CASA Delaware Live!

In this episode, Megan Hendricks from the Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families explains the FIRST Program: Family Informed Resource Support Team. This is a program within the department that helps families identify and be connected with community resources! Check them out HERE and if there are any questions, you can email them directly at DSCYF_CommunityDirectory [email protected]. Enjoy!

In Episode #153, we chat with Division Director Renee Ciconte as she explains the Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services. She reviews what this Division is responsible for, how it works with it's sister agency the Division of Family Services "DFS," and how CASAs can assist with a youth who might be experiencing juvenile justice. Enjoy!

In this Episode, Mr. Mike Kopp of the Murphey School discusses their Transitional Housing program... aimed at helping teenagers successfully transition into adulthood and obtain housing. The Murphey School is a group home/congregate care facility in Dover, DE. Learn more! https://www.murpheyschool.org/

In this Episode, we interview Dr. Maya Khalid, PhD from SOAR (Survivors of Abuse in Recovery). This is an incredible resource for our families as they provide therapeutic services to children and families who have been involved with sexual or physical abuse. Here is their website for more information: https://www.survivorsofabuse.org/Enjoy this episode!

In Episode #150, we re-record a virtual Lunch & Learn topic on Oh My Hair! The necessity of minority hair care. We wanted to re-create it in the form of a podcast to appeal to more CASA volunteers to engage in this topic as it is essential to so many children and families we serve. Thank you to our amazing presenters who are also Office of the Child Advocate Staff: Rose Maurice, Renee Duvall, Esq., Lisa Reaves, Niki Howard, and LaTysse McKinzie-Mack. Enjoy!

In Episode #149, we chat with three CASA Coordinators: Lisa Reaves, Nakia Howard, and Jessica Hazzard. All three share their experience working with CASA volunteers and how to handle situations that might not be going the way a CASA Volunteer would prefer them to go. All three coordinators share some great nuggets of advice and experience. Enjoy!

In Episode #148, we hear from CASA Coordinator Jen Falkowski as well as two CASA Volunteers, Colleen Harbison and Bethany Menson, as they share their experience working WITH the Division of Family Services. All three share some great nuggets of information and make solid suggestions on ways to best work with DFS as we all navigate child welfare cases together. Enjoy!

In Episode #147, we chat with parent attorney Stephanie Reid, Esq. who discusses her role as a parent attorney, how she works with her clients, who she partners with to help her clients, and she makes some suggestions on how CASAs can best support parents when working reunification cases. Enjoy!

In Episode #145, we interview CASA State Director Megan Caudell as she walks us through some statistics for the first 11 months of the year. Then, Lauren Brueckner follows up with a glance at the 2026 CASA Training Calendar. Enjoy!

In Episode #144, we cover some key reminders for CASAs including some Dos and Don'ts and how best to balance what our clients tell us vs. what's actually true. So, we want to listen and absorb information but not necessarily act on it without investigating the other side as well. Enjoy!

In Episode #143, we interview CASA Leann Moore who has extensive experience around Conflict Resolution. She's at the University of Delaware and during this podcast interview, she shares some helpful information to help us as CASA volunteers when faced with conflict (which WILL happen!). Enjoy!

In this episode, we interview Meg Garey, Executive Director of A Better Chance for our Children where she shares with us some helpful information on how kids express grief and loss. She also gives some suggestions on how a CASA can best assist their youth who might be struggling expressing themselves when the heavy feelings of grief and loss settle in. Enjoy this episode!

In this episode, I chat with Bobbi Barends who is not only a CASA volunteer but also the VP/Campus Director and Chief Operating Officer at Del Tech in Georgetown! During our chat, she explains several scholarship opportunities that exist at Del Tech which is a statewide campus. Maybe some of these educational financial opportunities might benefit a youth you're working with! Enjoy!

In this episode, we chat with child attorney Jennifer Kline, Esq. and listen as she discusses the importance of sibling connections as well as ways that a CASA can help ensure these connections stay intact. Enjoy!

