CASA of Pinal County: Celebrating 30 Years

CASA

Celebrating 30 Years

30 Years of CASA Celebrating 30 years of the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in Pinal County brings back memories for me as a young probation officer. All those years ago with then Judge William “Bill” O’Neil guiding us, our department came to realize that there was a need for this program.

Starting in 1989, we had one coordinator and a part-time secretary with a group of five energetic volunteers. Fast forward to 2019 where we now have a staff of four coordinators, two administrative assistants, a supervisor and nearly 80 volunteers. The volunteers are challenged with some very difficult situations, but often very rewarding experiences.

Being removed from one’s home due to neglect and abuse is traumatic for any child.

Juvenile Court Services is dedicated to serving children who have been entered into the dependency system.

We realize the work of our CASA advocates is greatly needed and we will continue to move forward to find solutions that will result in safety for children and safe communities.

Join me in celebrating 30 years of our CASA advocates who have truly been the “voice for the child.”

Respectfully, Denise Smith Director

Denise Smith Director

2

CASA 3 0TH A N NI V ERSA RY

W W W. A ZCOURTS.GOV/CASAOFPINALCOUNT Y

I am privileged to be surrounded by an enormous amount of caring, compassionate and dedicated advocates and staff. Every day in our office is different, just like every single child that we encounter.

Each advocate has their own story of why they volunteer for us. Every child has their own story of what has happened to them. Unfortunately, most of them don’t feel as if they have a voice. Our advocates become that voice.

As we celebrate 30 years in Pinal County, we have seen successes, challenges, and yes, even the most tragic results.

But for every bad there is good. For every heartache there is compassion and drive to do more.

And we do have more to do. With more than 1,200 children in foster care in our county, we will not stop. If it takes another 30 years for these children, we are ready.

Our volunteer advocates are the true heroes for these children. They all have a face, a name and a story.

Respectfully, Donna McBride CASA Unit Supervisor

Donna McBride CASA Unit Supervisor

Juvenile Court Services has dedicated staff in the CASA unit. Current staff include Pam Burke, Coordinator (seated); Amanda Lairmore, Administrative Assistant; Michelle Martinez, Coordinator; Erin Avilez, Coordinator; Donna McBride, Supervisor; and Jodi Wheeler, Administrative Assistant

Emily Belloc of Casa Grande recently joined the CASA team as a coordinator

W W W. A ZCOURTS.GOV/CASAOFPINALCOUNT Y

CASA 3 0TH A N NI V ERSA RY

3

Home Town

I “I met some great people that looked beyond my fears and distrust and accepted me for who I was. One of those people included my Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer.”

4

CASA 3 0TH A N NI V ERSA RY

Hero

want to tell a story. The ending hasn’t really happened yet. This is a journey about my life. You see, I was a foster kid along with my brothers and sister. I was afraid from the day we were taken away from our parents.

That fear has been my shadow, turning into distrust, shame, feeling sorry for myself and depending only on myself. Nothing was explained to me and my future was uncertain. I was separated from my family and so confused. Why did my parents let this happen to me? Was it my fault? Don’t I deserve a family? What did I do wrong?

I grew up in the foster care system drifting in and out of relationships and trying to be “normal,” whatever that was. But the fact is, I never felt normal. How can that happen when you don’t know from day to day where you will be living, where you will be going to school or who will be there for you. I was on survival mode just trying to get by. I had four different case workers, lived in six placements, including juvenile detention and a number of group homes, and attended five different schools.

Every time I had to change places, my personal stuff was usually tossed in a trash bag. Some of my childhood is just a blur with no school pictures, no mementos of achievements from school or a parent cheering me on at my Little League games. Living in the foster care system meant that no one was permanent in my life. It was a revolving door of case workers, attorneys, foster parents, therapists, teachers and judges.

Then I turned 18, a time for young people to spread their wings. I was an adult in the eyes of the court; “aging out” of the child welfare system is what they call it. I call it fending for yourself. I had never paid rent, bought groceries or managed my own expenses. I went from someone telling me what to do and how to do it on a daily basis to being lonely and afraid. On my own for the first time in my life, I had no one to catch me if I fell. I was responsible for surviving in a world on my own. I felt so alone – again.

