A blog devoted to the Washtenaw County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Community.
This blog is administered by Washtenaw County Friends of CASA.
Please visit our website at www.casawashtenaw.org!
We were fortunate to have Professor Frank Vandervort as our guest speaker at our monthly CASA meeting. Vandervort is a Professor of Law; child advocate; writer and lecturer at the University of Michigan's Child Advocacy Law Clinic. He spoke to us about the Consent Decree associated with the recently settled Children's Rights Law Suit against the State of Michigan and the Department of Human Services.
Professor Vandervort provided background information on “the lawsuit” including information on the plaintiffs on whose behalf the class action suit was filed; court-ordered changes still to come and the requirements that exist for Michigan and the DHS as a result of the suit.
The lawsuit consists of 65 claims against the State and the DHS on behalf of 6 kids representing all children in the foster care system. Professor Vandervort believes the biggest impact we will see as a result of the lawsuit will be a reduction in case loads, an increase in case workers and supervisors and changes in educational requirements for personnel.
We really appreciate Professor Vandervort taking the time to join us and educate us on “the lawsuit”. At our next CASA volunteer meeting, February 23rd, we will hear from a representative from DHS regarding the changes taking place here in Washtenaw County. Hope to see you there!
Local Leaders Applaud Volunteers During January 27 Celebration
(Excerpt from the Washtenaw Youth Mentoring Coalition Press Release)
Washtenaw’s new Sheriff, Jerry Clayton, will promote the benefits of mentoring and publicly recognize local “super mentors” at a county-wide celebration in honor of National Mentoring Month on Tuesday, January 27 at the Neutral Zone in Ann Arbor.
Washtenaw Commissioners Conan Smith and Roland Sizemore, Jr., Washtenaw Administrator Bob Guenzel and Washtenaw Department of Children’s Services Director Lisa Greco will also address audience members.Clayton will present awards to the county’s 2009 “super mentors.”
The event, which is open to the public, begins at 4 pm at 310 E Washington St, Ann Arbor.
The 2009 Washtenaw Mentor of the Year is U. Ashwin Patel, who volunteers for the Washtenaw Trial Court Appointed Special Advocates Program.
“Ashwin has worked with the same family over all this time, providing a consistent thread of knowledge and caring concern while caseworkers and attorneys have come and gone,” Washtenaw CASA Program Director Ava Adler said.“Ashwin is calm, consistent and competent in all she does.She is always current in knowing what the kids need and she always brings those needs to the attention of the people responsible for meeting them.”
The case started with a 13-year-old boy and his 4- and 6-year-old stepsisters being removed from the care of their parents who suffered from serious mental problems.The girls were eventually returned to their parents care, but the boy remained in foster care and Ashwin met with him weekly.Eventually, the girls came back into foster care along with their new baby brother.Ashwin became re-involved with them, monitoring their adjustment to life in the home of relatives with whom they were placed.
A mentor is a caring, responsible, dedicated volunteer who guides a young person, helping him or her define and achieve personal goals.Mentored youth are 46% less likely to start using drugs than their un-mentored peers, according to the Child Trends Research Brief of 2004.
The Coalition is an alliance of 39 local youth-focused organizations, including schools, non-profits, government agencies and faith-based organizations.The Coalition enables its member organizations to network, share resources, save staff time and money by jointly recruiting volunteers and hosting events, and meet the Mentor Michigan Quality Standards for youth mentoring organizations.
The Coalition's website, www.washtenawmentoring.org, helps potential mentors and mentees connect via Coalition-member organizatins. Website visitors can also learn more about mentoring and its benefits, the Coalition, and upcoming youth events.
For pictures of the event, please see the picture album below:
Pictured Above: Molly Schikora (Attorney Referee), Virginia Harmon (CASA Supervisor); Newly sworn-in CASA Volunteers – Ian S., Amy W., Fran G., Kevin G. and Nancy M.; and Ava Adler, (Coordinator of the CASA program), Washtenaw County Trial Court – Family Division.
