Are you looking for some more in-depth training on child and youth development, to become a more informed advocate for your CASA kids? Do you need some positive energy and inspiration – and a chance to spend time with others who understand the challenges you face as a CASA? The Washington State CASA team invites you to venture out to Spokane, WA, for the 17th Annual Statewide CASA Conference! This year’s theme, “Every Child is Perfect!” emphasizes that all children have strengths, and that to be effective advocates, we need to understand how trauma impacts children’s development, learning, behavior, and long-term well-being.

Please join us for two days of training sessions that will help us to gain new insights into child and youth development. Whether you have served as a volunteer for a decade, or just accepted your first CASA case, the WACASA staff strives to offer informative, engaging, and practical learning experiences. We hope you will not miss this chance to come and learn from experts in the field of child welfare about topics of critical importance to your work as a CASA. Topics we will explore include:

• the impact of trauma on children’s learning and development
• understanding the legal requirements and timelines for achieving permanency for children
• understanding racial disproportionality in the child welfare system in Washington, and what CASAs can do
• supporting youth in care to develop the skills they will need to transition successfully to adulthood

We are grateful to the Spokane County CASA Program for hosting this event, and look forward to meeting many CASA volunteers from throughout the region. Join other CASA volunteers to make the easy drive, and experience the beauty of the Inland Northwest in the fall.

• Step outside your hotel for a walk through Riverfront Park, a 100-acre park sprawling along the river in downtown Spokane
• Shop at Riverfront Square, a network of downtown stores and restaurants, within walking distance from the conference
• Visit one of Spokane’s wine tasting rooms or one of many local wineries, some of the best in the state
• Visit the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, or play golf at one of the 33 courses in the area

Thanks to our donors, corporate sponsors and grant funders, Washington State CASA has a long track-record of offering a high quality conference at an affordable cost, and of offering scholarships to volunteers who would not otherwise be able to attend. The registration fee covers less than half the cost of each volunteer’s participation; you can help us make affordable, high qualitycontinuing education opportunities available to CASA volunteers by sending an additional contribution to Washington State CASA along with your registration – thank you for your support!
We look forward to seeing you in Spokane!

Kelly Stockman Reid
Executive Director