alaska training is set for February 27-28, 2015. If you are a current CASA volunteer you may apply now. If you are not yet a CASA volunteer, contact your local program to learn how to join Team CASA. For more information about the Fostering Futures Alaska Initiative, please visit our webpage or contact us.
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Anchorage CASA
On September 4, 2014, Judge Morse swore in nine new CASA volunteers. Please help us to welcome Gayle White, Tina Johnson-Stair, Roseanne Voyles, Debbie Cameron, Connie Quinley, Gracia O'Connell, Harley Hedlund, Bev Lewanski and Sandy Morris.
A new group will begin pre-service training in January. We are excited to add to our community of outstanding advocates! This will be the second group in Anchorage to go through the training using National CASA's Flex Learning, a blended approach to the training that combines in-person sessions and online coursework.
Thank you to Anchorage CASA volunteer Reagan Tomlinson for hosting a CASA information meeting at her agency this month. If you would like to spread the word about the CASA volunteer program at your agency, please let us know and we can set up an information meeting.
Gratitude! 
A huge thank you to Tasha Hotch and the rest of Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium's (ANTHC) Culture Committee for raising funds to support our program! We look forward to collaborating with ANTHC and other tribal partners to promote culturally competent advocacy for youth in state custody.
CASA Kudos
Roseanne Voyles, Tina Johnson-Stair, Bev Lewanski, Gayle White, Bonnie Swanson, Joseph Bright, Kari Hebert, Sandy Morris, Darlene Galido, Sky Matte and Harley Hedlund all were assigned to their first case.
Suzie Morgan, Elizabeth Stewart, Sandy Morris, Reagan Tomlinson, Holly Rogers, Paula Zawodny, Darlene Galido, Dianne Horbochuck and Stephanie Schulling all deserve Kudos. Find out why.
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Fairbanks CASA
In November, five new volunteers completed the training and were sworn in. For their first case they will be matched with a Mentor, who will guide and support them in their new role. Welcome aboard Michaela Hunter, Diane and John Roe, Anna Sterner and Samantha Thompson!
Three Fairbanks volunteers, Beth Ross, Mary Martin and Sarah Doetschman, attended the Fostering Futures Alaska training in Anchorage and returned with new perspectives and tools to assist with advocating for and improving outcomes for older youth in care. I know there were several other folks interested in this training, and the next one is slated for late February. (Editor's Note: Get more information about Fostering Futures Alaska here.)
Spring Training
Speaking of trainings, our next pre-service training, ie core, will be in March. Information meetings will be scheduled for February and early March and I'll be sure to keep you posted. If you know anyone who might be interested in learning more about becoming a CASA volunteer, have them contact me. More information is also available on our website.
"A safe, permanent home as soon as possible" is our goal. I would like to acknowledge our advocates who have helped their youth achieve this goal in recent months. A big thank you and congratulations to: Anne Ko, Aneshia Adams, Barbara Braley, Jean Becker, Mary Martin, Megan Binkley, Sara Simpson and Starr Bertero. Thank you for stepping up to advocate for the youth in our community and helping them achieve the best possible situation.
-Anne Udry
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Juneau CASA 
Farewell to Lynn
The holidays are bittersweet for me this year. After eight years, I am leaving my position as CASA coordinator and GAL. It has been such a tough decision; I believe that the CASA program is so vital and that the volunteers make such an important difference in the lives of children. I've always had the belief that the relationships that we build are the foundation from which people make positive changes in their lives. All of you are in the business of being change agents through your relationships with your CASA kids and families. I am honored to have worked with each of you.
On January 12 I will begin working with the Division of Mental Health to plan and oversee treatment services that will impact the families with whom we work. I hope to be able to influence how programs offer services and ensure that agencies are using best practices in their treatment programs. Now you will know someone to complain to at DBH.
During our November brown bag our local substance screening agency, The Safety Specialist, presented on various types of substance screens. We are not having a brown bag in December and my final brown bag will take place on January 6. I plan to wear waterproof mascara.
