RIVERSIDE COUNTY
FY2017-2018
IMPACT REPORT
Annual Highlights
GROWING TO MEET THE NEED
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n 2015, Voices for Children launched its CASA program in Riverside County, where approximately 4,500 children spend time in foster care each year. The Riverside County CASA program has grown from serving 140 children in its first full year to serving 356 youth during FY2017-2018.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY CHILDREN SERVED
356 272 12 FY14-15
140 FY15-16
FY16-17
FY17-18
Voices for Children is dedicated to spreading awareness about the role of a CASA and the need for more volunteers to speak up for local children in foster care. Those interested in becoming a CASA begin by attending an Information Session, followed by a formal application, interview process, and thorough background checks. Once accepted, volunteers attend Advocate University, an online and in-person training program that prepares CASAs for their important role. Throughout FY2017-2018, 278 community members served as volunteer advocates in Riverside County. We are 2
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honored that nine CASA volunteers have been serving as advocates for more than three years. Serving Riverside County — an area that stretches from Corona in the West to the California-Arizona border in the East — presents many logistical challenges. In order to serve this broad region, our staff represents and works in each key region of the county. In addition to offices in Riverside and Murrieta, we were grateful to be able to open a third office this year, which is located at the Regional Access Project (RAP) Foundation building in Palm Desert. This new space has allowed us to establish a physical presence in the Coachella Valley and eastern Riverside County.
RIVERSIDE COUNTY CHILDREN SERVED BY REGION
47% 33%
20%
CASAs RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR SERVICE CASA Kris In November 2017, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) — Inland Empire Chapter named CASA Kris Torres its Volunteer of the Year, recognizing her dedication to supporting the mission of Voices for Children. Kris became a CASA in July 2015 and has dedicated more than 650 hours to advocating for her case child. Among other important resources, Kris recommended that the girl stay in the same school, even when she had to move to a different placement.
CASA Deborah Each year, the HOPE Collaborative recognizes individuals who make a difference in the lives of youth and families
in Riverside County. In June 2018, the group selected CASA Deborah Roberts to receive the Children and Family Advocate Award. Deborah has been assigned to the same young man for nearly three years. Her presence has provided a consistency he has likely never known, having been in 24 placements in the last eight years. This spring, the foster youth was placed 100 miles from Deborah’s home, but she faithfully visited him twice a month, advocated for his educational needs, and helped him with his first résumé. We are grateful to work alongside and support volunteers like Kris and Deborah who share our dedication to speaking up on behalf of youth in foster care.
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BY THE NUMBERS
Led 7 Advocate University trainings for new CASAs, averaging
17 graduates per class CASAs attended
226 hearings
CASAs submitted
283 court reports
CASAs donated
to judges
11,658 hours
ADVOCATING FOR PERMANENCY Establishing permanency is one of the primary goals for a child in foster care, and is thereby one of a CASA’s top priorities. Of the 356 children with a CASA during FY2017-2018, the cases of 56 children closed.
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Reunification: 17 30.3%
16.1% Adoption: 8 14.3% Other: 22 39.3% Guardianship: 9
Our Dedicated Volunteers VOLUNTEER MILESTONES The following individuals have served as CASA volunteers for three or more years.
Melanie Royer Frances Lynn Harris Kris Torres Crystal Swain Carolyn Ponder
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Deborah Roberts Jim Steere Jeanine Pescuma Gail Elliot
Marco & CASA Vince Marco, a sweet 10-year-old on the autism spectrum, was removed from his home due to domestic violence and neglect. The boy’s basic needs were not even being met, much
less the extra support he needed for proper development. CASA Vince was assigned to Marco’s case and began learning about the boy’s situation. He spent time reading about autism, and observed Marco’s interactions with other children and the staff at his group home. Vince noticed that the boy was struggling to make the most of his traditional talk therapy because his verbal skills were very limited. Vince wanted to find an activity that Marco would enjoy that would also provide him with a positive physical outlet. Vince worked closely with his Advocacy Supervisor and identified a tennis program specifically adapted to children with autism. Vince advocated that his child be able to participate in the program. At the next court hearing, the judge ordered that Marco should attend the program, and the boy has made significant progress since then.
