Conference Registration Form

W01: Street Smart: Drug Abuse Trends

Captain Shawn Bain (Ret.), Street Smart Ohio

Sgt. Michael N. Powell (Ret.), Street Smart Ohio

Participants will learn about current drug abuse trends in our communities and how to recognize the signs of drug use in this demonstrative workshop. The presenters will describe items used to carry, conceal, or consume drugs in various locations, as well as where these items can be purchased. Statistics will show how this epidemic has spread throughout the country.

W02: The Cost of Poverty Experience

Robert L. Caldwell, Jr., Executive Director, AnswerPoverty.Org

The Cost of Poverty Experience (COPE) is an immersive learning experience that simulates one month in the lives of people living in poverty. It is designed to introduce participants to a small sample of the reality that individuals and families experience as they navigate the system of helping organizations. Attendees will be exposed to the emotional challenges and social stigma associated with a life lived in poverty. Participants will also have an opportunity to think strategically about learning applications and what changes could be made to help programs, services, or their own advocacy be more effective.

W03: Identifying and Responding to Juvenile Victims of Human Trafficking

Micayla Wilson, BSW, OVC Program Administrator, Office of Criminal Justice Services

Chelsea Gaffey, LSW, Human Trafficking Liaison, Ohio Department of Youth Services

Vanessa Perkins, Workforce Development Director & Expert Consultant, Freedom A La Carte

In this training, participants will learn about human trafficking, including the definition of human trafficking, Ohio specific data and laws, and dynamics of exploitation. Participants will engage in the “Stay or Go” activity, which simulates the experience of a young girl who is being sexually exploited/trafficked. This empathy building activity will equip participants with the skills to recognize trafficking as it presents in youth.

W04: Educational Advocacy Tools for CASA Volunteers

Robyn Traywick J.D., R.N., Law Office of Robyn Traywick, LLC

Participants will learn how to effectively advocate for a child in an educational setting, equipping them with tools, check lists, and advocacy tips. The workshop will cover a basic overview of education and special education-related issues, including the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act, the rights of students without homes, and the rights of children in foster care under the Every Students Succeeds Act. It will provide in-depth information about discipline due process rights for students. This session will also cover what qualifies as “bullying” and what tools are available to assist CASA volunteers as they are advocating for children who are being bullied at school. Participants will receive multiple practical quick references such as check lists, flow charts, sample letters, and advocacy tips designed specifically for CASA volunteers.

W05: Understanding Rule 48 Requirements & How to Express Written and Oral Recommendations to the Court, Part 1

Sarah Harvan, MA, BA, Training Coordinator, CASA/GAL Program of Summit County

Holly Farah, J.D., CASA Staff Attorney, CASA/GAL Program of Summit County

This workshop will provide an overview and highlight updates of the current duties and responsibilities of a CASA volunteer or guardian ad litem in Ohio in accordance with Rule 48. Rule 48 of the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio sets standards regarding the appointment, responsibilities, training, and report requirements of Ohio guardians ad litem and for the responsibilities of appointing courts. Participants will learn how the requirements impact the role of the CASA volunteer or guardian ad litem, as well as the writing of a court report. Attendees will also learn tips for testifying in court and how to express both written and oral recommendations for the best interests of the children served.

Note: participants must register for both Part 1 and Part 2.

W06: Conflict Management in Child Welfare

Jeff King, Co-Director, OSU Leadership Center and Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership, Ohio State University

Conflict is a part of our daily lives at work or at home. CASA volunteers, social workers, and attorneys frequently navigate high-conflict situations. How we manage conflict has a direct impact on how fulfilled we feel about our work, relationships with co-workers, and how effective we are in dealing with non-productive behaviors. Effectively dealing with and using conflict as a positive tool is a major component of success in our work advocating for children. Resolving conflict effectively can positively impact children, families, and our communities. This session will provide participants with a greater understanding of how conflict affects their work and strategies to develop one’s conflict management skills.

