Workshops
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Thursday, September 30, 2010
Institutes 2:30-5:30 pm
Friday, October 1, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010 2:00-3:30pm
Friday, October 1, 2010 3:45-5:15 pm
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010 9:45-11:15
Workshop Descriptions
Friday, October 1
10:30-12:00pm
Drug Trends in Child Welfare Cases
John Haenes, Chief Operations Officer, Tarrant County Challenge, Fort Worth, TX
This workshop will provide the latest information about drugs of abuse among adults and adolescents. It will dispel myths regarding legal and illegal drugs. Participants will gain a greater understanding of why people use drugs and how substance abuse can impact brain development. Participants will receive information describing the behavioral effects of substance abuse on adults and infants and the risk of abuse and neglect to the child will be explored, as well as the impact on the family system and costs to society.
V, S (track) CEU .15
Making Sense of Psychological, Educational & Psychiatric Reports& Treatments for CASA Kids
Jeffrey Wherry, Director and Professor, Institute for Child and Family Services/ Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
The purpose of this presentation is to assist CASA volunteers and staff in making sense of the psychological, educational and psychiatric reports received for the children they serve. The workshop will provide an overview of abuse-related symptoms and psychological tests which are appropriate for use with youth served by CASA volunteers. Additionally, volunteers will be introduced to evidence-based treatments for use with abused children and their abusive parents.
The goal is to prepare volunteers to be optimal advocates for the children whom they serve.
V, S (track) CEU .15
Riding the Roller Coaster: My Days & Nights as a CPS Attorney and Foster/Adoptive Mother
Jessica Edwards, Asst. District Attorney, Former Foster Parent, Adoptive Mother; Hunt County District Attorney’s Office, Greenville, TX
The presenter will use her life experiences as a CPS attorney and a foster/adoptive mother to educate and inspire the audience to better help the children we serve. As a foster/adoptive mother, Ms. Edwards’ experiences have run the gamut from success stories of returning children to birth families, to seeing the system fail and returning a child who was then murdered by her birthmother. Through the course of her work, she has adopted four children - all from CPS placements. As Assistant District Attorney, and head of the child abuse division, Ms. Edwards represents CPS in all legal actions in her county and also prosecutes all criminal cases with child victims. She has worked hand in hand with CASA for the past five years.
V, S (track) CEU .15
Child Abuse: Unlocking the Secret
Lindsey Dula, Forensic Interviewer, Alliance for Children, Fort Worth, TX
Sexual abuse cases can be complex and require involved professionals to understand normal characteristics of child development, characteristics of child development that raise concerns and family dynamics in these situations. Come to this workshop and hear a former DFPS frontline worker and current forensic interviewer discuss the techniques used to strengthen assessment skills when dealing with allegations of sexual abuse. Topics will include a child development review related to sexual abuse, aspects of abuse disclosure, family dynamics and case resources. Case examples will be utilized to better explore and understand the impact of child sexual abuse.
V, S (track) CEU .15
Cultural Competence- Leading, Working and Communicating Effectively Across Cultures
Jeremy Solomons, President, JSA, Austin, TX
When leading and working with people from other cultures, many worry about insulting them or looking foolish themselves. Workshop participants will learn how to avoid both offense and embarrassment by understanding why people work and communicate in different ways and by learning how to be more effective in writing, on the phone and in person across cultures. Learn WHAT it means to be “culturally competent.” Understand WHY people communicate in different ways. Learn to focus on WHAT you can do to work and communicate with people from other cultures more effectively.
V, B, S (track) CEU .15
Seen But Not Heard: Children Affected by Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse
Elizabeth Devine, Clinical Coordinator, Betty Ford Center Five Star Kids, Irving, TX
This presentation will provide an explanation of the nature of domestic violence and addiction as well as ideas on why the two issues frequently occur together. Using artwork and writings from children, the presenter will offer examples of children’s firsthand experiences. The presentation will list several common characteristics and challenges children in these homes frequently face as well as insight into protective factors that can foster resiliency.
V, S (track) CEU .15
Best Practices in Resource Development through Relationship Management
Missy Gale, President, M. Gale & Associates, Fort Worth, TX
This course is designed to give board members, volunteers and staff who are either new to or have experience in resource development an overview of development processes and trends for attracting, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding prospects and donors to their organizations. With a focus on managing relationships that are donor and volunteer focused, this course will cover both the art and science of raising funds through philanthropy.