CASA Kudos
Julie Schirmer deserves kudos for attending the Fostering Futures training and doing such a great job with her "mavericky" youth. He doesn't want to follow the permanency plan and is perfectly satisfied as things are. Julie has done a great job ensuring that statistics don't determine the individual youth's needs.
Joel Osburn continues to do a great job with his CASA kids. He just went through a termination hearing with youth that wanted to testify and be present. Joel is a rock for them.
Teresa and Mark Kissel are awesome advocates for 3 high needs kids. They are never short of work to do tracking all their needs.
Devon Lewis did a magnificent job of soliciting donations for the OCS Christmas gift-making event for foster children. Proclaiming herself as "not very crafty", instead she organized donations of pizza, treats, door prizes and other goodies. Devon really helped make this event a success. Thanks Devon!
You are all awesome! Thank you for all of your energy and efforts. I can never thank you enough. I will miss all of you that I have met and worked with over the years. I wish all of you the best!
-Lynn Squires-White
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Kenai Peninsula CASA  
A partnership between Kenaitze Indian Tribe and Office of Public Advocacy
The Latest Exciting things are happening at Kenai Peninsula CASA. In September two of our volunteers and one of our staff members were a part of the very first Fostering Futures Alaska class. Way to go Peggy Morris, Lindy Cox, and Joy Petrie! We look forward to seeing these mentor-advocates make a difference for youth in our community. 
We are also excited about our first CASA Holiday Party for CASA volunteers and the children/youth they serve. This party was held Sunday, December 14 and included holiday activities, games, food, photos with Santa Claus, and gifts for each child/youth. Thank you to Norwex, everyone who participated in the 2014 Superhero 5K, and to our private donors for making this event possible! Check out some of the photos from the event.
Join Team CASA! Interested in serving as a CASA volunteer in the Kenai/Soldotna area? Our next information meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 5:30pm in the Kenaitze Indian Tribe Administration building (150 North Willow Street in Kenai). Contact Joy Petrie or Kimmi Davis at 907-335-7219 for more information and to RSVP. Spring 2015 pre-service training dates are tentatively set for March 24 through April 21. You can help with recruitment by spreading the word! CASA Kudos I would like to acknowledge Cherrie Verkulien for her service as a CASA volunteer. Cherrie served on a state court case this past year and advocated tirelessly for the children in her case. Recently her case closed with a family adoption. Cherrie has decided to resign as an advocate volunteer, but she is willing to lend her expertise in school district processes to any advocate who has questions. Thank you, Cherrie, for all you have done for the children in your case and for your willingness to continue being involved! Save the Date!!!
It's official! The 2015 Superhero Fun Run is set for Saturday, August 15 at the Kenai Park Strip. Mark your calendars! You will not want to miss this event! Follow us on Facebook at Kenai Superhero 5k Run/Walk. -Joy Petrie |
 Valley CASA
Welcome New CASA Volunteers
Judge Vanessa White concluded our Fall training by welcoming seven new volunteers into the Valley CASA program: Emily Geiger, Greta Kopperud, Derrick Pennington, Diane Russell, Deborah Simpson, Michael Solmonson, and Laurel Williams. Unfortunately, our office has seen a rapid spike of children and youth entering into the child welfare system so these amazing volunteers will be matched with a case quickly.
Spring Pre-Service Training
We are recruiting for the next volunteer pre-service training in April. This training will be the blended learning format: half completed online and half in-person. Please feel free to contact Jessica for additional information. If you know of anyone who would make a great CASA volunteer, please encourage them to contact Jessica via email or by phone at (907) 707-1743.
CASA Kudos
Chawn Kern, with financial assistance from Dianne Olsen, organized Adoption Day on December 10 at the Palmer Courthouse. This is Chawn's second year coordinating the event - which is always filled with fun activities, yummy treats, and smiles. We are so appreciative of all the hard work Chawn does for this special event!
