Lesson series
Session 7: Best-Interest Recommendations and Specialized Advocacy
Estimated Completion Time: 3 hours
In previous sessions, participants examined risk factors, youth voice, and permanency considerations using the Flores case. Session 7 builds on those analytical skills by guiding participants through translating observations and identified needs into clear, evidence-based advocacy recommendations.
Participants will practice writing structured sections of a CASA court report and providing peer feedback using writing criteria. The session also introduces specialized advocacy areas including educational advocacy and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth. Through discussion and scenario practice, participants explore how identity, safety, and systemic barriers can influence advocacy recommendations.
Participants also practice trauma-informed communication techniques when gathering information from youth, particularly older youth, and learn how CASA volunteers communicate professionally with schools, service providers, and other members of the child welfare team.
This session prepares volunteers to translate case information into professional advocacy and recommendations that support child safety, stability, and permanency.
Through writing practice and structured peer feedback, participants will strengthen their ability to document observations and justify recommendations using strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive reasoning, preparing them for the case monitoring and next steps addressed in Session 8.
In previous sessions, participants examined risk factors, youth voice, and permanency considerations using the Flores case. Session 7 builds on those analytical skills by guiding participants through translating observations and identified needs into clear, evidence-based advocacy recommendations.
Participants will practice writing structured sections of a CASA court report and providing peer feedback using writing criteria. The session also introduces specialized advocacy areas including educational advocacy and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth. Through discussion and scenario practice, participants explore how identity, safety, and systemic barriers can influence advocacy recommendations.
Participants also practice trauma-informed communication techniques when gathering information from youth, particularly older youth, and learn how CASA volunteers communicate professionally with schools, service providers, and other members of the child welfare team.
This session prepares volunteers to translate case information into professional advocacy and recommendations that support child safety, stability, and permanency.
Through writing practice and structured peer feedback, participants will strengthen their ability to document observations and justify recommendations using strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive reasoning, preparing them for the case monitoring and next steps addressed in Session 8.