In this episode, Child Attorney Renee Duval, Esq. walks us through the appeal process for the Termination of Parental Rights. She also explains what a CASA's role is, how they can assist during the case, and what to expect. Enjoy!

In this episode, we speak to 3 experienced CASA volunteers and listen as they share their thoughts and strategies in communicating with youth who are experiencing cognitive or developmental delays. Enjoy!

In Episode #137, we chat with staff attorney Stefanie Ramirez who works with the Disability Rights Program. She has tremendous knowledge when it comes to working with students with disabilities and how discipline impacts their education. If anyone has additional questions for Stefanie, she can be reached by email at [email protected] Enjoy! 

In Episode #136, we interview Kelly Hatton who is a therapist working with the TRY Program. TRY stands for Trauma Response for Youth. This service is contracted through the Division of Prevention of Behavioral Health and offers prevent, intervention, and treatment services to families who have experienced a traumatic event. Kelly also runs a counseling service called A Seed of Hope which can be found here: https://www.aseedofhopecounselingcenter.com/

In Episode #135, we explore two housing options for DFS families in New Castle County: Gaudenzia and Bayard House. Dionne Cosby chats with us about Gaudenzia House and Cheryl Sanderlin chats about Bayard House. Both housing options are supported through the state and work closely with the Division of Family Services. They use a trauma informed approach and offer transitional services to help bridge the housing gap. If anyone has questions about these two programs, you can use the following contacts:Dionne Cosby @ Gaudenzia: [email protected] Sanderlin @ Bayard House: [email protected]

In this episode, we interview Independent Living Program Manager Tamara Myles through the Division of Family Services. Tamara educates us on the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, and WHY of a STEPS (Stairways To Encourage Pathways to Success) Meeting. Enjoy!

In Episode #133, we review some of the most commonly used acronyms including DSCYF, DFS, PBH, YRS, IL, BIM, TDM, APPLA, TPR, ESP and more! Happy listening!

In Episode #132, we focus on the CASA Court Report which is presented to the CASA Coordinator and Child Attorney in order to prepare for upcoming court hearings. Each report is a necessary part to the court process so it needs to be turned in by the CASA two weeks prior to any upcoming court hearing. Only the Triad members will see the court report. Enjoy!

In this episode, we interview 4 team members of Wrap Around Delaware, which provides comprehensive assistance to families in need.  During this interview, we chat with Jackie, Shannon, Michelle and Haydee and listen as they describe their roles within the organization that includes DFS, YRS, PBH and Foster Home Recruitment. Enjoy!To learn more about Wrap Around Delaware, visit https://wraparoundmd.com/delaware-dfs/

In Episode #130, we chat with Executive Director Claudine Wiant of Prevent Child Abuse Delaware, affectionately known as "PCAD." April is Child Abuse Prevention Month so the purpose of this podcast is to learn about PCAD, what programs they offer and provide a general overview for things CASAs should know about how PCAD takes action to Prevent Child Abuse! Questions? Check out their website: https://www.pcadelaware.org/Enjoy!

In Episode #129, we interview 4 CASAs who have been with their assigned children for over five years! Some of them closer to 10 years! This means that these CASA volunteers have had the opportunity to develop deep relationships with these youth and witness their changes over time. The focus of this podcast is to explore ways in which a CASA's advocacy changes over such a long period of time. Enjoy!

In Episode #128, we host our third in a four-part series on Working with Children. For the thirteen to seventeen year-olds, we chat with four CASA Volunteers: Kathy, Hareena, Sarah and Dave and listen as they share their experience working with children in this age group. Enjoy!

