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It does not on the other hand decribe to you that CASA's instill moral values, work ethic, and generousity. If we are going to yell at a system, let us not start with the group of volunteer workers, who simply donate their time and resources to do all they possible can to help children. Have you all forgotten that CASA volunteers are just that, volunteers? 

  I also wanted to share with everyone, the two things foster kids hate the most, one being called a foster child/kid, and two being generalized as a statistic. We like all other human beings have feelings. How about we do a MASS study on children in care who have aged out? Since it is these very children we are so very concerned about, why not ask them their opinion? Better yet, I was asked this morning what I would change about foster care.. here is my list

1.) Packing ones belongings in hefty bags is unacceptable, each child will be given either their own luggage, or at least NEW Uhaul boxes apon entering the FCS. All your belongings in a garbage bag tends to send the wrong image to children about self value.

2.) Case workers will be assigned a maximum of fifteen kids. This will ensure that there is daily contact with each child

3.) Foster parents will be respected, supported and offered the same respite and resources that a biological or adoptive parent would (should) be offered.

4.) Children in the system will never ever ever, have to fill out another family tree again.

5.) Case workers must give at least 24 hours notice to a child they intend to move. It is our life you are you are upending, packing up and moving off, give us the respect of closure and goodbyes.

One last thing, I wanted to thank my family (adoptive, biological and foster) for being so fantasticly supportive. I admire all parents. It takes a lot to raise a child. We all make mistakes. I admire the mothers out their who realized they had a problem and asked for help. I admire mothers who fight for their rights. I admire parents of all incomes, just because someelse labels you as "low income" does not mean you are not the worlds best parent. And to be honest, shouldn't we be teaching them to pick up a book instead of a laptop anyway? 

 Thank you very much for listening today,

 Erica Q

posted 2 years, 1 month ago
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Good Evening,

My name is Erica Quiding, and I too was on "Think Out Loud" this morning. I need to start by thanking both OPB and "Think Out Loud" for having me today. And second Ann Hardy for stepping out and speaking with me about CASA.

 I just hopped on for a moment to check out the reaction before I listen to the rebroadcast at nine. I wanted to respond to Mr. Richard Wexler's comment this morning.

  Sir you said if all CASA's had to do was take pictures, they would be doing a great job. I just wanted to ask you when exactly you have sat down and really gotten to know a child and their CASA? 

 So to all out there in that big bad mean world, you wonder what CASA does for kids, let me count the ways. One Ann Hardy has been a constant in my life from the time I was 13 up to now. She made sure that I had adjusted well to each new home. Helped me pack up more than once. Ann also beleived in me when their was little faith to go around. Ann Hardy kept a photographic time line for me of my life, snapping pictures at every major mile stone, up untill today where we posed in there oh so mod green room. But it was always more than taking notes, or settling me into a new place. CASA is also about making sure kids are not alone, that they have a voice. CASA's are often the one person in a foster childs life that does not move on, up or to another state. So to Mr. Wexler, I ask you to show a little empathy, you have never been in the system, you have also never lost or fought for custody of a child who ended up in care. Data is great, it shows trends and areas in which we can improve ourselves and our organizations.

    

posted 2 years, 1 month ago
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