On December 17, 2008, the Washtenaw County CASA Program swore in 5 new volunteers!
Please welcome: Kevin G., Fran G., Nancy M., Ian S., and Amy W.
Please check out the photo album below for pictures of the Swearing In Ceremony.
It has been an honor and privilege to work for such a great cause and with an incredible team. In 2008, the CASA program served 80 children and I'm confident that with the direction and leadership of the Board and staff more children will find loving, stable and permanent homes in the months to come.
Although reunification was the goal, the mother was not making progress in what she needed to do to get her children back.
The CASA volunteer assigned to the case, who has a Master's degree in social work and and previous work experience in the child welfare system, observed the mom and felt that the mom's behavior indicated depression. The CASA volunteer asked that the mom be evaluated for clinical depression.
Even though the mom's attorney was defensive towards the request, a referral was made to the reunification program, and the mom was evaluated and diagnosed for depression. With the help of mental health professionals, and a regiment of effective medication, the mom made a turn-around. She is well on her way to getting her children back!
On November 15, 2008, CASA held its second annual fundraiser with great success.
The stage was set as the Washtenaw County Farm Council building transformed into a beautifully-lit celebration of children, friends, music, and autumn, complete with straw bales and pumpkins.
Nearly 300 gatherers enjoyed the line dancing, BBQ, and great items in the silent auction. Most importantly, our 2nd fundraiser was a financial success, raising almost $15,000 for CASA of Washtenaw.
“In a time of uncertainty, it’s truly uplifting to see a community come together to support a cause,” says Nikki Huang, Friend of CASA’s executive director. “We had over 100 business and individuals donate to our auction, over 30 volunteers who helped make it happen, and the support of close to 300 people who turned out.” Rockin the CASA has become the “umbrella” for Friends of CASA’s annual fundraiser. This year’s theme, “A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock ‘n Roll,” featured country and rock music set to a country theme. Next year’s theme, already in the making, promises more fun and excitement. Look for an announcement and save-the-date in our next newsletter.
On Oct. 31, 2008, the wildly successful Rock the CASA concert was held at Mendelssohn Theatre. Rock the CASA is a variety show including performances by the best entertainment groups on the University of Michigan campus. Student performances included an array of comedians, a capella groups, bands, and dance groups. 100% of ticket sales benefit CASA of Washtenaw County.
Please check out the 2008 Rock the CASA Photo album below:
Thanks to Kappa Alpha Theta for providing some of the pictures! _________________________________________________________
YOU ROCK!!
CASA of Washtenaw County would like to thank the following event supporters. The concert would not have been successful without them!
SPONSOR:
Kappa Alpha Theta - Eta Chapter annually holds a variety show called Rock the CASA to raise money for CASA of Washtenaw County. For information about Kappa Alpha Theta, please check out their website: http://www.umich.edu/%7Etheta/
PERFORMERS: (ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Amazin' Blue:
Amazin' Blue performers: Elise Amato, Camila Ballario, Caitlin Bloom, Jessica Bloom, Austin Chrzanowski, Joe Dimuzio, Gabriel Fazio, Bethany Felder, Lance Fletke, Andres Holder, Kirsten Knisely, Jake McClory, Adam Moskal, Peter Preonas
Amazin' Blue has a big concert on Saturday, Nov. 15th (8 PM) at Rackham auditorium. Tickets can be bought at the door or at MUTO (Michigan Union Ticket Office). They have also just released a new CD (Lost in Sound). For more information, please check out their website, www.amazinblue.org