W07: Understanding Rule 48 Requirements & How to Express Written and Oral Recommendations to the Court, Part 2

Sarah Harvan, MA, BA, Training Coordinator, CASA/GAL Program of Summit County

Holly Farah, J.D., CASA Staff Attorney, CASA/GAL Program of Summit County

This is the continuation of Wed05. This workshop will provide an overview and highlight updates of the current duties and responsibilities of a CASA/GAL in Ohio in accordance with Rule 48. Rule 48 of the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio sets standards regarding the appointment, responsibilities, training, and report requirements of Ohio guardians ad litem and for the responsibilities of appointing courts Participants will learn how these requirements impact the writing of a court report and the role of a CASA/GAL. Attendees will also learn tips for testifying in court and how to express both written and oral recommendations for the best interests of the children served. Note: participants must register for both Part 1 and Part 2.

W08: Culture and Communication: Tools to help the CASA/GAL Volunteer

Eileen P. Anderson, EdD, Anne Templeton Zimmerman, MD Professor of Bioethics; Director, Educational Programs in Bioethics and Medical Humanities; Director, Center for Medicine, Society and Culture, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

In child development and rearing, when is a behavior different and when is it a problem? This workshop introduces the concept of cultural models relevant to determining a child’s best interest. Participants will learn how to use a questionnaire toolkit designed to identify implicit assumptions about child wellbeing and caregiving that aids communication, recommendations, and conflict reduction. Relevant neuroscience background and developmental considerations will be addressed.

W09: Understanding and Addressing Addiction

Kayla Zawislak, LCSW, CADC, Director of Patient and Family Services, Addiction Policy Forum

This multi-sector training program delivers a wealth of knowledge about addiction science and how substance use disorders (SUDs) affect the brain. Participants will explore evidence-based treatment options, including medication for addiction treatment (MAT), and gain a deeper understanding of core components essential for effective treatment and long-term recovery. Attendees will learn strategies to engage with someone about their substance use and be able to explain the importance of having these conversations.

Thu01: Immigration Basics & Remedies for Immigrant Children

Jessica A. Ramos, Esq., Senior Attorney & Manager, Immigration Team, The Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio, LLC

Immigration law is a complex and dynamic area and can be very stressful for families going through the process. Immigrant children, especially those involved in abuse, neglect, and dependency proceedings, are particularly vulnerable. It is important for advocates to understand the challenges immigrants face. This workshop will cover the basics of immigration categories and discuss immigration remedies for children and their families.

Thu02: Using Ohio’s Pet Protective Orders and Cross-Reporting Laws to Intervene in the Escalation in Family Violence

Vicki Deisner, Esq., State Government Affairs Advisor, Animal Welfare Institute and Executive Director, Ohio Animal Advocates

Todd R. Curtis, Senior Investigator, Wood County Prosecutor’s Office; Retired Detective Sergeant, Perrysburg Township Police Department

Animal abuse is frequently an indicator and predictor of interpersonal, family, and community violence, especially in domestic violence and child abuse scenarios as well as mass/school shootings. It is essential for child welfare professionals to understand this specific type of abuse and recognize warning signs. Children who perpetuate or witness animal cruelty are at risk of being victims themselves and/or future perpetrators of violence, with lifelong adverse emotional consequences. Participants will learn how essential cross-reporting and training among human services, law enforcement, and humane enforcement are necessary can create more effective species-spanning collaboratives that prevent and prosecute these interlocking forms of family and community violence.

Thu03: Domestic Abuse: Protecting Youth and Mitigating Violence

Nikki Crawford, Education and Outreach Manager, Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center

During this session, participants will learn to identify signs of domestic abuse and how to properly handle abuse disclosures. In addition, this session will help attendees gain insight into how to effectively safety plan with youth and fill the gaps of services for youth experiencing violence. This session will also focus on working with the whole family to mitigate violence and keep young people safe.

Thu04: The Ins and Outs of Case Plans and Case Plan Amendments

Magistrate Brandin Marlow, Clark County Juvenile Court

This course will detail the purpose of case plans, elements to the case plan, effective provisions to include in case plans, and when to amend the case plan. A case plan identifies a family’s needs and outlines action steps to address those needs to successfully achieve their goals and well- being. Case plans are essential for organizing services, ensuring accountability, and tracking progress towards the family’s outcomes. Participants should be empowered to participate in case planning and amending case plans with family-specific objectives and services, and how to communicate with the court concerns with the case plan, case plan amendments, or execution of the plans.