B, S (track)
Leveraging the CASA Brand
Michelle Tycher Stein, Tycher Stein PR Firm, Dallas, TX
A recent survey commissioned by National CASA and conducted by the international public relations firm Edelman indicates that Court Appointed Special Advocates is both a recognized brand and has positive name recognition. Michelle Tycher Stein, retained by Dallas CASA to revamp the organization's identity and marketing materials for its 30th anniversary, talks about how leveraging the CASA brand can directly benefit local programs.
B, S (track)
Friday, October 1
2:00-3:30 pm
Drug Testing Myths & Facts
Jim Turnage, President, Forensic DNA & Drug Testing Services, Inc., Dallas, TX
In a family law case, it is common for one party to accuse the opposing party of substance abuse. As a result, drug and alcohol testing has become a commonplace tool used to determine the accuracy of substance abuse allegations and issues related to custody and visitation. When used properly, drug and alcohol testing is a valuable tool. Armed with the proper information, drug and alcohol testing can then be used to provide evidence of use and non-compliance with the court orders or abstinence and compliance with court orders. Unfortunately, judges and attorneys are often uninformed regarding the technical nuances of the various testing methods and myths which results in drug and alcohol testing that is inappropriate to the specific circumstances of the case.
V, S (track) CEU .15
Witness Communications for the Courtroom
Alison Bennett, Senior Litigation Consultant, Bloom Strategic Consulting, Dallas, TX
Testifying at trial or in a deposition can be challenging at best and stressful at worst. We are all a fish out of water when it comes to testifying. However, many of the concerns and issues that typically curtail effective testimony are preventable. This program is an overview of the classroom psychological and communication training components needed to prepare CASA volunteers to take their communication abilities to the next level to be successful at a challenging deposition or trial.
V, S (track) CEU .15
Improving Child/Youth Placement Outcomes: A System Redesign (Fostering Connections)
Elizabeth Kromrei, LCSW, CPS Director of Services; David Whiteside, Director of Purchased Client Services for Child Protective Services; Texas Department of Family and Protective Services; Austin, TX
In Texas a high percentage of children in care are placed outside of their home region and county. Often, these children face challenges of being separated from siblings, have increased frequency of changes in schools, and suffer disconnect from extended family and friends. Based on these challenges DFPS has united with the stakeholder community to embark upon a proposed redesign of the foster care system. This workshop will allow participants to hear (from a statewide perspective) the capacity challenges faced in the current child welfare system. Participants will be provided a status report on the development of the model as well as an overview of some of the techniques which were used to inform development. DFPS values its partnership with CASA and recognizes the important role of the CASA advocate. This workshop will allow our partners to receive the most current information on foster care redesign and avail them the opportunity to ask questions of those leading the effort.
In addition, an overview of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 will be presented. Experts hail it as the most significant and far-reaching reform to federal child welfare policy in more than ten years. The new law aims to promote permanency and improved outcomes for children in foster care.
V, S (track) CEU .15
Interviewing Children and Youth: How to Connect but Do No Harm!
Irish Burch, Forensic Interview Program Director, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, Dallas, TX
It can be very difficult for children that are victims of a crime to open up regarding what they experienced and how they are feeling in order for professionals to help them. Children in our child welfare system are sometimes sad, angry, or very guarded. This presentation will provide participants with five practical techniques to use when connecting with children on their level, gaining their trust, and gathering information.
V, S (track) CEU .15
Building Strategic Partnerships
Mary Beth Harrington, Director of Community Outreach, Texas Association of Non Profit Organizations, Austin, TX
Building partnerships between diverse organizations and individuals marshals a community’s resources, talents, and assets for change. By identifying their own self-interests and understanding and acknowledging the interests of others, organizations are able to build and sustain strategic partnerships. This session will help CASA leaders learn how to better understand and organize effective partnerships while minimizing any risks related to community collaborations on social issues.
B, S (track) CEU .15
Effects of Cognitive Development on Children Living in Poverty
Crystal Dyess-Carroll, M.Ed., Special Education Instructor for English and Reading/VAC/Transition grades 6th-12th; Elizabeth McCarroll, PhD, Assistant Professor of Family Science and Child Life Specialist, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX
Children are faced with many environmental barriers that hinder them from obtaining the skills they need to become successful in the world. Through this workshop, you will learn about scientifically based research that will show the prenatal and postnatal effects on the cognitive development of children living in poverty. Improving more positive outcomes by building strong relationships between school, community, and family is needed to ensure the success of all our children who are faced with cognitive delays. Intervention tools for professionals as well as families/caregivers will facilitate working relationships and provide resources for services available to children. Intervention tools will also show how school practices can help children who are faced with cognitive delays.