This is a special edition! It's a short Public Service announcement focused on Child Abuse Prevention Month which is in April. Since we are coming up on activities, I wanted to get this information out sooner rather than later. Every year, young children in Delaware are rushed to the emergency room after being exposed to or ingesting medications and substances. Curiosity is part of being a child, but it can turn dangerous when medications are left within reach. It’s easy to overlook how appealing those brightly colored pills or gummies might look to little ones. But they’re not candy—and just one taste can change a life forever. Keep your drugs stored in a locked container, out of sight, and out of reach. Learn more at outofreachde.com.If you have questions about any activities, you can email Carley Davis at [email protected]! Hope you can attend some events!

In Episode #127, we host our second in a four-part series on Working with Children. For the six to twelve-year-olds, we chat with four CASA Volunteers: Martha, Mary, Velma and Lisa and listen as they share their experience working with children in this age group. Enjoy!

In Episode #126, we start our first in a four-part series on Working with Children. For the birth to five-year-olds, we chat with four CASA Volunteers: Sheila, Paula, Elvida, and Colleen and listen as they share their experience working with children in this age group. Enjoy!

In Episode #125, we discuss Family Search and Engagement. We cover what this is, how CASAs can take action, and why it's vital to any case involving dependency and neglect. We hope you enjoy!

In this episode, we chat with CASA Coordinator Jessica Hazzard and Deputy Child Attorney Elizabeth Fillingame as they discuss the role of the Triad when working with a youth experiencing Dual Status. Please refer to Podcast #66 to learn more about Dual Status Youth, but use this podcast to understand the role of each triad member. Enjoy!

In this episode, Jillisa Johnson chats with us about the MOMobile Program, which focuses on serving incarcerated pregnant and parenting women. This program is offered at the Hazel D. Plan and Delores Baylor facilities. This program also offers parenting classes, mental health and substance abuse supports to their clients. If you have questions about the program, feel free to contact Jillisa Johnson at Jillisa Johnson <[email protected]>

In Episode #122, we chat with CASA Delaware Director Megan Caudell as she walks us through our 2024 numbers. These numbers review CASA stats, child stats, and some other interesting facts. I then follow up with our 2025 CASA Training Calendar. Enjoy!

In Episode #121, I chat with three experienced CASA Volunteers (Marin, Jen and Brittany) as they share their thoughts on serving as a CASA Volunteer. Enjoy!

In Episode #120, we chat with CASA Bebe Reines who spent her career working in the Substance Abuse Disorder field. She shares some helpful information about substance abuse disorder as well as some resources and actions CASA can take in order to aide in awareness of substance abuse. Here are some resources:https://www.samhsa.gov/https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsamh/

In Episode #119, we interview Melanie Stancell of Children and Families First. She is responsible for offering two parenting classes that many of our CASA families engage with. The two programs are Strengthening Families and Nurturing Parenting. Ms. Stancell explains these two programs in great detail so hopefully this knowledge will help CASA volunteers understand what these programs include. https://www.cffde.org/programsEnjoy!

In Episode #118, we chat with Child Attorney Renee Duvall, Esq. She shares her thoughts with us on ways that we can chat with our CASA youth about the implications of making school threats. These actions are sadly occurring on a more frequent basis and Renee identified a need to have these discussions with all youth, especially our CASA youth, so that they understand what might happen should they, or others, make threats. Worse yet, what happens if they carry out any threats. We hope you find this podcast helpful!

In Episdide #117, we chat with Faith Martin from Child Inc. Faith explains her role and what services Child Inc. offers to victims of Domestic Abuse. While Faith is located in Sussex County, these services exist statewide. Enjoy!

In Episode #116, we listen to Cherise Blackwell's story. She has direct experience as a mother whose children were removed from her care. She now serves as a Parent Peer Navigator to help parents reunify with their children. Enjoy!