Thu05: Communication with Adolescents: Tools from Developmental Psychology and Anthropology

Eileen P. Anderson, EdD, Anne Templeton Zimmerman, MD Professor of Bioethics; Director, Educational Programs in Bioethics and Medical Humanities; Director, Center for Medicine, Society and Culture, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University

Adolescents in their second decade of life are going through dynamic developmental changes that impact their relationships and communication. Traumatic stress further complicates these processes. This workshop will introduce tools from developmental psychology and anthropology to help participants speak and listen to adolescents in ways they feel respected, heard, and fairly represented.

Thu06: What a Judge Expects from CASA Volunteers

Judge Jennifer K. Overmyer, JD, Preble County Common Pleas Court, Juvenile and Probate Divisions

With insights from the bench, CASA volunteers can learn how to write, testify, and advocate most effectively for the children they serve. This workshop will provide a brief overview of Rule 48 requirements and provide insight from a juvenile court judge about how to approach situations when a CASA volunteer has questions about the rule’s mandates. In addition, helpful tips will be shared to empower CASA volunteers to write comprehensive reports and testify confidently and competently in court.

Thu07: Criminal Gang Activity in Ohio: Understanding and Responding to the Impacts of this Crime Culture

Detective Mark Lovett, Gang Investigation Unit, Columbus Division of Police

The criminal gang community has dominated by using violence, intimidation, and narcotics since the 1980s in Central Ohio and beyond. This workshop will allow you to understand the peculiar criminally based culture associated with various gangs. Understanding how the gangs operate is the first step to combating the crimes they commit. Participants will learn about how this crime culture can affect communities, and how to better work with children or families impacted by or involved with gang activity.

Thu08: CasaManager Volunteer Portal Training for Advocates

Gina A. James, BS, Sales and Training Executive, CasaManager

This workshop is designed to show volunteer advocates how to access and use their CasaManager Volunteer Portal to update their case data and enter their hours. By using the Volunteer Portal, advocates can take control of their advocacy work in real time. The Volunteer Portal is easy to use and is designed for volunteers of all technological skill sets across all ages. The Volunteer Portal was built for volunteers at the request of volunteers. The Volunteer Portal was built with YOU in mind! There will also be time for questions and answers with CasaManager experts.

Thu09: Social Media and Youth: Supporting Healthy Digital Boundaries

Mackenzie Lyon, MSW, Training Coordinator, The Center for Family Safety and Healing

Valeda Smith, Training Coordinator, The Center for Family Safety and Healing

Technology is a big part of our lives, and from social media to gaming, technology use has increased in recent years. This interactive workshop will examine how youth use technology in friendships and relationships, how adults can support healthy digital boundaries with youth, and how online safety is a developmental process. Participants will receive practical resources to support healthy relationships with technology for youth and families.

Thu10: Don’t Talk…Don’t Trust…Don’t: Growing Up with an Addicted Parent

Brian Lowery, MPA, LSW, Educational Coordinator, Lowery Training Associates

This training will provide an understanding of the dynamics of growing up in a home where one of the primary caregivers is abusing substances or is addicted. The presenter will examine roles children take on to meet their needs, bring balance to their family, and how those roles may transfer into a kinship/foster home. Attendees will be armed with tools and strategies to support these children during out of-home placement and upon returning home.

Thu11: Cultivating Affirmation & Belonging for LGBTQIA+ Youth

Amanda Erickson, Senior Associate Director of Programs & Operations, Kaleidoscope Youth Center

This workshop will examine statistics related to discrimination within schools and the risks LGBTQIA+ youth face on a day-to-day basis. It will also focus on ways professionals can improve the general climate of schools, community centers, organizations, agencies, counseling offices, and other organizations through various strategies, from simple word choice to organizational policy change.

Thu12: Youth Suicide Prevention in Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Systems

Amberle Prater, PhD, LPCC-S, Clinical Lead Supervisor, Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospitalr

Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24 in the United States. Youth in at-risk populations, such as child welfare and juvenile justice systems, are at significantly increased risk. In this workshop, attendees will learn about youth suicide prevention with a special focus on at-risk youth. The presenter will provide an overview of current data on suicide risk in youth as well as discuss and share resources for responding to youth suicide risk and building protective factors.