V, S (track) CEU .15
Reflections: Upholding the Rights of Children Who Are Crime Victims
Barry Macha, Wichita County District Attorney, Wichita Falls, TX
Knowledge is power for victims and the correct information is invaluable. This interactive workshop by a veteran prosecutor and victim advocate will discuss criminal cases and CPS cases involving children who are crime victims. Participants will be able to learn about the basic procedures from actual case examples involved in a criminal case including grand jury, trial, and sentencing, and how they impact children who are crime victims.
V, S (track) CEU .15
Imagine the Possibilities of Public Relations
Kesha Dirkson, PR Strategist/Spokesperson, KDE Public Relations Boutique, Austin, TX
This workshop is designed to empower participants with the skills needed to get the most out of networking. Participants will develop Best Practices in social networking, outreach and cultural exploration and will develop proactive initiatives and “out of the box” thinking with interactive group exercises. You will walk away inspired, with the knowledge of working with a variety of cultures in your community, finding support systems and engaging your CASA program. Come ready to LIVE! LAUGH! LEARN!
V, B, S (track) CEU .15
Friday, October 1
3:45-5:15 pm
Pediatric Development Issues for Children
Denise Bennett, Pediatric Physical Therapist, Excel Physical Therapy, Rockwall, TX
This presentation will help the participant gain a basic understanding of how registration and processing of sensory information is foundational to all other areas of development. It will demonstrate why motor activities support improved behavior, attention, learning, and motor skill development. The participant will gain a new understanding of other possible reasons for specific behavioral issues. This session will provide valuable information to parents/caregivers, advocates, volunteers, CASA board members, or anyone who would like to gain a better understanding of neurologically based development.
V, S (track) CEU .15
Family Privilege and the Culture of Foster Care: Lessons from Alumni in the System
Vivian Dorsett, President; Ashley Gallardo, Secretary; Trista Miller, Recruitment Officer; Foster Care Alumni of America, Texas Chapter, Austin, TX
Adult alumni of foster care have an expertise about the child welfare system that can only be gained by having lived through the experience. Bringing our expertise as alumni of foster care, this workshop focuses on understanding the culture of foster care and ensuring that all young people have access to ‘family privileges.’ This interactive session includes a presentation from our national community art project featuring submissions by people in and from foster care across the country.
V, B, S (track) CEU .15
Working in the Light: Resilience Strategies for Staff and Volunteers
Janice Lord, National Consultant, Crime Victim Issues, Trauma Support Services of North Texas
Trauma exposed staff and volunteers in helping professions who have learned to positively cope with stress are in an optimal position to positively impact the strength-based coping of the abused children we serve as well as to encourage resilience in their colleagues. In this seminar, you will learn about policy and procedures, supervisory strategies, and training topics to build a more resilient agency.
V, S (track) CEU .15
Adult Attachment as a Predictor of Risk of Abuse
Barbara Rila, PhD, Private Practice Psychologist, Dallas, TX
Parental attachment to a child is a powerful predictor of the risk of abuse. Techniques and strategies for assessing parental attachment will be identified for child protective professionals and decisions makers along with practical methods for protecting and enhancing secure attachment relationships in children’s lives.
V, S (track) CEU .15
Finding Leaders Within
Mary Beth Harrington, Director of Community Outreach, Texas Association of Non Profit Organizations, Austin, TX
This module introduces the theme of LeadershipPlenty® that the “plenty” in community leadership comes from recognizing the wealth of abilities and capacities that people in the community possess. Reinvigorating civic leadership with new energy and diverse experience strengthens communities. The purpose of Finding Leaders Within is to help participants begin the cultivation of leadership by uncovering their own unique skills and reflecting on their experiences of community.