As a child I was an innocent victim but as an adult I had to make decisions and those decisions would help shape my destiny. I was forced into a system that tried to care for me but did not prepare me for being an adult. I

knew I could continue to be a victim of my circumstances or I could turn those negative memories in my life into motivation to push forward. If only I had made more positive choices I would have no regrets. I cannot erase my past but I can tackle those obstacles head on and move forward.

Even though I grew up away from my family, who was dysfunctional at best, I met some great people that looked beyond my fears and distrust and accepted me for who I was. One of those people included my Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer.

He listened to me when no one else was willing, he believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. He advocated for my best interests in and out of court and encouraged me to follow my passion. I will never forget what my CASA volunteer did for me even though I didn’t always tell him thank you.

My journey is not over but I do see light at the end of the tunnel. After struggling with homelessness and not being able to hold down a job, I finally earned my high school diploma. I now have a full-time job and go to school part time. I am unsure of what I want to be when I “grow up,” but I do know that I have forgiven my past, triumphed over the challenges and can now focus on the person I was meant to be.

My hometown heroes are all the kids in foster care that have decided to change their life by looking beyond their past to a future that is whole and bright. These youth cannot do it alone. They need the support and compassion of healthy adults and a community willing to give them a chance.

According to United Friends of the Children, “Youth often state that it was the presence of one caring adult that made all the difference.”

Fred Roger’s from “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood” once said, “We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility.

It’s easy to say ‘it’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’

Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider these people my heroes.”

As a community you can be an advocate to one of our “hometown hero” youth by becoming a CASA volunteer, becoming a foster parent, being a mentor, or employing a youth and help them start their future.

W W W. A ZCOURTS.GOV/CASAOFPINALCOUNT Y

Women from the Robson Ranch Needlecrafters group presented nearly 200 homemade hats to the Juvenile Court Community Advisory Board’s Baby Bag Project for infants in foster care. Pictured is Kathy Muhlbeier, Judy Ault, Pam Burke, Donna McBride, Phyllis Flail and Jan Strycker.

Dave Franklin, former coordinator, spreading the CASA message during Maricopa Kid’s Day.

Summer ice cream socials are just one of the many ways CASA brings its advocates together. Pictured is Sharyn Schell with Jim and Cally Reynolds during a peer support meeting as coordinators Pam Burke and Greg Clark dish it up.

Ann Dessert was named the 2014 CASA Ambassador of the Year for Pinal County during the Brunch & Recognition Ceremony. Ann received the honor for 10 years of dedicated service. And now, five years later, Ann is still active and can be found helping coordinator Pam Burke in the Casa Grande office. Pictured with Ann is Judge Figueroa, Court Administrator Todd Zweig and Director Denise Smith.

April 2014 was a beautiful morning to celebrate CASA’s 25th Anniversary at the Historic Courthouse in Florence.

Everyone enjoyed a catered brunch while visiting with one another.

W W W. A ZCOURTS.GOV/CASAOFPINALCOUNT Y

Swearing in advocates during our 2014 ceremony is Judge Gilberto V. Figueroa at the Historic Courthouse in Florence.

CASA advocates take a loyalty oath to serve the courts.

CASA 3 0TH A N NI V ERSA RY

5

Pinal Council for C A S A/ E

stablished in 2004, Pinal Council for CASA/Foster Inc (PCCI) is a volunteer board that has been a constant support system for our the CASA program and its advocates who work endlessly on behalf of abused and neglected children. They saw a need to provide services to our young victims and responded with dedication and enthusiasm. This group doesn’t give up, they build up.

They strive to do more, be more and give more.

PCCI does an enormous amount of work on behalf of child victims who have been abused and neglected.

Oftentimes, these young victims do not have a voice of their own. PCCI has been instrumental in developing partnerships with community members, organizations and businesses which has led to an increased awareness of the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program and the need for more volunteers to be the voice for our young victims.

PCCI Member Rhonda is a favorite elf at their annual Christmas party.

