2010 National Conference Presentations

My annual State of CASA presentation is an opportunity for me to share highlights of the past year and thoughts about the future direction of National CASA with guests at the National CASA Conference. I always wish that all of you could be there to participate.

This year, I am excited to invite you to view highlights of the presentation. I hope you will watch the presentation, and also spend some time reviewing the following resource materials that I have pulled together.

-- Michael Piraino, National CASA CEO

Conference Presentation (603 KB PDF) and notes (69 KB PDF): Include details of issues facing child welfare advocates and recommendations for action.

Informal Listening Sessions:  Perceptions of current child welfare issues shared with me by CASA and GAL program staff. Concludes with an opportunity for you to voice your opinion in an anonymous poll. (82 KB PDF)

A Crooked Piece of Time Reading List: Articles, reports, studies and perspectives on issues currently affecting child welfare and CASA work. (119 KB PDF)

Safeguards Against Bias: Approaches that may help you avoid bias by engaging in critical thinking. (65 KB PDF)

Closing Session: Volunteer Stories

At the 2010 National CASA Conference, we asked four volunteer advocates to each share a story at our closing session. Below are recordings of two of the storytellers, both volunteers from Fulton County CASA in Atlanta, GA.

Listen to a recording of Dee Horn (pictured at right), speaking on the subject of "Why CASA?"

Listen to a recording of Leana Lowery, sharing how her own experience with foster care growing up informs her work as a CASA volunteer today.