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The Latest Everyone Ready Seminar Ends February 17
CASA/GAL volunteers, whether advocates, board members or those working on special projects, are the heart and soul of our organization. But sometimes working with volunteers is accompanied by challenging situations. In the latest Everyone Ready seminar, Pitfalls and Obstacles to Volunteer Involvement, four experts in the field of volunteerism offer their insights into those challenges and solutions. Register for access.
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National CASA Needs Your Input
National CASA CEO Michael Piraino is soliciting input on child welfare trends during the recession. Please take a few moments to provide an anonymous response to the following question: What are some of the trends you are seeing in child welfare as a result of the lingering economic downturn? Go to survey.
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Volunteer Recruitment in Tough Times
Volunteer recruitment is a necessary component of any CASA program. In today's economy it is becoming increasingly difficult to compete for individuals who want to volunteer their time. CASA recruiters need to be creative and determined in their pursuit of quality volunteers. Kim Deer, Curriculum Advisory Committee member and program manager of Okmulgee County Family Resource Center, Inc., suggests some ideas that her organization has tried successfully, resulting in her program increasing volunteer recruitment by 31% over the past two years. Read more.
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New Web-Based Performance Management System Making Fast Progress; Last COMET Release Coming Soon
As has been announced, National CASA has been planning a move away from the COMET case management software to a more comprehensive performance-management system, Efforts to Outcomes (ETO). The benefits of this new system will include web-based access, enhanced security, improved support and a shift toward more outcomes-based measurement rather than just activity tracking. We will soon begin the design and development sprint toward completion before the National Conference in April. Also, the final update of COMET (version 5) will be released by February 15, 2010. Visit ETO or email Project Manager Brien Aguilar for more information.
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Update on National CASA's Fostering Futures Initiative
National CASA received financial support from the Walmart Foundation in 2009 to launch the Fostering Futures Program (FFP). The FFP will expand our work with older youth who are aging out or at risk of aging out of the system without a permanent family. Terra Gay, National CASA older youth specialist, gives an update on this initiative. Read more.
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2009 National CASA Association Grants Have Been Awarded
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Congratulations to the 323 programs across the country that were awarded a 2009 National CASA grant last year! National CASA awarded 416 grants in 11 distinct categories, with a total value of approximately $10.2 million.
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This year's grant cycle has been launched. The deadline for renewal applications is February 19; all other applications are due March 5. Visit our grants webpage for more information.
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Webinar on Foster Care to 21
Join the Fostering Connections Resource Center on Monday, February 8, 2010, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. ET in the first of a series of webinars to support implementation of the older youth provisions of the Fostering Connections Act. In considering extending foster care eligibility to 21, state leaders are faced with a number of design questions in creating supports and services appropriate and appealing to young adults. State leaders will share how their states are designing foster care services for 18–21-year-olds, including defining eligibility, determining case management services and considering the role of the courts. Register here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
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