CASA Connection

On this episode, we dove into the foundational principals of CASA - ethics and boundaries. Our Advocate Supervisor, Cynthia Jagnanden, joined Jeff this week for a great discussion about why ethics and boundaries so important to the CASA model overall. In this realm, CASA volunteers need to walk a fine line. What are some ways for CASA volunteers to build relationships while maintaining appropriate...

Our amazing guest this week, Jeanette Yoffe, wrote a fantastic piece in Psychology Today titled "How Stress is Contagious in Trauma-Impacted Families." Overall, this article details the effects of a parent's stress inevitably becoming a child's stress. How can we use the "power of the pause" to handle the stress we feel? How does paying attention to what our body tells us an important aspect of ho...

On this episode, Tracey and Jeff talk about understanding the concepts of fight or flight - and they also sprinkle in some freeze and fawn talk. How does trauma impact youth in foster care, and consequently, how do they react when triggered or re-traumatized? Is it fight? Is it flight? How does guilt, shame, and fear come into the equation? We get into it in this episode.

On this episode, Tracey and Jeff discussed autism within the child welfare system and the overall theme of individuals who live with autism on a daily basis. As we move forward, we continue to learn more and more about autism and how to communicate effectively with those living with the diagnosis. How does this impact children and families who have individual of all ages with autism? How do indivi...

This week, Jeff sat down with Anika Beckford and Ebony Lenard from the Pathways to Academic and Career Exploration to Success (PACES) program at Embrella here in New Jersey. Jeff, Anika, and Ebony discussed what the objectives of PACES are, and the challenges they have seen with youth and career development over the years. How are they helping to bridge the gap? They also touched on positive stori...

On this episode, Tracey and Jeff discussed how critical the relationships with biological parents are as youth navigate through the foster care system. Often times, mom and/or dad are often a second thought, but the goal for us here CASA is always reunification with the biological parents, if possible. Embracing biological parents through a trauma informed lens is always important.

On this episode, Tracey and Jeff talk about the realities of "aging out" of the foster care system and the challenges young individuals face as they transition into adulthood without traditional support networks. They explores the realities, barriers, and opportunities experienced by youth who are navigating a challenging world towards independence. How has trauma impacted their momentum? What kin...

Over the years, there have been various shifts in practices within the world of foster care. As we progress, we learn and examine what is best for youth who are removed from their homes because of abuse and/or neglect. Tracey and Jeff discussed these shifts in practices and how the foster care world is continuing to adapt to an ever changing world.

This episode dives into our collective universal goals within the world of foster care. What do we all agree on that will create better outcomes for children who are removed from their home due to abuse and/or neglect? The goals discussed continue to keep our CASA program moving forward! 

In this episode, Tracey and Jeff sit down for a thoughtful conversation about what healing truly means, especially for children and families involved in the foster care system. Through reflection, personal insight, and CASA-centered perspective, they explore how healing isn’t linear, how it looks different for everyone, and the vital role consistent advocacy and compassion play in the process. Thi...

On this episode, we talked about how 2026 is going to bring some new goals for us to achieve here at our CASA program. Whether we're implementing programming that addresses poverty in our corner of America, or gauging trauma for those we serve, we're excited to embark on some new goals for 2026! Tracey and Jeff dive into CASA SHaW's goals for this year.

We've been reflecting on what 2025 has brought our CASA program and the children we serve day-in and day-out. As a result, we went back into the CASA Connection vault and are highlight three episodes from this year that meant a lot to us: Effective Advocacy For Youth Living In Foster Care, The Importance Of Resource Parents, and Healing Centered Practices.  We hope you enjoy this "best of" 2025 po...

On this episode, Tracey and Jeff discuss various pathways to permanency within the foster care world. Every single family has their own set of circumstances. Every child is unique. How can we make sure we're providing the best path forward for everyone involved? That's what we discuss in this episode. At the root of what we do at CASA, we always strive for safety and permanency for the youth we se...

This week, we're diving into the phrase "best interest" within the world of foster care. What does "best interest of a child" actually mean? Tracey and Jeff discussed various aspects of this topic, and how CASA volunteers are directly involved with making sure children have a voice. A great episode! 

As the holidays approach, Tracey and Jeff talked about what we're thankful for, specifically within our CASA nonprofit. The nonprofit has continued to do great things in the community for children living in foster care and their families over this past year. This was a very heartfelt discussion. 

In this episode, we shine a light on an issue that is, at time, overlooked within the foster care world — food insecurity within our communities and how it deeply affects children and families. From limited access to meals to the emotional impact of food instability, Tracey and Jeff discuss how hunger influences a child’s sense of safety, stability, and well-being. Our CASA program believes that w...

This week, Jeff spoke to Jeanette Yoffe, a woman who wears many professional hats, but overall aims to educate the world about foster care and therapeutic practices. Her story is one that inspires. At 15-months-old, her mother - an Argentinian immigrant in Lower Manhattan struggling with severe mental health issues - dropped her off at what she believed was a child welfare center. She was mistaken...

Here at our CASA SHaW program, we have a number of CASA volunteers who have been with our program for well over a decade. They have been the eyes and ears on their case(s) and have made an incredible difference in the lives of the children they have served. This is Part 3 of our "Why" series, as we talk to these amazing individuals and dive into their "why." Why they have stayed with CASA so long,...

Here at our CASA SHaW program, we have a number of CASA volunteers who have been with our program for well over a decade. They have been the eyes and ears on their case(s) and have made an incredible difference in the lives of the children they have served. This is Part 2 of our "Why" series, as we talk to these amazing individuals and dive into their "why." Why they have stayed with CASA so long,...

Here at our CASA SHaW program, we have a number of CASA volunteers who have been with our program for well over a decade. They have been the eyes and ears on their case(s) and have made an incredible difference in the lives of the children they have served. As part of our "Why" series, we're diving into their "why." Why they have stayed with CASA so long, and what their volunteerism has meant to t...

The one thing individuals in the social work world have is compassion. Compassion for those who are less fortunate within our local communities. We want to help, and many do their all to bring positivity to others. However, how should we handle and feel when the resulting burnout arises? This episode dives into these subject matters for our CASA volunteers and all individuals in our communities.

On this episode, Tracey and Jeff discussed their own personal stories about summertime positive childhood experiences from their past. For many, summer signifies a break from the usual demands of school and work, offering opportunities for relaxation, travel, and spending quality time with people who matter most to us. The positive childhood experiences we have as youth helps create nostalgia, par...

On this episode, Tracey and Jeff are keeping things light. Well, as light as they can be. While funding for CASA programs throughout the United States remain up in the air based on federal funding cuts, Tracey and Jeff discussed how we can find fun funding sources for our CASA programs in the future. 

On this episode, Tracey and Jeff dove into the critical importance of resource parents within the world of foster care. These individuals, mainly family members, are some of the forgotten individuals at times within the system. Why are resource parents so important? How can they help provide for youth living in foster care? These are some of the questions we answered within this episode.

On this episode, Tracey and Jeff dove into the importance of help children and families via concrete resources. They spoke about CASA SHaW's "Big Ideas" plan and how we must continue to provide children living in foster care with better and enhanced resources in a very uncertain world.