delays caused by her mother’s alcohol abuse during pregnancy. CASAs who are assigned to toddlers often focus on playing with them, observing their living situation, and ensuring they are staying up to date with medical appointments and developmental goals. Over the last three years, CASA Vanessa has advocated tirelessly to ensure that Sabrina received special education services. Thanks to Vanessa’s efforts, the girl was enrolled in a specialized preschool where she thrived. When it became clear that reunification with her
Sabrina & CASA Vanessa CASA Vanessa was assigned to Sabrina’s case when the girl was just 2 years old. Sabrina, now 5, has struggled with developmental
parents would not be a safe option for Sabrina, Vanessa supported a plan for her case child to be adopted by an out-of-state relative. After several more months of visits and planning, the adoption was finalized this fall. While both of them miss spending time together, Vanessa is thrilled that this very special kindergartner has found her forever home.
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Our Stellar Supporters Our mission would not be possible without the generosity and support of so many. We are grateful for the following donors who made gifts of $100 or more during FY2017-2018.
The Annenberg Foundation Judicial Council of California Riverside County Transportation Commission
In-N-Out Burger Foundation The Office of Supervisor Chuck Washington, Riverside County Board of Supervisors District 3, Community Improvement Designation (CID) Fund The Office of Supervisor John Tavaglione, Riverside County Board of Supervisors District 2, Community Improvement Designation (CID) Fund San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
$20,000+
$1,000+
Irene W. and Guy L. Anderson Children’s Foundation Anonymous Jocelyn Bauer BetterWorld Trust California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services City of Moreno Valley CDBG Pechanga Resort and Casino
City of Indio City of Temecula CDBG City of Temecula, Office of the Mayor Ron Collins Facebook Robert Galluzzo Sara F. Moser The Office of Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, Riverside County Board of Supervisors District 4, Community Improvement Designation (CID) Fund Rabobank, N.A. Walmart Foundation
$100,000+
Anonymous County of Riverside EDA CDBG Program $50,000+
$10,000+
Bluebird Legacy, Inc. Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Valley Health System $5,000+
Bank of America Charitable Foundation City of Riverside CDBG Desert Community Foundation
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$500+
Rhonda Louden Catherine Peterson Tracy Pierik James Steere
Our Stellar Supporters $100+
Rhonda and Randy Andrus Rochelle Chism Current Electric Pauline Daerr Kristine Dortch The Honorable Becky Dugan Betty Folsom Margie and Michael A. Garrison Suanne and Ken Hallberg Frances Lynn Harris Shannon Helm Kathleen Rose Herb Carmen J. and Jerry S. Herrera Linda Irwin-Devitis Andrew T. Jessup Jr. Joyce A. Kelly Cathy and John Kinser Kiwanis Club of Norco
Barbara Lefler Shari McCormick Lauren E. McGinley Jessica and Rafael Muñoz Sarah Myers John P. Page Cathy Perring Susan Rigney Kylin Roybal Michael P. Simon Sarah R. (Sally) Simonds Carrie Snuggs St. Clair Enterprises, Inc. Patricia and Michael D. St. Clair Kristin Torres Cathy Trevino Boris Tsvayner Richard E. Wells
Our Community Partners ‘FOSTERING CULTURE’ PARTNERS
Palm Springs Air Museum Palm Springs Art Museum Riverside Art Museum COLLABORATING AGENCIES
Assistance League of Temecula Valley County of Riverside, Department of Public Social Services
County of Riverside, Economic Development Agency County of Riverside, Probation Department LGBT Center of the Desert One Simple Wish Portola Community Center Regional Access Project Foundation
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www.speakupnow.org 951-472-9301 | Riverside County IRS tax I.D. #95-3786047