T

his group has spearheaded a variety of annual events in Pinal County, including the annual Christmas party for thousands of children. They coordinate the annual back-to-school party that now includes a Harkins matinee with snacks and distribution of school supplies for each child.

They developed a tutoring program with Sylvan Learning Center and private tutors. Many of the foster children were behind in school because of poor attendance, lack of follow through with homework, poor parental participation and frequent moves within the foster system.

PCCI members join CASA staff at Ross Abbott to educate employees about foster care.

For more information about this independent nonprofit group, contact PCCI Post Office Box 12569 Casa Grande, Arizona 85130 Pcci4foster@gmail.com 6

CASA 3 0TH A N NI V ERSA RY

1250

W. Maricopa Hwy. Casa Grande

www.abbott.com W W W. A ZCOURTS.GOV/CASAOFPINALCOUNT Y

/ Foster Inc

PCCI

P

roject Prom is a project for our teen victims. This provides them the opportunity to attend their prom in style by providing gowns, tuxedos, prom tickets, dinners, etc., all at the expense of PCCI. The group also saw the need to continue supporting our youth who “age out” of the foster care system. These youth can get financial help purchasing books or laptops that will assist them in meeting their educational goals.

PCCI often provides financial assistance to individual foster children so they can participate in horseback riding lessons, special camps, receive bikes, provide tickets for cultural events, musical instruments, fees for sports activities, etc. These opportunities often stimulate growth and enrichment to their mental and physical recovery.

CASA is grateful for this dedicated group who continues to support our efforts and the needs of all foster children in Pinal County.

PCCI member Anne Dessert sitting in as Mrs. Claus

“PCCI does an enormous amount of work on behalf of child victims who have been abused and neglected.”

The annual PCCI Christmas Party.

W W W. A ZCOURTS.GOV/CASAOFPINALCOUNT Y

CASA 3 0TH A N NI V ERSA RY

7

From the Heart of a CASA Advocate Never Let Them See You Cry

I

’d made it 16 months without a slip. Warmed in the rosy glow of the team’s effort to reunite a child with his mother, watching a family become “forever” through adoption, seeing the big wheel turn to change the life of a mother and her two tiny babies — it’s been a wonderful 16 months. Then it happened. No one saw it happen. You never want anyone to see. It may happen when you are all alone, in the dark, driving home from a visit with one of your special kids. It hits you like a punch to the stomach. This child needs more than the revolving door of care givers even in the best group home and a CASA that visits twice a month. The operative word we are missing is “home.” This child needs a real home.

This child needs a mommy to teach her to bake cupcakes and kneel beside her for bedtime prayers. This child needs a daddy to teach her to ride her two-wheeler, take her to her first “Daddy and Me Dance” at school and teach her that all men are not to be feared. This child needs a home where she can go to the refrigerator at any time for a JuicyJuice box or those baby carrots she loves. She needs a home where her room sometimes does get really messy because of all her toys, books and that dozen stuffed animals. She needs a mommy and daddy to visit her teachers on Parent’s Night and who will burst with pride as they see a third prize white ribbon on a castle made from oatmeal boxes.

Why cry tonight? I should be happy. We are doing some really good things for her. Unfortunately, she’s used to many people coming in and out of her life.

She’s adjusting pretty well on the surface. The tears are because, for the first time, I see a mountain ahead that we, as CASAs, might not be able to climb successfully each time. We all know (we can feel it in our hearts!) that the right, special family is out there, somewhere, for our special needs kids, but finding them is so, so difficult. The complexity of adoption profiles, privacy acts, background checks, adoption communications on the media, such as Wendy’s Child … it all takes such time and money.

Every new placement this child endures, every year that passes, it all makes finding a forever home a bit more difficult. The tears flow because this CASA understands by the time a child reaches 10 to 12 years old, the prospects grow dimmer. Families are more reluctant to take a chance. The solution is not simple. The key again is with the strength and diligence of the child’s Department of Child Safety team or Developmental Disability Divison team. Persistence, regular communications to the media as appropriate, visits or outings with prospective families, talking with every adoptive agency available, and most important, never giving up.

These special needs children can do none of this work themselves.

