A View from the Bench: Sessions 1-6

A VIEW FROM THE BENCH: PARENTS STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

Parents struggling with mental health issues are significantly more likely to become involved with the child welfare system, often facing a higher risk of having their children removed from their home due to concerns about their ability to adequately care for them. In addition to providing support to these children and youth, CASA/GAL volunteers can provide information to the court about the potential impact of a parent’s mental illness on parenting capabilities, and resources that are necessary to support parents, including support from relatives and fictive kin.

Recorded on: Friday, July 25, 2025

A VIEW FROM THE BENCH: FAMILY TREATMENT COURTS

Between sixty and eighty percent of substantiated child abuse and neglect cases handled by the courts involve substance use disorder (SUD) by a parent or guardian. Family Treatment Courts serve children, parents and families involved in the child welfare system due to parental SUD as a contributing factor to child abuse or neglect. These courts operate collaboratively, drawing on community partners' expertise in child welfare and SUD treatment. In addition to providing support to the children and youth, and information to the court, CASA/GAL volunteers can play an important role in identifying available community services to address the needs and build on the strengths of each family member.

Recorded on: August 29, 2025

A VIEW FROM THE BENCH: HUMAN TRAFFICKING

As many as 4 out of 5 victims of child trafficking have spent time in foster care. Children and youth in the child welfare system are at a heightened risk of being targeted by traffickers. Factors such as unstable living situations, emotional vulnerability, and a lack of consistent, supportive relationships can make these children targets for exploitation. CASA/GAL advocates will learn how, in addition to providing support to these children and youth, and information to the court, CASA/GAL advocates can recognize the signs of trafficking and find resources to help prevent exploitation.

Recorded on: Friday, September 26, 2025

A VIEW FROM THE BENCH: ACTIVE VS. REASONABLE EFFORTS

Courts are required by federal law to make “reasonable efforts” findings in child welfare cases unless the case involves the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). In those cases, the court is required to make “active efforts” findings. This webinar will explore the differences between “active efforts” and “reasonable efforts” and the important role that CASA/GAL volunteers can play in supporting children and families, providing information to the court about active and/or reasonable efforts, and identifying needed resources for the child/youth, family, and community. What if those resources don’t exist in the community? What role, if any, should the CASA/GAL program have in identifying those resources?

Recorded on: October 31, 2025

A VIEW FROM THE BENCH: WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND YOUTH OF INCARCERATED OR INSTITUTIONALIZED PARENTS

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, about 1.8 million people in the United States were incarcerated in state or federal prisons or local jails in 2020. Some are parents or primary caretakers of children who are involved — or may become involved — with the child welfare system. It is estimated that about 15-20% of children entering the foster care system have an incarcerated parent. In addition, many children have parents who are in short- and long-term residential treatment programs. In this webinar, CASA/GAL advocates will learn how they can provide support to these children and youth, how to access institutions and resources, and how to provide the information to the court as to what is in the best interests of the child.

Recorded on: November 14, 2025

A VIEW FROM THE BENCH: EXPECTING AND PARENTING YOUTH IN CHILD WELFARE

Navigating the child welfare system while expecting or raising a child can be challenging. Expectant and parenting youth in care have unique needs related to their physical, emotional, social, and financial health that require individualized support. In this webinar, CASA/GAL advocates will learn how they, in addition to providing support to these children and youth, and information to the court, can find resources that may be available to support expectant and parenting youth, including support from relatives and fictive kin.

Recorded on: December 12, 2025