In Episode #115, we chat with Celeste Bishop and Cindy Knapp from A Better Chance for our Children, which is an adoption agency in Delaware. Celeste and Cindy discuss post-permanency services that include a support group, "Rec-N-Respite," continued training and many other services which are offered to families who have adopted or who have legal permanent guardianship of a child. Any CASA working with an adoptive family going through this experience, please encourage them to connect with the adoption agency and stay connected even after the adoption has been legally completed. Any questions? Feel free to reach out to Cynthia Knapp ([email protected]) or Celeste Bishop [email protected])Also, Post-Permanency Information can be found here: https://abcfoc.org/post-adoption-support/

In Episode #114, we chat with DFS Director Trenee Parker and WrapAround Delaware Foster Parent Recruitment Director Haydee Rodriguez about foster parent recruitment and retention. Together, we discuss how a foster parent is recruited, what their training looks like and how a CASA can best work with a foster parent. If any CASA knows someone who is interested in becoming a foster parent, please have them contact Haydee directly: [email protected] mentioned in our chat is funding that can be offered to youth in care. If your child is in Kent or New Castle Counties, please ask your Coordinator to use Office of the Child Advocate Funds. If your child has a Sussex County Judge, please consider taking advantage of the Friends of Sussex CASA Programs:Enrichment Program: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbf7XYCYXTIgc-aBZf2pAnP-4ZpLPzLEpO0mhxJPK4QiOYrA/viewformBirthday Program: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxzKnw06IPyv3tju-sAidHkVIlgbOY4jXI88TMRMHEQGSxqQ/viewformEnjoy!

In Episode #113, I chat with myself about how to interview different partners from DFS social workers to biological parents, from children to therapists. Asking questions can be difficult, so this is a guide in suggested questions to ask. Remember, there is NO right way to advocate for a child. The only error is inaction. So keep those questions coming!

In Episode #112, we chat with LaTysse, Jen, Jessica, and Clark as they share their experiences as a CASA Coordinator. They share some of their techniques to support their CASA Volunteers as well as some actions they take to be supportive on difficult cases. Happy listening! 

In Episode #111, we chat with Mike McHugh from Children and Families First as well as Lauren Reid from the Division of Family Services. Both discuss the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program that focuses on using a child's connections to secure adoptive or permanent resources. This is a great program that has just been brought to Delaware! Enjoy! Any questions about the program, please contact Lauren Reid at [email protected] 

In Episode #110, we interview 3 CASA volunteers who have experience working with difficult partners. These partners include biological relatives and DFS workers. The purpose of this podcast is not to "bash" anyone, simply highlight the action that the CASA Volunteers took to keep the case moving forward. Enjoy! 

In Episode #109, we interview Lezley Sexton and Danielle Gumbs who run the Transition Age Youth Program. This "TAY" program is a case-management program that connects youth ages 16 to 24 years old to community resources surrounding substance abuse and/or mental health. They are a resource to some of our kids and families. Do you think you can make a referral? Email them at [email protected]

In Episode #108, we chat with Nick Beard and Tisha Jackson who are both zealous advocates for Domestic Violence survivors. They chat with us specifically about the Community Health Project which connects survivors to community resources such as housing, employment, and mental health services. Enjoy!Information on referrals can be found here: https://dcadv.org/what-we-do/advocacy-policy-work/health/community-health-worker-collaborative-project.html

In Episode #107, we chat with Kathie Herel who runs the Parent Information Center ("PIC") specifically the Educational Surrogate Parent (ESP) Program. She has a wealth of knowledge in the field of special education so we are taking the opportunity to ask her questions that CASAs have sent in about special education, the ESP Program, and all sorts of other things! Want more info? Check out the Parent Information CenterInterested in becoming an educational advocate? Check out the Educational Surrogate Parent ProgramHave any other question? Feel free to email Kathie at [email protected] 

In Episode #106, I provide some information on Independent Living Services. While we have a few podcasts on IL Services, I had a guest cancellation so I had to wing it with a last-minute plan. So, let's chat about Independent Living Services! Enjoy!

In Episode #105, we hear from Clark Huffman (CASA Coordinator), Christine Jones-Bey Brown (Independent Living Provider Case Manager) and Amander Lee (Independent Living Provider Worker). They explain the purpose of a STEPS meeting including when it's held, who attends, and the hopeful outcomes. Happy Listening!