They rely solely on the efforts of their team and surrounding agencies.

It is too easy in today’s world to be content with finding the child a safe and caring group home. It is true there are so many children, and safety must be our first concern. The numbers can be staggering. The job might seem insurmountable, but we, all of us, cannot stop trying. There is a special family somewhere that needs only to meet this adorable, bubbly little girl, spend some time with her and let her melt their heart, too.

I can’t say you’ll never catch a CASA crying. There are so many kids that need our help and so few CASAs. Perhaps we should look at our tears as fuel, fuel to energize us again to get busy, never give up and, ultimately, shed the best tears of all — tears of joy when a child has found a forever home and that special someone to tuck them in each night.

“for the first time, I see a mountain ahead that we, as CASAs, might not be able to climb successfully each time.”

8

CASA 3 0TH A N NI V ERSA RY

Lydia Mercier CASA Advocate, 10 years

W W W. A ZCOURTS.GOV/CASAOFPINALCOUNT Y

Thank You

For supporting our community all of these years!

Service • Sales • Parts

(520) 836-7921

www.norrisrv.com

973 W. Gila Bend Hwy. Casa Grande

Multiple generations of the Lowenthal family proudly support CASA and foster care to adoption.

A child born to another woman calls me mommy. The magnitude of that tragedy and depth of that privilege are not lost on me. ~ Jody Landers Casa Grande Jewelry & Pawn

1326 N. Pinal Ave Casa Grande, AZ | 520.836.7774

W W W. A ZCOURTS.GOV/CASAOFPINALCOUNT Y

CASA 3 0TH A N NI V ERSA RY

9

A Difference for a

Foster Child

T

he month of May is National Foster Care Month, a time to recognize the critical role that we each can play in transforming the lives of foster youth in our communities. There are currently more than 14,000 children in foster care in Arizona, many of whom are legally free for adoption and awaiting permanent families.

Thousands of committed foster parents, social workers, advocates, professionals and volunteers work tirelessly to protect and nurture these vulnerable children and find them a permanent, stable place to call home, but there is more the community can do to help.

“Being a CASA in Pinal County is an opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child and adds meaning to my own life,” says Bobbi Seabolt, a 10-year Pinal County advocate.

“National Foster Care Month is an excellent time for all of us to ask what we can do for a child.”

Bobbi Seabolt, Casa Grande, CASA for 11 years

You can make a difference by: • •

•

•

•

Becoming a foster or adoptive parent Volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to speak up on behalf of these children in court Serving on the Foster Care Review Board to review the case status of children in your county Helping spread the word in your community by organizing an event, speaking to a community group or hosting a training Supporting the agencies that endeavor to meet the unmet needs of foster children, such as Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation or Arizona Helping Hands.

Through the Years 30 Years of CASA Judicial Leadership Judge William O’Neil

Judge Gilberto Figueroa

Judge Stephen McCarville January 1989 Judge Robert Bean, Presiding Judge

Judge Kevin White

Judge Brenda Oldham

January 2019 Judge Daniel Washburn W W W. A ZCOURTS.GOV/CASAOFPINALCOUNT Y

CASA 3 0TH A N NI V ERSA RY

11

Annual Adoption Day

E

The Brown family of Casa Grande started a yearly tradition to share teddy bears with other adopted youth and share the joys of adoption that they have experienced.

ach November the CASA of Pinal County joins courts and communities across the county to finalize adoptions from the foster care system.

This one day celebrates the joys of adoption and encourages more people to create or grow families through adoption. Last year, over 450 families, volunteers and staff attended this special day.

This annual event is part of a nationwide effort to call attention to the more than 100,000 children waiting in the U.S. foster care system. Every year, over 4,000 adoptions are finalized as part of National Adoption Day, and communities host events to celebrate families formed through adoption. It is also a day to draw attention to the more than 22,000 children who turn 18 every year without having a forever family.

A coalition of local organizations participated in organizing this special day, including Pinal County Juvenile Court Services, Pinal County Clerk of the Court, Pinal County Attorney’s Office, The Shanker Law Firm, Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program, Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) and the Pinal County Superior Court. An average of 100 court staff and community volunteer for the event.

