Activity 1.3 (Part 3 & 4): Reaction to John's Story

[Casa Volunteer Coordinator]

Part 3: Review the CASA volunteer job description (attached) and code of conduct that the facilitator provided. Then take a few moments to reflect on "John’s Story" and the four key roles of a CASA volunteer that you read about in Part 1. Post your responses to the following questions:

o    Who provides support to John? 

o    What role does John’s CASA/GAL volunteer play in his life? 

o    If you were John's CASA/GAL volunteer, is there anything you might do differently? 

Part 4: Ask a question or make a comment on at least two other classmates’ postings.

Remember: When you're commenting on others’ posts, you may decide to empathize with, build upon or ask questions about someone else's thoughts or ideas. However, when engaging your fellow classmates online, be sure that you're approaching the online discussion from a place of genuine curiosity and desire to learn. This is not a forum in which it is acceptable to attempt to impose your values on others. Also keep in mind that when communicating online, body language and other nonverbal cues may get lost. Be sure to think about how attempts at humor or the tone/language you use may be interpreted or misinterpreted through this means of communication. Don't forget to include the name of the person you are responding to in the discussion.

[Casa Volunteer Coordinator]

http://youtu.be/j9JL-wypiMM

 

This above link will take you to John's Story on You Tube.

[Leigh Ann]

John received support from a lot of different people.  He gave thanks to God, his GAL and his foster mother...to name a few.  John's GAL volunteer provided items to meet his physical needs along with the encouragement that he needed to feed his soul.  At this point in my training I don't know if there is anything that I would or could have done differently.  Meeting his needs and being supportive appear to have helped this young man tremendously. 

 

[smcfarland.casa]

John received support from many....His GAL, Social Worker, the teachers at the 500 Role Models Academy, the Transitional Youth Project, Legal Aid Society, his foster mom and God. 

His first Gal gave him the support and encouragement he needed to finish his first bout of rehab. Charlotte Moore, the second GAL mentioned became a mother figure in his life, giving him 'everything he needed'. 

It sounded as though both of his GALs did what should have been done. I definitely would not do anything any differently than Ms. Moore did.

[Anita Kennedy]

John received everything he needed, encouragement, support and someone to listen, which gave him the courage to find the right track for his life.

[ljjuve1]

I think the CASA was very successful with John. He became a better person because of her and he kept it up.

[ljjuve1]

Mrs. Moore was a big help to John, it it would be hard not to do anything differently. She helped him pick up all the pieces, get him back to school, and get over his drug and alcohol problem. She's a good lady!

[Carter LeFon]

John's recovery was enhanced by a coordinated effort by the court, GAL worker, school, and foster family. John's CASA/GAL provided basic physical needs and emotional needs. If I were John's worker I would address the needs that his CASA worker identified. John's case appeared to achieve a healthy resolution,

[Carter LeFon]

I like how you identified that the CASA worker became a mother figure-good insight

On Tuesday, April 30, 2013 1:10:45 PM UTC-5, Shea McFarland wrote:

[Carter LeFon]

I agree the CASA worker met both physical and emotional needs.

[bzeanldy]

John got support from several organizations including, GAL, Transitional Youth Project and Legal Aide.  He was also supported by his foster mother and social worker. The first GAL he had not only provided physical but also emotional support as a crucial time in his life.  She was able to show that someone cared and saw him through his initial bout in rehab.  Both of the GALs, the teachers at the academy and his foster mother took on the role of the parents he didn’t have.  They all were able to nurture this young man through the crisis while instilling in him much needed self-confidence. With their help and support he is able to continue on his road to recovery.  Not only from drugs but from all the other issues he’s had to deal with as a child. If I was his CASA Volunteer I don’t think I would do anything differently.  

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 1:01:18 PM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

[Anita Kennedy]

After watching John's story I believe it is apparent that it is never too late to help or reach out to someone.  I am very disturbed by the saying "a lost cause"  I think some would have said that about John but now his GAL. 

I think the GAL and CASA working supported and stuck with John through his struggles.  They gave him basics that he needed materially and emotionally that he needed.

Not sure there is anything that I would have done differently.

 

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 1:01:18 PM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

[Victoria]

John thanks his GALs, the teachers at the Academy of Excellence, and his social worker. He referred to them all as "parents" in the way they paid attention to him and cared for him. They provided for his physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. Most importantly, they gave him confidence and hope for a better life. John's GAL was available to him, and I think that in itself can make a remarkable impact on someone who has been neglected. He didn't provide many details about what his GAL did, so I don't know what I would have done differently.

[Victoria]

Anita, like you, I hope that I never consider anyone a "lost cause." When kids make poor choices (such as John's drug use), it is often an attempt to get attention or to avoid pain. We must support people in situations like this (parents too), and help them access the resources and confidence they need to make better decisions. It's never too late for anyone to learn and grow. 

[Victoria]

Carter, I like that you point out that it was "a coordinated effort." That's one of our roles as CASA: to facilitate communication and collaboration among all involved parties and promote. We are there to build and maintain relationships, not to separate families - even if that is what is the best interest of the child. 

[rethaleenightingale]

John's Story is a reflection of his determination, but his success in overcoming so much would not be possible without the programs and people who provided a foundation in his life.  He never had the love that a baby, adolescent, and young man should have.  I have seen many situations where the child never was offered that support and the outcomes can be tragic.  He became a top student!  Others saw his potential so he did too!  I did not hear John praising government "systems", although I am sure that there were people and outcomes that finally brought him to decisions to improve his life.  He did praise his CASA volunteer, teachers, and others who spent time with him, encouraged him, and helped him work through problems in a meaningful way.  I learned that regular, meaningful contact and engagement is important to the child by the CASA volunteer.

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 1:01:18 PM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

[rethaleenightingale]

You recognized, Leigh Ann, that John's physical needs were met too.  I keep thinking of how we can address emotional needs!  

[rethaleenightingale]

Victoria and Anita, the points about losing perspective and seeing a child as a "lost cause" are important.  I usually have more hope for a child than for an adult who has no desire to change and a lifetime of destructive patterns.  And even in those instances, the adults are not always "lost causes".  I hope in our training we visit about these issues too.

[sarah.h.steelman]

Eventually the system provided the support John needed.  The GAL definitely made a difference in his life.  She didn't give up on him regardless of setbacks.  John got his life back on the right track in spite of the obstacles.  I don't believe I would do anything differently based on the information that was given us.  John's story illustrates how one or two people in a child's life can make all the difference when they stick with that person.  

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 1:01:18 PM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

[Deborah McGill-Webster]

It reminds me of the great saying "It takes a village to raise a child".

The support system that John had to allow him to feel safe, secure and able is incredible.

John's coping skills and his self esteem were enhanced by positive role modeling and kindness/caring.

Instead of negative everything became positive for John.

When John felt good about himself and his needs were met, there was no stopping his ability to believe in himself.

John had the support system he never had and that support system working together was security and safety for John.

That is what I want to do as a Casa volunteer.

I would do my best and would understand that others have a different way of doing their best  

mentoring and kindness go a long way to allow a child to grow 

I love the saying "Bloom where your planted".

deb

 

   

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 1:01:18 PM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote: