Workshops
  
 

Please note that for each of the sessions listed below, there are specialized tracks for program managers, fostering and adoptive families and attorneys.

As a CASA volunteer, you're welcome to attend those session identified as "Foster and Adoptive Family Training," but would like you to refrain from those identified as "Program Managers Track" and "Attorneys Only."
Friday Sessions
Session A
 (1:45 - 3:15 PM)


This presentation will discuss the effects of sibling separation on foster children and will touch on research regarding connections between brothers and sisters. The presenters will discuss these issues and the bonding that occurs through Camp to Belong, putting both a professional and personal face on the issue of sibling separation as CASAs work with children.


A moderated group of former and current foster youth will share about their experiences in foster care. They will discuss whether they had a CASA, and if so, what the CASA did that they found helpful and what the CASA could have done differently. Participants will learn how to improve their advocacy on behalf of foster youth by hearing directly from the youths’ perspectives.


Presenters will discuss the support of infants and toddlers during transitions as well as the adults caring for them. Participants will learn about the typical and atypical behaviors one might see as a child transitions from home and before, during, and after visits with biological parents. Finally, participants will learn specific strategies to use in their own cases. Case examples will also be shared.


This workshop will present an overview of the various programs and services available for adolescent foster youth. The focus of these programs and services is to prepare youth for the transition to adulthood and to successfully engage in postsecondary education. Participants will learn about resources available to foster youth, including: financial aid available for youth, housing options, and other resources.


Considerable language has developed about the impact of Complex Trauma exposure on brain development in children. The implications of this information are compelling and directly related to the achievement of targeted learning and social/developmental outcomes. This training is designed to orient CASA volunteers to the impacts of complex trauma exposure on healthy development, academic success, and health outcomes.


Learn how your program can use Child Abuse Prevention Month, April, to build public will and new coalitions for serving children in your community. Participants will hear how to raise public awareness through partnerships with courts, law enforcement, media, and local businesses as well as how to craft communication messages that are inspirational and inclusive.


Participants will receive an explanation of Open Adoption Agreements and Open Adoption Relationships. Examples of relationships that work in the best interest of the child will be shared. The workshop will also include: how to decide what is in the best interest of the child; benefits of openness to the child, birth family and adoptive family; how to manage concerns and fears; and when open adoption is contra-indicated
 
Session B
(3:30 - 5:00 PM)


This workshop will aid CASA volunteers in learning how to identify children who may be at risk for suicide. Youth suicide is a major public health problem. For example, the suicide rate for adolescents 10 to 14 years old has increased by more than 100 percent in the past 20 years. Participants will learn warning signs, symptoms, and risk factors for youth suicide as well as why it is important for CASA volunteers to be aware.


Members of the legislatively appointed Washington State Racial Disproportionality Advisory Committee will introduce participants to issues surrounding racial disproportionality. CASA volunteers will benefit from an open discussion meant to increase their advocacy effectiveness.


(repeat of session A3) Presenters will discuss the support of infants and toddlers during transitions as well as the adults caring for them. Participants will learn about the typical and atypical behaviors one might see as a child transitions from home and before, during, and after visits with biological parents. Finally, participants will learn specific strategies to use in their own cases. Case examples will also be shared.


This is an interactive workshop that introduces the three child temperament types based on California’s Department of Education research program for caregivers. Gain an understanding of how your background, personality, experience, and culture impact your work. Learn practical ways to interact with each type of child and apply skills that help build relationships with all children.


Part II - See A-5 for session information


In 2007, the University of Washington began a CASA Effectiveness Evaluation. This presentation will discuss the results of this important study.


This workshop provides relevant research on the effects of foster parenting on the permanent children of foster parents, and offers suggestions on how the impact and stress on these children can be minimized. Participants will learn methods and strategies for helping permanent children cope with the stresses of being a foster family, specifically in relation to: sharing the family, loss and grief, and displacement.
 
 
Saturday Sessions
Session C
(8:45 - 10:15 AM)


In this training, lying is addressed on many levels. First, attitudes, values, beliefs and societal norms regarding lying are examined and discussed. Next, participants are helped to understand the factors which motivate children to lie. Finally, suggestions are offered to assist participants in responding to children when this behavior occurs, and how to prevent its occurrence in the future.


Traumatic events experienced in childhood can have a significant impact on the developing brain. This workshop will review the biological impact of trauma and explain techniques that caregivers can use to help kids recover both emotionally and physically. Participants will learn how trauma affects a child’s sleeping, eating, playing, and learning.


This presentation will explain the broad requirements that affect dependencies and termination cases, as well as the specific legal requirements in Washington. It will also include a discussion of the requirements to achieve permanency in certain timeframes, to proceed to termination if a child is not reunified in certain timeframes, and the legal burden required to prove key issues at different stages of a dependency case


This presentation will focus on the development of factual narratives that are objective and non-opinionated. The session will help participants identify issues and turn them into recommendations, understanding your audience, tips on editing, proper word usage, and common problems to avoid. Participants will learn to write reports that will add to their credibility with the court and their ability to advocate for their children.


A panel of judges familiar with CASA will present a view from the bench. Participants will learn what judges are looking for in CASA volunteers. Time for questions and answers will be provided.


Legislative Partners are an important part of keeping legislators aware of the CASA mission. Come learn how to advocate effectively in Olympia. Washington State CASA’s lobbyist will present information on becoming a Legislative Partner and answer questions.


The Infant Adoption Awareness Training Program is a federally funded training for professionals working with women experiencing an unintended pregnancy. The program gives accurate information about the option of adoption - state specific - so that those helping can feel comfortable in presenting the option of adoption in a non-coercive, non-directive manner to their patients and or clients.

Session D
(10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)


See C-1 for session information


See C-2 for session information


Presenters will discuss statewide issues related to confidentiality of child welfare records including: under what circumstances this information can be disclosed, with whom the Department can share confidential information for case planning purposes and under what limitations, and restrictions on further release of confidential child welfare records.


Washington State OPD staff will explore the role of the parent’s attorney in dependency and termination of parental rights cases. Topics will include parent’s attorney standards of representation and attorney communication with parents, case parties, and service providers. The workshop will discuss how the parent’s attorney views the roles of the dependency case team, including the role of the CASA/GAL.


A panel of experts will present a candid conversation about what makes a “perfect Indian child,” what that child needs to reach his or her perfection, and what the role of the law and CASA volunteer is in this quest. Participants will learn what makes an Indian child unique in the eyes of the law, the community in which they may currently live, and the tribe with which they are attached. This will NOT be ICWA 101!


This session is specifically designed for the practicing dependency CASA program attorneys. Come participate in a lively discussion of current issues in representing CASA volunteers and programs.


This presentation will provide an overview of RCWs and WACs concerning what the legal requirements of CASA volunteers are. There will also be discussion about best practices of the role of a CASA. Participants will learn how the Ombudsman’s report from Steven’s County means for your program. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers.


See C-21 for session information
Session E
(1:45 - 3:15 PM)


Share what you learned at this year’s conference. Discuss strategies with other CASA volunteers for how you can integrate new information into your everyday advocacy.


Participants will hear about services to achieve permanency and well-being for children and youth who are state dependents. Participants will learn what the Foster Care Assessment Program is and who it serves. In addition, participants will find out what to do if they think a child needs to be referred and how to do it.