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Strength in Numbers

National CASA's 2010 Annual Report features accomplishments of the year, including the new Fostering Futures program that is training volunteers to help older youth in care succeed.

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The Connection Magazine

Fall 2009: Addressing the Needs of LGBTQ Youth in Care

The challenges and risks faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth in care can be summarized in three broad categories: intolerance, lack of safety and barriers to permanency. What are CASA programs and other youth-serving agencies doing to support this population? What resources can CASA volunteers turn to when working with gay youth?

Read the cover story.

Top Tips for Volunteers by LaRae Oberloh
12 Tips for Advocating for LGBTQ Youth

Web Extras:

Expanded Resources Sidebar with links to helpful websites, organizations and publications
National CASA’s 2006 Annotated Bibliography: Resources for Working with LGBTQ Youth and Families in the Foster Care System
Seven Tips for CASA Programs on working with LGBTQ youth
Sensitivity Training Exercise for use by CASA programs
LGBTQ Youth In Care Interviews with text and audio
LaRae Oberloh of the Sioux Falls Area CASA Program discusses ways a CASA/GAL volunteer can effectively advocate for gay and transgender youth. Listen to the podcast using the player below.

Voices & Viewpoints

	Volunteer Voice by Frankye C. Hull Being a guardian ad litem volunteer is a lot like being a detective. You have to be nosy. To help a child find a safe home, you’ve got to really want to know what’s going on....
	From the CEO by Michael S. Piraino Journeys of Respect and Purpose *Web Extra:* Books, resources and organizations mentioned in the CEO’s editorial
	Partner Perspective by Flor Bermudez of Lambda Legal Helping Courts Serve the Best Interests of LGBTQ Youth LGBTQ youth in foster care,already coping with shattering family problems and displacement, bear the often overwhelming added burden of hostility toward their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
	Youth Editorial by Tobias Rogan Being Happy When my family disowned me for being gay, I was completely side-struck. I felt I was alone. I believed that I was the only gay kid around. I now am openly gay and happy with life. But it wasn’t easy getting to this point.
	Closing Words from Judge Hatchett How Are the Children in These Challenging Times? We are in a desperate situation in the current economy. Parents who would normally be able to cope can find the additional burdens of poverty unbearable.

Regular Features

Association News
Jewelers Support CASA Programs; Volunteer Featured in AARP The Magazine; Hollywood NOTE Foundation Award; Office Depot Backpack Donation

Above and Beyond
New Mexico CASA Volunteers Leverage Community Connections

Featured Supporter: Kappa Alpha Theta