Below is a video snippet of Amazin' Blue's 2008 Rock the CASA performance:
Cadence
Cadence performers: Michelle Chirby, Danielle Berridge, Kaylie Hanson (Co-President), Laura Thompson, Lara Leitner, Megan Argillander, Megan Avesian, Cassie Ruch, Sarah Hardy, Sophie Kruz, Sarah Schleicher, Sabrina Tharani
ComCo performers: Mallory Bradford, Alex Weatherup, Erica Ranade, Adnan Pirzada, Jamielyn Beatty, Teddi Milan, Alex Stuessy, Spencer Smith, Matthew Blinstrub, Jordan Rochelson
ComCo is University of Michigan's oldest and best improv group. For more information about Comco, please check out their website: http://www.umuac.org/comedy/index2.html
EnCore
EnCore performers: Adie Angrist, Keith Binion, Lauren Boumaroun, Gabi Brazg, Akiya Brown, Jonathan Choi, Karl Josef Co, Sasha Compère, Kevin Duong, Liane Hajduch, Tynika Johnson, Lara Leitner, Carmen Loo, Maddie Moore, Trang Nguyen, Courtney Power, Jasmine Sadler, Rachel Wehner, Lauren Wolfe, Amanda Wong, Talun Zeitoun
Below is a video snippet of EnCore's 2008 Rock the CASA performance:
The Friars
Friars performers: (1) Andrew Mueller, (2) Sean Morris, (3) Andy Ballard, (4) Drew Bollinger, (5) Danny Dunlap, (6) Abraham Heller Hiatt, (7) Alex Weatherup, (8) Eric Emeott
Below is a video snippet of The Friars's 2008 Rock the CASA performance:
FunKtion
FunKtion performers: Tomas Kim, Andrew Krebsbach, Justin Tien, Steve Lai, Anthony Baber, Terence Chua, James Dean, Vincent Giang
Loosen your hips, unhinge your joints, stretch your legs and get ready to dance. Nod your head, clap your hands, move you feet and melt with the beat as FunKtion brings you it's unique blend of fun-loving entertainment. From street corners to stage center, funKtion has been doing it right since '99. For more information about FunKtion, please check out their website: http://www.umfunktion.com/
Great Divide
Great Divide performers: Teddy Grossman-Guitar,Vocals; Jeff Leibovich-Keyboards; Joey Gaon-Lead Guitar; Josh Teitelbaum-Drums; Hiro Sato-Bass; Jake Kenowitz- Trumbone Eric Schindler- Saxaphone
Great Divide is influenced by the traditional roots of Blues, Country, Soul, Funk or otherwise, good ol' fashioned Rock and Roll. Great Divide strives to preserve the elements of Rock's rich history, while exposing a new generation to the experience of their brand of honest, down-home music. For more information, please check out their MySpace site: http://www.myspace.com/greatdivideannarbor
RhythM is a student-run performance group comprised of passionate and dedicated, advanced tap dancers. For more information, please e-mail them at rhythmtap@umich.edu and/or rhythmexec@umich.edu
Grab your blue jeans and get your dancingshoes ready for a grand ol' time!
Think Sheryl Crow, Bruce Springsteen and Kid Rock mixed with some Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood and Alan Jackson...so you know you're in for some boot stompin' fun!
Learn some line dances, break out your old rock ‘n roll moves, or sit back and tap your feet as our DJ spins it all.
Don't forget to check out our auction items, bring a bottle of wine to the event, and buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a wine cellar!
WHEN: SATURDAY, NOV. 15, 2008, 7 - 11 PM
BBQ BUFFET, OPEN BAR (beer, wine, & soft beverages)
Doors and auction open at 7 PM. Raffle tickets are available at 7 PM. Grub starts at 7:30 PM. Dancing begins at 8 PM (Lessons on the hour).
- 78 kids served - 26 volunteers actively advocating for kids - 11 on leave but still interested or actively working on fundraising and community awareness - Class of 6 - 8 new volunteers to begin training on Oct. 28th
monthly CASA meeting. Vandervort is a Professor of Law; child advocate; writer and lecturer at the University of Michigan's Child Advocacy Law Clinic. He spoke to us about the Consent Decree associated with the recently settled Children's Rights Law Suit against the State of Michigan and the Department of Human Services.