Thu13: Handling Common Behaviors and Emotional Challenges in Kids While Building Their Mental Wellness

Whitney J. Raglin Bignall, PhD, Associate Clinical Director, Leader of Community Impact and Evaluation, The Kids Mental Health Foundation

Mental health disorders are common, with 1 in 5 children diagnosed with an impairing disorder and 50% of all lifetime mental disorders starting by age 14. Children’s behaviors are often the first indicator that they are struggling with mental health challenges. It is very important to understand the signs and symptoms children may display to know the best way to support them. This workshop will highlight the behaviors commonly noted for children with mental health disorders, and the variation in how they present. The presentation will provide several strategies to help children build mental wellness and provide adults with tools to help kids cope.

Thu14: Tips for Testifying in Court

Judge David A. Hejmanowski, Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, Probate/Juvenile Division CASA volunteers serve as a voice for children in the child welfare system and courtroom. Effective advocates must write reports, communicate, and even testify competently on a child’s behalf.

Being called upon to testify in court can be one of the more daunting aspects of serving as a CASA volunteer. Appropriate preparation and practice can ease anxiety about taking the witness stand.

With insights and helpful tips from a juvenile court judge, this session will seek to demystify the process and prepare CASA volunteers for future trips to the witness box.

Thu15: Control, Connection and Meaning: Understanding the Person

Kim Kehl, M.Ed., Project Manager for the Ohio Department of Children and Youth

Trauma can impact individuals in many ways, including socially, psychologically, academically, physiologically, and socioeconomically, and can impair physical health as well. The more an individual is exposed to a variety of stressful and potentially traumatic experiences, the greater the risk for chronic health conditions and risk behaviors later in life. This workshop will explore why understanding trauma will help you understand the person in front of you.

Thu16: Ethics for CASA Volunteers and Guardians ad Litem: Exploring the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct and Rule 48

Kimberly A. Helfrich, Esq., Director, Guardian ad Litem Division, Hamilton County Office of the Public Defender

Magistrate Eric Wahl, Esq., Franklin County Domestic Relations Court

The role of the GAL is performed by a combination of attorneys and non-attorneys in Ohio.

Attorneys are bound by the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct when acting in the attorney role.

Rule 48, which guides GAL practice, applies to both attorneys and non-attorneys, and imposes similar ethical and professional standards. This program will examine when the Rules of Professional conduct apply and what requirements Rule 48 imposes on the ethical and professional practice of the GAL.

Thu17: Moving from Compassion Distress to Compassion Resilience

Chelsey Getz, LISW, Training Coordinator, The Center for Family Safety and Healing

Julie Sespico, MSW, Training Coordinator, The Center for Family Safety and Healing

Helping professionals give of themselves every day and it can sometimes feel like their cup is empty due to stress, exhaustion, and heavy workloads. Addressing compassion distress in staff supports staff well-being and capacity for client care, increases retention, and leads to better outcomes for everyone. This session will provide staff with evidence-based tools, insights, and strategies to increase individual resilience and enhance the well-being of their organization.

Thu18: Narcotics 101: Recognizing Current Drug Trends and Boosting Safety during Home Visits

Kevin Everhart, Retired Narcotic Detective, Area Manager, Averhealth

This workshop is designed to prepare case workers and guardians ad litem for the challenges they may encounter during home visits, particularly related to substance misuse. Participants will learn how to maintain personal safety, recognize potential risks, and respond appropriately in unpredictable environments that may involve illegal drugs. The session will also explore current drug trends and see what these substances look like and how they may be concealed in everyday settings. In addition, the workshop will cover various types of drug testing, how to interpret drug test reports, along with common methods clients may use to tamper with or mask their samples.

Thu19: Judge’s Panel: Juvenile Court Judges Answer Your CASA Questions

Judge David A. Hejmanowski, Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, Probate/Juvenile Division

Judge Chad L. Carey, Clinton County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile/Probate Division

Judge Helen Wallace, Montgomery County Juvenile Court

Judge Kristen K. Johnson, J.D., Hancock County Common Pleas Court, Probate and Juvenile Divisions

In this session, participants will hear from a selected panel of juvenile court judges from various CASA programs across Ohio. This panel of experienced jurists has heard hundreds of cases while on the bench and will present their respective viewpoints on carefully selected questions submitted by the audience. These judges will cover topics YOU the audience want to hear.