Ken Widmer joined the CASA family last year and has embraced his duties as a volunteer with an open heart. The three adolescent boys on his caseload have been a challenge and needed a great deal of support. Ken has been a stable figure in their lives as the three boys have been separated, have each been in multiple placements, and required different therapeutic interventions. Ken's diligent work on the case has allowed the family to start the reunification process safely and with support.
A big thank you to Shirley Boyer who hosted an information booth for the Valley CASA program, spreading the word about all the wonderful work CASA volunteers do in the Valley!
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 YK Delta CASA
Welcome New CASA Volunteers!Joan Dewey and Erin Arno were sworn into service as CASA volunteers in November by Judge Ray. We are excited for the passion and experience each brings. Joan has been in child welfare for many years and is very familiar with the CINA system. Erin is a teacher and has experience connecting with children and youth.
Training
The next pre-service training is will be in April. We are excited to continue to grow our program, so please tell anyone know who is interested in becoming a CASA volunteer to email Val Dudley or call her at 545-3003.
CASA Kudos
Gerry Graves has been putting his Fostering Futures training to use while working with an older youth. Gerry is in constant communication with OCS, the youth, the foster parents, the GAL and the tribe. His work to keep all parties on the same page is instrumental in moving the case forward. Gerry's big heart, attention to detail and consistent follow through are great qualities of any child advocate. Keep up the great work Gerry!
New Partnership to Expand & Improve Advocacy
ONC, the local tribe in Bethel, is interested in having CASA volunteers advocate for children in their tribal court jurisdiction. We are in the beginning stages and are very excited at the chance to develop a partnership which can greatly enhance continuity of advocacy for our children and youth when a case transfers from the state court system to the ONC tribal court.
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 Cultural Corner
Culturally Competent Advocacy
For the next several e-News issues we will highlight each of the 12 components of culturally competent advocacy.
In the Fall 2014 e-News we addressed the first three components. In this issue we are sharing numbers 4 - 6. To view all 12 components click here.
A culturally competent child advocate:
4. Affirms the worth of an individual, family, and community and acknowledges that their cultural beliefs, customs, and practices are valid.
5. Recognizes there is no universal child-rearing practice and affirms that one culture is not superior to others.
6. Seeks knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, and family systems of children and families served.
 Cultural Spotlight
In each edition of the Cultural Corner we will highlight an aspect of the culture of various groups within Alaska. In this issue: The History of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) It has been 43 years since the passage of the landmark Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act which, for the first time, gave native groups title to traditional native lands. Watch this 28-minute Alaska's Political Pipeline interview (Dec 2, 2014) wth Willie Hensley, an Alaska Native leader instrumental in the creation of the Act to learn more.. Questions to consider: 1. Are the Alaska Native children and youth you work with knowledgable of ANCSA and the leaders involved in getting ANCSA passed? 2. With ANCSA, came village and regional native corporations. Are you aware of the differences between being a shareholder of a native corporation and a member of a federally recognized tribe? Does the child or youth you work with know their tribe and/or corporation?
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Friends of Alaska CASA
FAC Supports CASA Volunteers and CASA Youth
As the Winter holidays approach, remember that there are many ways FAC supports CASA volunteers and their CASA youth. First, there are camperships and minigrants for the youth. Whenever a youth would benefit from attending a summer or winter camp and OCS is not able to pay for it, CASA volunteers (and GALs) may apply to FAC for a scholarship for the youth. Forms are on the FAC website. If the youth has other needs, again not funded by OCS, FAC offers mini-grants of up to $250 per year to cover a variety of costs. This form is also available on the website.
There are also a couple of ways FAC supports CASA volunteers in their work with youth. In Anchorage, we provide passes for the Museum and Imaginarium, and can reimburse volunteers for a visit to the Alaska Zoo. (We are looking for similar opportunities in other locations. If you have ideas, please let us know.) Each CASA volunteer also has the option of spending up to $25 per child/youth per year and sending the receipts to FAC for reimbursement. No prior approval is needed.
