|
EXPECTANT and PARENTING YOUTH & CASA ADVOCACY (CALIFORNIA CASA)
Wednesday, February 7, 2024, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm on Zoom (2 CE Credits)
This training will focus on how CASAs can support expectant and parenting youth (EPY) in the child welfare system in California so that the youth are thriving as a parent not just surviving. The ultimate goal of CASA advocacy is for the children of parenting youth/NMDs not to enter the child welfare system. We will review the rights and choices of expectant and parenting youth/NMDs in California’s child welfare systems, share resources/benefits available to expectant and parenting youth and suggest opportunities to create systems of support/resources in your own counties. We will also share some examples of systems of support/resources in Los Angeles County as well as discuss the challenges of implicit bias, racism and trauma on our EPYs and CASA advocacy.
The speakers will outline some guiding principles for CASAs working with expectant and parenting youth. Attendees will learn how to:
- Identify and strengthen protective factors to ensure the child of the parenting CASA youth does not enter the child welfare system
- Build up the capacities and skills of the CASA youth to parent and advocate for their child.
- Amplify the EPY’s voice to make their own choices in their life and the life of their child
Register HERE
EMPOWERING YOUTH TO CREATE SAFE RELATIONSHIPS
Wednesday, February 7, 6:00 -8:00 PM via Zoom with Kidpower (2 CE Credits)
Learn ways to help older youth, teens, and young adults with diverse abilities build skills and confidence to use right away to be safer and strengthen relationships of all kinds!
Using relevant role-plays and scenarios, we will practice and adapt skills for all abilities including:
- Using awareness, calm, and confidence
- Recognizing what is and is not safe
- Move away from trouble physically, emotionally, and digitally
- Setting powerful and respectful boundaries
- Protecting ourselves emotionally to stay in charge of what we say and do
- Advocating assertively and persistently for help with safety problems
Register HERE
THE UPS & DOWNS OF THE CASA ROLE WORKSHOP
Monday, February 12, 2024, 6-8 pm on Zoom (2 CE Credits) with Dr. Natalia Estassi
Navigating the challenges of being a CASA can be an emotional rollercoaster. If you serve a transitional age youth, and have felt disappointed, frustrated, and/or sad please know you are not alone! It is normal for Advocates to wonder if they have done enough, and even doubt themselves. Sometimes we find that we have to let go of the visions and dreams we have for our assigned youth, when things don't work out the way we had hoped. Please join us in conversation and learn how to navigate the letting go process, including establishing new expectations and boundaries with Dr. Natalia Estassi.
Register HERE
UNDERSTANDING NEURODIVERGENCE & ADHD (CALIFORNIA CASA) **(To request CE credit: log into A.L. and follow the prompts )
Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm on Zoom (2 CE Credits)
Join us for a one-hour crash course that delves into the world of neurodivergence and ADHD. This workshop will equip attendees with both essential knowledge and practical tools that will help them to better understand and support neurodivergent foster youth/youth with ADHD. You’ll learn: - Fundamental concepts of neurodivergence and ADHD - The visible and subtle manifestations of neurodivergence and ADHD -Why many typical behavioral approaches aren’t successful for neurodivergent youth (and what to do instead) -How ADHD and/or neurodivergence can impact executive functioning skills such as planning ahead, self-control, following multiple-step directions, staying focused, and more (and how you can help) - Practical advice and actionable tips, tricks, and tools to support neurodivergent foster youth more effectively - And more! By the end of this workshop, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of neurodivergence and ADHD, and be armed with practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent foster youth.
Register HERE
USING SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING TO SUPPORT FOSTER YOUTH
Saturday, February 24, 10:00am-12:00noon on Zoom (2 CE Credits) with Allison Roeser
Foster youth often miss out on social-emotional learning (SEL), an integral part of human development that contributes to well-being, due to instability and trauma. In
this CE we will review the basics of SEL, including an overview of each of the five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. We will explore strategies you can apply immediately to support your youth to develop, and to increase engagement and connection.
Register HERE
SPECIAL CCN PRESENTATION: 2024 SUMMER CAMP PARTNER PANEL
Wednesday, February 28, 2024, 6:00 - 8:00 PM on Zoom. (2 CE Credits)
Please join us for a special CCN presentation with representatives from organizations who provide youth summer camps. SFCASA has committed to fund the cost of summer camps for all youth served, regardless of location. Since many camps fill up by March, we’d like to support all CASAs to get a jump on summer activity planning. There will be brief presentations, plenty of time for questions, and also breakout conversations amongst CASAs. Let’s make 2024 a great summer for the youth we serve!
Register HERE
TURNING DREAMS INTO DEGREES: SUPPORT FOSTER YOUTH TO AND THROUGH COLLEGE (CALIFORNIA CASA) **(To request CE credit: log into A.L. and follow the prompts)
Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm on Zoom (2 CE Credits)
This course will empower CASA volunteers to discuss the value of higher education with foster youth and provide ideas for how they can play an active role in supporting these youth to and through college. CASA volunteers will learn the significance of early college exploration, preparation, and key steps that they can take to help youth make a smooth transition from high school to college. Attendees will learn about the benefits of college and the different pathways available to better support youth in making a plan. Participants will also learn about the supports and resources that exist to help foster youth turn their dreams into degrees.
Register HERE
CSEC SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 6:00-8:00pm IN PERSON @ 1663 Mission St. #700 Dinner will be provided
For CASAs supporting youth who are involved in (or at risk of) CSEC/CSE, this gathering is an chance to connect and learn from Advocates in the same situation. We will eat dinner together in our new space, support and learn from each other, consider points of advocacy, and brainstorm next steps and resources. Please join if you have any concern that your assigned youth is at-risk.
Register HERE
SFCASA FINANCIAL LITERACY WORKSHOP CE
Monday, March 25th , 2024, 5:30 PM- 8:00 PM at SFCASA 1663 Mission St. Suite 700, SF . (2 CE Credits)
Please join us for an evening of fun, food and community! . Our Community Partner Shevaghna Milton from Self Help Credit Union will be presenting on topics including: How to Open a Bank Account; What is Credit?; Money Management and more. All CASAs are welcome and we are excited to offer this CE for CASA’s and their Youth (age 16+). Each youth participant will receive a $25 gift card from SFCASA. Dinner will be served from 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM.
Register HERE
Trainings are offered to inform your advocacy,
help you think creatively about your case,
and to build community.
SFCASA Advocates are required to earn 12 CE credits
per calendar year.
Please visit Continuing Education Opportunities for alternative options.
Do you have ideas for future CEs? Let us know by emailing [email protected]
| 