Thu20: Deep Listening: A Trauma-Responsive Tool

Sarah Buffie, MSW, LSW, Founder/Director, Soul Bird Consulting

This session will focus on deepening “Relational Resilience,” which is the result of feeling physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe in relationships with others. Participants will explore how deep listening is a trauma responsive tool, as well as a key for successful work with ourselves and those we serve. When we experience trauma, we are left with a sense of feeling unsafe, unseen and unheard. Together we will engage in a practice space that allows us to build the skills necessary to support ourselves and others to feel safe, seen and heard.

Thu21: The Beauty and Power of Restoring Dignity for Survivors of

Kristine Buffington, LISW-S, Trainer and Consultant, Buffington Consulting LLC

Participants will learn how restoring personal dignity can be an essential step after someone experiences trauma. In this workshop, participants will explore the work of Donna Hicks and the “Dignity Model” of conflict resolution. The practice of completing the “Dignity Steps” can be a powerful way to promote personal growth and healing. Participants will have opportunity to explore what dignity means to them and identify ways they can put it in to practice in a variety of meaningful contexts to help them better serve children.

Thu22: Championing Permanency: Effective Advocacy with Key Partners

Tara Roberson, Training Associate Director, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

Quinn Dybdahl, Esq., Senior Attorney, Program, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

This session will focus on advocating for permanency for youth in foster care. Participants will gain valuable insights and practical strategies for effectively collaborating with legal professionals, courts, social workers, and CASA volunteers to navigate both the legal and child welfare system.

Through highlighting the importance of effective advocacy, this session will explore techniques for approaching challenging conversations with professionals regarding permanency and strategies to include biological family and/or non-relative kin in permanency efforts. Participants will receive resources and learn concrete strategies to champion permanency for youth in care. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped to make a real difference in the lives of youth in care.

Thu23: Myth Busters: Child Sexual Abuse Edition

Lisa DeGeeter, J.D., CA, RASS, Senior Director of Policy and Prevention, Ohio Domestic Violence Network

This presentation will address economic, evidentiary, disclosure, perpetrator based, and victim-based misperceptions about child sexual abuse. Participants will gain a better understanding of how children disclose sexual abuse and how to support children through investigations and prosecutions. It will also equip participants to increase their own comfort when dealing with these complex cases.

Thu24: Child Maltreatment: An Overview of Child Physical and Sexual Abuse

Neha Jadhav, MD, Clinical Fellow, Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

It is essential for all professionals who serve children to understand the signs and impact of child physical and sexual abuse. As Child Abuse Pediatricians (CAPs) in training, clinical fellows are often engaged in educational lectures and activities within the realm of medical education.

Typically, these trainings have included lectures for pediatric residents and medical students over the years. However, as awareness and understanding has grown, trainings have expanded to include education for child protective service agencies, law enforcement agents, and recently to those involved with the court system, such as guardians ad litem. This training will give participants an overview of these subjects, allowing them to better identify and respond to this abuse.

Elizabeth Smart, Founder, The Elizabeth Smart Foundation

The abduction of Elizabeth Smart was one of the most followed child abduction cases of our time.

Elizabeth has recently released a new powerful and inspiring book about what it takes to overcome trauma, find the strength to move on, and reclaim one’s life. “Where There’s Hope” is the result of Elizabeth’s mission: It is both an up-close-and-personal glimpse into her healing process and a heartfelt how-to guide for readers to make peace with the past and embrace the future. Elizabeth’s example is a daily demonstration that there really is life after tragedy.

No Such Thing as a Bad Kid – Understanding & Responding to Kids with Emotional & Behavioral Challenges Using a Positive, Trauma-Informed, Strength-Based Approach

Charlie Appelstein, MSW, Appelstein Training Resources

Strength-based practice is an emerging approach to guiding kids, particularly those with emotional and behavioral challenges, that is exceptionally positive and inspiring. This uplifting plenary session will present some of the key principles and techniques of this transformative approach to understanding and guiding at-risk kids. Based on his book of the same title, the present will deliver a message of hope and possibility to our most vulnerable children and those who guide them.