This little guy is ready to start his process, as Judge Brenda Oldham looks on.

The Caliente Clowns of Florence join the celebration every year to bring smiles to adults and children alike.

12

CASA 3 0TH A N NI V ERSA RY

W W W. A ZCOURTS.GOV/CASAOFPINALCOUNT Y

November 3, 2018

Quiltz for Kids of Casa Grande donates a quilt for every child being adopted during the annual event.

Volunteer Liz Caster coordinates the donation of hundreds of books each year so all adopted children and their siblings receive a free book. Pictured with Liz is Coordinator Pam Burke.

Samantha, a Casa Grande Union High School student, loves CASA and can’t wait until she’s old enough to be a CASA!

W W W. A ZCOURTS.GOV/CASAOFPINALCOUNT Y

A local quilters group created a beautiful banner that is now a tradition in the Superior Courthouse each Adoption Day.

CASA 3 0TH A N NI V ERSA RY

13

Oath of Office I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully discharge the duties of a Court Appointed Special Advocate according to the laws established by both state and federal statutes.

I will faithfully discharge my duties as a volunteer advocate in the best interests of the children appointed to me by the court.

I will hold confidential all information entrusted to me in the performance of my duties.

I will honor the responsibility bestowed upon me as an officer of the court.

I chose to volunteer specifically for CASA because ...

I feel that I’m giving a kid a chance for a better life. I’ve also learned a lot about the thoughts and feelings of kids without family support.

I’m able to help the families understand the system and what everything means.

I know what I do makes a difference in a child for the positive.

I want to make a difference in someone’s life…investing in the future.

Paul Hoefs, San Tan Valley, New CASA

Twila Perucci, Gold Canyon, CASA for 1 year

CASA of Pinal County Statistics 1989 to 2019 • Have had 389 volunteer advocates • Involved with 2,080 children • 518 of those children found permanency with the help of a CASA • 314 were adopted into forever homes In the last 30 years our CASA advocates have: • Volunteered over 87,800 hours • Traveled 776,012 miles to court, visits, etc.

• Spent $73,396 of their own money on behalf of a child

14

CASA 3 0TH A N NI V ERSA RY

Stephen Prickett, Apache Junction, CASA for 3 years

Sue Ruohomaki, San Tan Valley, New CASA

For more information on the CASA program please contact: CASA of Pinal County PO Box 906 Florence, AZ 85132 Tel: 520.866.7076 | Fax: 520.866.7081 W W W. A ZCOURTS.GOV/CASAOFPINALCOUNT Y

How has being a CASA brought you satisfaction?

In my cases, my kids and I have established a caring relationship that lasts beyond closure of their case.

Because of my own experience as a 12-year-old in court prior to the CASA program. I was terrified.

Seeing a “problem” child evolving into a functional adult.

Dan Danser, Florence, CASA for 8 years

Dana Johanson, Queen Creek, CASA for 1 year

My CASA children have brought much more to my life than I could ever bring to theirs. Watching these children grow and be happy, as they were either adopted or returned to a parent they loved, has given me more satisfaction than I can express.

As an educator for 37 years, being at CASA has been an awesome fit. If you love children, this is for you!

I know that I made a big difference for at least one of the children I have served. Until you have met a child in foster care, it is hard to imagine what life is like for them.

I can honestly say that “my kids” are happier and better off now at home with their parents who buckled down and did the work to get them back, or they are now safe in another home with a family that loves them…forever.

Anne Lewis, Casa Grande, CASA for 4 years

Beth Chism, San Tan Valley, CASA for 2 years

Cathy Bednarz, Gold Canyon CASA for 1.5 years

Kelley Kimble, Apache Junction, CASA for 13 years

Barbara Gesiki, Maricopa, CASA for 5 years

One-on-one relationships that make a difference.

Lydia Mercier, Casa Grande, CASA for 10 years

CASA of Pinal County Court Appointed Special Advocates FOR CHILDREN

W W W. A ZCOURTS.GOV/CASAOFPINALCOUNT Y

CASA 3 0TH A N NI V ERSA RY

15