The field of child development has taken great strides toward a better understanding of how trauma impacts young brains and bodies in the past few decades. Notably, the first CDC-Kaiser Permanente ACE study was conducted in southern California from 1995 to 1997, and the continued scholarship surrounding adverse childhood experiences–or ACEs–has shifted discourse in education,…
It’s undeniable that the sibling relationship is a special and often formative relationship within families. Whether that bond is close or complicated, the shared history, points of reference, and stories of growing up make the sibling bond precious. There can be an ache in children and youth who are separated from their siblings through the…
Many families accessing services with Family Connections have histories of domestic violence. Often in those cases, the children have witnessed traumatizing altercations between their parents, but still love them both and want to spend time with each parent safely. Part of the work for our Case Managers includes ensuring children are safe while experiencing their…
“Best birthday ever,” Leianna squealed after her adoption was finalized by Judge Susan Blanco on her 11th birthday two Fridays ago. This day was 3 ½ years in the making, and quite a journey for Leianna and her two siblings, 6-year-old Matthew, and 8-year-old Dominaya. The trio of siblings were removed from their home 3…
Here at CASA of Larimer County, we’re constantly amazed by the creativity and commitment of our volunteers. We know that for many children and youth in the foster care system, their CASA volunteer is the one stable adult in their life. We also know that the connection those kiddos feel to their CASAs has real,…
Across both of our child-serving programs, positive outcomes for children and youth who have experienced abuse and neglect is paramount. Over the past year, we’ve implemented new strategies within our programs to better support the kids we serve, and build better supports for their families, the volunteers who advocate for them, and buffer protective factors…
After not seeing her dad for several months, a young child was nervous about doing a supervised visit with him. When it came time for the visit, she decided she wasn’t ready and choose to not see her dad. Her brother did the supervised visit and had a really fun time. The following week the…
When a CASA was requested for Dylan, a 17 year-old, the Guardian ad Litem warned that he would be difficult to engage and this would be a tough case for a CASA. She described Dylan as being completely checked out, disinterested in school, friends, and other activities. Ashley was undeterred. When she read Dylan’s story,…
Last fall, the Harmony House case management team began piloting a new service– a parent education program called Nurturing Skills for Families. The purpose of the program is to help families flourish by providing them skills and knowledge to help them parent more successfully. Parents work one-on-one with case managers to identify the needs and…
Johnny* entered foster care when he was three years old, after both of his parents were incarcerated. He was adopted by his grandma but reentered the system at 12 years old when she passed away. After several placements over only six months, Johnny was sent to a residential treatment center. Because of his older age…