Fri01: Supporting Children and Teenagers Through the Grief of Overdose Loss

Dr. Kailey Bradley, PhD, LPCC-S, NCC, FT, Refuge Counseling LLC

Children who lose a loved one to an overdose encounter a wide range of challenges. In this training, participants will learn about a wide range of strategies of support to use with children and adolescents. CASA volunteers, social workers and other child welfare professionals will learn how to best support children and teens as they deal with a wide variety of emotions and life changes following an overdose.

Fri02: De-escalation and Crisis Intervention: A Trauma-Informed Perspective

Leah Stone, MSW, LISW-S, Registered Advocate, Training Director, Ohio Domestic Violence Network

Managing crises and de-escalating conflict can feel like an overwhelming and daunting task for even seasoned professionals. Intervening early and compassionately can make a world of difference to improve outcomes, maintain rapport, and prevent emotional or physical harm. In this training, participants will learn about de-escalation and crisis intervention through a trauma-informed framework, including the signs of crisis escalation, the intersections of crisis responses and posttraumatic stress responses, and strategies to de-escalate crisis while empowering clients. Participants will leave this workshop more equipped to support trauma survivors in a crisis situation.

Fri03: Maintaining Professional Boundaries When the Work Feels Personal

Melanie Palmer, IMFT-S, Training Officer, Child Focus

Children are some of our most vulnerable community members and it is the responsibility of adults to protect them and keep them safe. As child advocates, it can be challenging to stay mindful of personal biases which can lead to boundary issues. Understanding and maintaining professional boundaries is essential to protect you and the children you serve from harm or exploitation. This session will identify the need for professional boundaries and discuss the difference between a boundary crossing and a boundary violation. Participants will review self-reflective strategies to explore and monitor how personal beliefs and emotions may be influencing behavior resulting in boundary issues.

Fri04: Trauma-Informed Care: Making Lives Better!

Jason B. Bunting, MSW, LSW, & TRCC, Trauma Informed Care Administrator, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

This will be an opportunity for participants to safely explore, experience, and practice fundamental and practical resilience-based interventions that impact the lives of people, teams, and agencies.

The workshop will promote various trauma-responsive principles and concepts that foster a person’s healing and progress. This is an interactive and upbeat workshop with a possible special guest presenter.

Fri05: Eating Disorders: What to Know and How to Help

Jamie Glodowski, MS, RD, LD, Clinical Lead Dietitian, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Megan Stanley, MS, RD, LDN, CSSD, Clinical Dietitian, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Erin McTiernan, PsyD, Pediatric Psychologist, Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Eating disorders are complex psychosocial conditions. This presentation will review eating disorder diagnoses and treatment. Participants will learn how they can better help and support individuals and families impacted by eating disorders. There will also be a focus on how child welfare professionals can best collaborate with or support medical professionals.

Fri06: First-hand Accounts: The Impact of Incarceration on Children

Yonnae Asé, President, Hamilton County Youth Advisory Board

Jaleshia (Jay) Brown, Founder and Coordinator, Hamilton County Youth Advisory Board

In this interactive workshop, two youth with lived experiences will share how having an incarcerated parent impacted their lives. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussion, ask questions, and learn how to best support youth and families. Participants will be equipped with a better understanding of how to support youth with an incarcerated parent.

Fri07: Follow up, No Such Thing as a Bad Kid – Understanding & Responding to Kids with Emotional & Behavioral Challenges Using a Positive, Trauma-Informed, Strength-Based Approach

Charlie Appelstein, MSW, Appelstein Training Resources

This uplifting follow-up workshop from Friday morning’s plenary session will present some of the key principles and techniques of this transformative approach to understanding and guiding at-risk kids. During this session, attendees will learn the major principles of a positive, strength-based approach with at-risk kids, to use a host of interventions that help adults better engage and motivate kids at-risk, and use strategies that help adults confront the self-doubt many at-risk kids struggle with.

Fri08: What does a Judge want from a CASA Volunteer?

Judge Kristen K. Johnson, J.D., Hancock County Common Pleas Court, Probate and Juvenile Divisions

CASA volunteers and other attendees will learn how to view their investigation from the Court’s perspective. Participants will be given practical tips to improve their investigation skills, report writing practices, and testifying abilities. A juvenile court judge will share knowledge and feedback from the bench to help CASA volunteers best advocate for each child’s best interest.