Youth in Museums - Canada's History Society Webinar November 2011
Advocating for Youth Webinar
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Join your colleagues from around the country to discuss strategies and tips for advocating for youth. What qualities must an advocate possess? How can you be most effective in speaking up for youth you serve? This webinar will include information that has been found to be beneficial for court appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteers nationwide as well as giving Safe Place staff the opportunity to share what has worked well for them.
Transcript of Advocating for Youth Webinar
ADVOCATING FOR YOUTH
National CASA Association
Mission
Together with its state and local members, National CASA supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every abused or neglected child can be safe, establish permanence and have the opportunity to thrive.
CASA Network
46 State Offices and 904 local programs
49 States, District of Columbia and U.S. Virgin Islands
71,000 Volunteers in 2009
Serving 237,095 abused and neglected children
CASA Program Role of CASA/GAL volunteers
Recruit and screen volunteers
Provide high quality training and supervision
Support volunteers in their efforts on behalf of children
Fact finder
Facilitator
Monitor
Advocate
How CASA Works
Questions to Frame Our Discussion
In what forums do you typically advocate for youth?
What are some of the most common issues for which you are advocating?
What are some of the most common challenges in advocating for youth?
Basic Elements of Advocacy
Problem situation
Clear analysis of the position
Proposal
Strategies and tactics
Process
Qualities of an Effective Advocate
Professionalism
Interpersonal competence
Cultural competence
Persistent and tenacious
Good listener
Knowledgeable about youth, their situation, needs and resources
Flexible
Willing to speak up
Issues of Older Youth in Out of Home Care or Homeless
Educational Disadvantages
Homelessness
Incarceration
Mental Health Issues
Working with Older Youth
Develop trust and rapport
Overcome resistance
Involve the youth
Allow youth to partner with and guide
Provide wise counsel
Self-directed advocacy
Model critical thinking
Key Questions
Education
Employment
Housing/Living arrangements
Life Skills
Supportive relationships/community resources
Physical/behavioral health
Avenues for Communication
Face to face
Telephone
Texting
Social networking
Special Considerations
Youth of color
LGBTQ youth
Youth with disabilities or chronic illness
Youth of Color
Ensure safety
Know yourself – be aware of bias
Participate in cultural competency training
Help achieve a positive ethnic and cultural identity
Don’t shy away from courageous conversations
Use community as a cultural resource
LGBTQ Youth
Ensure safety
Be aware of your own bias
Educate yourself about the issues
Respect confidentiality
Know community resources
Familiarize yourself with pertinent laws
Youth with Disabilities or Chronic Illness
Ensure safety
Become familiar with diagnosis
Watch for physical and behavioral changes
Familiarize yourself on community resources
Know the pertinent laws (e.g. IDEA)
Know caregiver responsibilities
Words from the Wise
Use positive reinforcement
Appreciate achievements
Advocate as you would for your own
Expect the best from the youth
Give them the best you have
Wrap-Up
Questions?
For more information contact:
Sally Wilson Erny, NCASA , Chief Program Officer
800-628-3233, ext. 245