B, S (track) CEU .15
She Never Answered-The Forgotten Boy in the Foster Care System
Cedric S. McKenzie, Author, Plano, TX
Join me as I take you through the journey of my life’s story; a riveting story of how I, a child left behind at only six days old, grew up, survived in the Arkansas Foster Care System, and prevailed. My story is one of drama, comedy, and tragedy, along with redemption and triumph. My struggle to succeed against all odds is chronicled by life's up and downs, being touched along the way by the likes of former President Bill Clinton, who was then governor of Arkansas, and his foster mother, Ozie Lampkins. My story will inspire you to take a closer look at the foster care system, how CASA can assist the court systems regarding placement in the best and loving home environment and why the presence of CASA is essential for our foster children to achieve a better tomorrow.
V, B, S (track) CEU .15
Legislative Update – Why YOU need to get involved NOW!
Andrea Sparks, Director of Public Policy and Outreach, Texas CASA, Austin, TX
What’s happening, coming up, and how you can improve the child welfare system by speaking up for children at the capitol.
V, B, S (track) CEU .15
Who’s Afraid of the World Wide Web: Building an engaging but realistic online and social media plan for your CASA program
Callie Langford, Events and Communications Manager, CASA of Travis County, Austin, TX
Who’s afraid of the World Wide Web? CASA programs certainly shouldn’t be! We should be jumping into multi-directional conversations, mobilizing our volunteers and engaging our audience online to build greater networks of support. But what steps can we take to make this a feasible plan, and what groundwork do we need to implement before Twitter can really be that useful? This workshop will cover the basics of creating the plan; finding a way to implement it; using your website, Content Management Systems, Twitter, Facebook, You Tube, Blogs and more to spread your message and build your audience; developing awesome content; and getting a return on your online investment!
S (track)
Saturday, October 2
9:45-11:15 am
Testifying Beyond the Basics
Brent Hill, Attorney, Hill and Hill Attorneys at Law, Denton, TX
This session is designed for first-time CASAs to assist them with preparing for trial testimony. The goal is to teach CASAs how to most effectively get their kids’ needs met through their courtroom testimony. Through audience participation and role playing exercises, attendees will increase their level of comfort with trial procedures and presenting testimony.
V, S (track) CEU .15
Efforts to Outcomes for CASA
Katelyn Bradley, Account Manager, Social Solutions, Baltimore, MD
Social Solutions is working with National CASA to provide a cost-effective, web-based performance management tool to local and state CASA programs. State and local CASA programs are being asked increasingly by funders for more information about the impact of their efforts.
B, S (track)
Fostering Relationships: CASA and the Foster Parent Community
Irene Clements, President, Texas Foster Family Association & Vice President for Advocacy, Lutheran Social Services
This is a moderator led panel presentation comprised of a CASA volunteer, a CASA Director, a Foster Parent and a Child Placing Agency Director. The presentation will focus on the perspective of, and issues from the foster parent community as well as how CASA and foster parents and their respective programs can better understand each other’s roles and responsibilities and work together to meet the needs of children in foster family and foster family group home care. Upon completion of the presentation, participants should be able to identify areas of common ground and areas of differences, assess the differences and communicate methods to resolve any issues. Participants should also be able to value and support each participant in their respective roles within the community as they work collectively meet the needs of children.
V, B, S (track) CEU .15
Family Group Decision Making - Don't Leave Me Out! Including Fathers in the CPS Process
Susan Thornton, Service Program Administrator for Family Group Decision Making; Lewis Gene Thomas, Family Conference Specialist; Department of Family Protective Services- CPS, Austin, TX; Parent Panelist TBD
Through Family Group Decision Making, families and CPS strive to keep children safe by working together. CPS protects children and acts on their behalf. In an effort to include families in that process, CPS has developed a Family Group Decision Making model that acknowledges that families know best about their children and their needs, reduces the trauma on the child, respects the culture and values of the family, increases the involvement of fathers and provides more community supports as needed for the family. The session will include an overview of the program by CPS staff as well as personal input on the process by a father who has participated in the program.
V, S (track) CEU .15
The Play
Cast: Vicki Magee, Senior Program Services Specialist, Texas CASA; Teri Dahl, Program Operations Manager, Texas CASA; Glenn Brooks, Grants Management Director, Texas CASA; Dennise Jackson, Communications Director, Texas CASA; Rebecca Carlton, Executive Director, CASA of Deep East Texas, Nacogdoches and Vicki Robertson, Executive Director, CASA of North Texas, Gainesville
Lights, camera, action! Members of the Texas CASA staff, along with local programs executive directors will provide an entertaining, interactive workshop that helps participants identify solutions to some common board challenges.
V, S (track) CEU .15
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