KIDS MATTER INC.

The mission of Kids Matter Inc. is to help abused and neglected children heal and thrive, to bring volunteer energy and community support to foster and kinship children, and to apply lessons learned from helping children to prevent further child abuse. Kids Matter was founded in 2000 by a multidisciplinary team of professionals and community members who had direct experience with assisting children in need. Kids Matter and its staff , youth and volunteers have received numerous local, statewide and national awards for leadership on behalf of youth and service to youth.

                                CASA volunteer training calendar 2021

Note: Independent study and/or small group training options are available for volunteers who have conflicts with Saturday training dates due to work or religious obligations.

Spring Training Cycle

Wednesday, April 14, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Wednesday, April 21, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
[Monday, April 26 - Friday, April 30 - virtual courtroom observations scheduled]
Wednesday, April 28, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Wednesday, May 5, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Wednesday, May 12, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

As we all know, there are so many considerations in assessing whether in-person visits are right at this time. It depends on the volunteer's health, whether their youth or their caregiver is in a high-risk group and other factors. Our guiding principles are to be mindful and have open communication.

• The volunteer must wear a mask. Child(ren) older than 5 years are strongly encouraged to wear a mask.
• The visit should take place outside (caregiver’s yard, park, walk around the neighborhood, etc).
• The visit should be one hour or shorter. If an outdoor visit is not possible and the visit is indoors, shorter is better.
• The volunteer and the child(ren) should remain six feet apart and avoid hugs, holding hands, or other close contact.
• Avoid games or activities involving shared equipment between the child and volunteer. Kicking a soccer ball back and forth is okay, as is going frisbee golfing and using separate frisbees, flying kites, and drawing on the sidewalk using separate chalk.
• Wash hands with soap and water or sanitizer before and after visits.
• Complete the Screening Tool for Prior Approval for Visits and the Volunteer Self-Assessment Before Visits.
  
  If volunteers are not comfortable with in-person visits, virtual visits are still okay!

Did you know that one in ten children will be raised without either parent in the home? Kids Matter helps children in kinship and foster placements reach their full potential. Our multidisciplinary team provides free outreach, legal and social work assistance, safety planning and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to children who have experienced trauma, violence and abuse or who are otherwise victims of crime. Our Court Appointed Special Advocate program trains community volunteers to help youth in foster care meet goals of safety and well-being, while ensuring a permanent loving home. Our Fostering Hope program provides donations to children in crisis.