Registration is open for the National CASA/GAL Association for Children Annual Conference in Seattle June 4-7, 2022, during their 40th anniversary year! With the theme, “Leading the Way to Brighter Futures,” this conference will bring the vibrant network together with peers for in-depth learning, networking opportunities and collaborative discussions about the issues that impact child welfare and our future. Connect with CASA/GAL colleagues and volunteers from 950 state organizations and local programs who provide best-interest advocacy on behalf of children and youth. For more information: National CASA/GAL Conference
Welcome to Our New Volunteers!
Amanda Beller, CASA, Woodbury County |
Barbara Gardner, FCRB, Lee County |
Connie Huffman, CASA, Story County |
Jordyn Jondle, CASA, Story County |
Jennifer Kooiker, CASA, Sioux County |
Dawn Kramer, CASA, Dickinson County |
Elizabeth McDanel, CASA, Clay County |
Sharon Miller, FCRB, Black Hawk County |
Val Miller, CASA, Clay County |
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For FCRB Members & CASA Advocates: Self-Care: Why should we prioritize this?
The COVID-19 pandemic has left many of us, if not all, facing a new world. This can lead us to lingering feelings of being overwhelmed due to new information or changing information, changing work hours or locations, and a new way of caring for your family and yourself. It's important to pause for a moment and collect your thoughts; it is taxing on a person’s well-being, even if it isn’t obvious or apparent to yourself or others. It is normal to feel stressed or overwhelmed during uncertain times. Emotions in response to uncertainty may include anxiety, fear, anger and sadness. You may also could feel helpless, discouraged and, occasionally, out of control. Physical responses may include headache, muscle tension, fatigue and sleeplessness. In addition, we are in roles where we are to support others who are also experiencing similar issues and feelings, along with coping with the fact that the child welfare system is involved in their lives.
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We know one of the results of not taking care of ourselves is experiencing high stress levels. This stress can negatively impact our relationships, our work, our body and brain, along with our well-being: our mind and spirit. By taking care of ourselves better we can improve our sleep, our bodies, our health and our peace of mind. It’s what some may term the “fluffy stuff” that social workers and caretakers of the world advocate for others to do, yet they often forget to implement in their own lives. So, the question becomes how do we internalize and act on the importance of self-care? The answer varies between each individual.
What is Self-Care? Self-care can be defined as taking care of ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually so that we can better live in balance. Self-care is critical to any “helper” because we can only give what we have.
“In dealing with those who are undergoing great suffering, if you feel ‘burnout’ setting in, if you feel demoralized and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself. The point is to have a long-term perspective.” —The Dalai Lama
Here are some reminder tips you can use to take care of yourself:
Physical health: Fuel your body by eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of water. Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Exercise every day. Take deep breaths and stretch often. Avoid risky or destructive behaviors, such as abusing alcohol or drugs, or excessive gambling. Spend time outside, such as going for a walk in the park.
Mental health: Set and maintain a routine at home. Focus on things you can control. Focus your thoughts on the present and things to be grateful for today. Listen to music or read books. Consume reliable news sources that report facts, and avoid media that sensationalizes emotions. Limit your exposure or take a break from news and social media if you find that it makes you anxious. Lean on your personal beliefs and faith for support. Look for ways to help your community, such as blood donations, checking on older people in your neighborhood, or donating supplies or money to local organizations. Acknowledge and appreciate what others are doing to help you and your community.
Learn more:
***Please speak with your Local Coordinator for referrals to local professionals that can assist you in finding more formal resources regarding self-help.
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The 2022 ICAB Speaker Series
In January 2022, the Iowa Child Advocacy Board State Office started offering a year-long speaker series to support your continuous learning journey within our organization and your advocacy efforts as a CASA or FCRB volunteer.
Join us as we gather together in learning!
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Upcoming Opportunities!
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A Judge's Perspective on the Past, Present, and Future of Advocacy in Iowa presented by Judge William Owens on March 3, 2022 from Noon to 1pm.
Join us as Judge Owens shares examples of how CASA or FCRB reports have directly assisted the understanding of case issues, the specific needs of the child or in issuing court orders. In addition, hear what key areas advocates and board members can focus on for gathering information and/or recommendations for their court report and identify areas of child or family well-being in which our advocacy efforts can be improved. Click here to Register!
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Understanding the Subsidized Guardianship Program presented by Laura Leise, DHS Adoption Program Manager on March 28, 2022 from Noon to 1pm. The Subsidized Guardianship Program provides financial assistance to caregivers who agree to be the legal guardian for a youth who is in foster care. Guardianship is a safe alternative to adoption, providing permanency for the youth without requiring formal termination of parental rights. The program became effective on July 1, 2019 with new rules regarding changes in benefits and the age of eligibility put into effect on August 1, 2021. Click here to register! This session will be recorded.
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Parent Partner Program presented by Children and Families of Iowa Statewide Parent Partner Director, Sara Persons will share more about this DHS supported program on April 14th Noon to 1 pm alongside a trained Parent Partner. Click here to register! As this session will be recorded, please only register to attend the live session.
Kinship Navigator Program presented by Sara Buis, DHS Family Centered Services Program Manager will present on the Kinship Navigator Program across Iowa on April 28th from Noon to 1pm. Learn about this resource available to families! Click here to register! As this session will be recorded, please only register to attend the live session.
Previous Opportunities!
Inclusion Through a Different Lens was offered on January 31st. This session was presented by Breanne Ward, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor provided key training initiatives to Iowa’s Department of Human Services caseworkers and supervisors and joined with ICAB to share practical and relevant ways to address cultural differences within staff relations and direct service with families for CASA and FCRB volunteers and staff. Reach out the State Trainer to view the recording and receive in-service credit. This session will meet your 2022 annual diversity training requirement.
Adoption in CINA Cases was presented by DHS Adoption Program Manager, Laura Leise on February 24, 2022 from Noon to 1 pm. Learn about the adoption process and adoption assistance benefits that may be available to families who adopt children from foster care in Iowa. Reach out the State Trainer to view the recording and receive in-service credit.
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