Simple Ways You Can Help
We are always happy to be able to offer support for CASA volunteers and the youth they represent. Remember that our ability to help is based on the funding we raise. There are several ways you can easily support FAC: Fred Meyer Rewards and Amazon Smile are two ways folks can help us raise money without it costing a penny. Just sign up and designate Friends of Alaska CASA as the non-profit you support. FM and Amazon give FAC a % of the amount you spend. If you are willing to share a bit of your income, you can donate to FAC through the Federal Charitable Giving Campaign, Alaska Share for state employees, and UAA Charitable Giving. In addition, Pick.Click.Give is an easy and painless way to support our work.
Thanks for all you do! Happy Holidays!!
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 Facing Foster Care in Alaska
Permanancy Summit
FFCA Members have been busy!!! In partnership with OCS and Casey Family Programs, FFCA hosted a statewide Permanency Summit October 27-28th at the Captain Cook Hotel to highlight the need for permanency and connections for ALL youth in care. Keynote speaker and national expert on Family Finding, Kevin Campbell, shared strategies for family search and identifying connections. CASA volunteers, OCS staff, OPA staff, foster parents, legal and tribal partners, and youth and alumni all attended the event.
We just wrapped up our November Statewide retreat, too. Youth and alumni from across the state participated in a Strategic Sharing workshop. This workshop offers youth and alumni skills to share their stories with the public in a way that is safe, but will have a lasting impact. During the retreat, FFCA members also participated in a town hall meeting to discuss the issues faced by the foster care system and community.
The next FFCA Retreat will be held March 2015 in Juneau. Youth wishing to attend will need to complete an application. If you know a youth who would like to attend, contact Amanda for more information.
-Amanda Metivier, MSW, FFCA Executive Director
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News From OCS 
Innovative Changes in Determining Maltreatment by Dara Lively
Significant changes to the Office of Children's Services (OCS) "Findings" policy will be implemented by February 2, 2015. The new policy is based on:
- Extensive national research
- Collaboration with developers of research-based maltreatment decision making
- Critical feedback from Initial Assessment (IA) staff, leadership and OCS Attorneys General (AG's)
- Alignment of research, practice and Alaska statutes
The major changes of the "Findings" policy and procedures include:
- A Substantiated Finding is one where the available facts gathered from the IA indicate that more likely than not a child has been subjected to maltreatment under circumstances that indicate that the child's health or welfare is harmed or threatened thereby. See AS 47.17.290(3) and (9); AS 47.10.011. Only substantiate on maltreatment per 47.10.011 (1-12)
- The Maltreatment Assessment Protocol (MAP), a research informed guide adapted to AK statutes to determine whether maltreatment has occurred
- Notice of maltreatment findings must include recommendations and/or referrals for services on all substantiated allegations
- The alleged perpetrator has 30 days to appeal a substantiated finding (from postmark date)
OCS understands that the substantiation rate will likely increase significantly by adding "threatened thereby", yet the intended outcomes of the policy change include:
- Improved statewide accuracy of findings that are clearly documented based on the facts of the IA
- Increased number of children age 3 and under who will receive an assessment for ILP (Infant Learning Program) services
- Decreased repeat maltreatment by justifiably holding alleged perpetrators accountable (allowing for quick due process) and providing needed support, referrals and recommendations to change behavior
Training on these changes will be available for legal parties/CASA volunteers. Contact Dara Lively for questions at 269-4077 or [email protected].
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 Tribal Court CASA
Valerie has developed an information packet specifically for tribes that want information about: the benefits of adding a CASA program to tribal courts that hear child abuse/neglect cases, potential funding for CASA programs, affiliation with National CASA, and more. In addition to the packet that Valerie can send you, she has added tribal court CASA resources to our website, including a readiness assessment and links to additional resources.
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