August Newsletter Fairfax CASA 2016

2016 August newsletter Fairfax CASA inside this edition: opioids on the rise fostering futures & FY 2016 Updates Welcome Volunteer Class of June 2016 Opiod Abuse Project Updates Message: Executive Director and Board Chair Upcoming Fundraisers 2016 FY Updates 07 9 06 Table of Contents 04 03 05 Fairfax CASA 10 Fostering Futures DESIGNed for transition HOW DOES THIS IMPACT CASAs? The federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 allows for extension of Foster Care services to age 21 and allows for the extension of Adoption Assistance until the age of 21 if the youth is adopted after age 16. Virginia historically held one of the highest rates of foster youth "aging out" of the system before being connected with a permanent family or connecting with a relative who could take custody. Fostering futures requires youth who choose to remain in care and to continue to receive services to sign a voluntary agreement AND be on an academic or vocational path. Youth can also qualify if they are employed for at least 80 hours per month; or are incapable of doing either due to a medical condition. This crucial transitional period into adulthood will now offer tools, support systems and benefits that encourage self-sufficiency beyond age 21. The role of the CASA changes from that of being the voice of a child, to being a support and encouraging the youth to be his/her own advocate. The relationship shifts, as the youth is now an adult, who can make his/her own decisions. Message from the executive director Better outcomes for youth who would have "aged out" Foster Youth who have supports and a connection to an adult and support system upon turning 18 are more likely to complete high school, enroll in college and are far less likely to become the victims of or perpetrators of crimes than their peers who "age out." They are more likely to have health insurance and are 38% less likely to become parents. Remaining in care more than doubles their odds of being in school at the age of 19. Additionally, remaining in care all but eliminates the odds of a youth becoming homeless. 03 Where did the summer go? It is hard to believe that we are already back-to-school, thinking about pumpkin everything and that fall is upon us. Darcy Cunningham, Executive Director The Law September marks my second anniversary here at Fairfax CASA. What an amazing two years I have had as the Executive Director of this organization. The folks who work here and the volunteers who give their time continue to impress and inspire me, each and every day. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to year 3! Many of you have followed our advocacy work to make sure that our foster youth how turn 18 don't "age out" of the system. We are so pleased to report that after multiple failed attempts, Virginia's General Assembly included in this year's final budget the important and life changing legislation that allows for the extension of foster care services for youth 18-21. Read about this momentous event on page 4. Over the summer, we swore in a new class of Volunteers. You can read about them in this newsletter. Each class is special and wonderful in their own way, and this class did not disappoint. 2016 has witnessed a marked increase in the number of cases coming into Court due to opiate addiction. In talking with other CASA directors across the Commonwealth, it is clear that we are not alone in our experience. Sadly, opioid addiction, specifically Heroin, is on the rise throughout Virginia. Our office, like many others, is also seeing an increase in the number of babies being born addicted to these powerful drugs. Read more about the Opioid epidemic on page 5 of this newsetter. Wishing you all a wonderful fall, filled with crisp days, football (or whatever sport you love) and a never ending supply of pumpkin flavored coffees, beers, and anything else that can be flavored! partnerships and creative solutions for a complex problem. One example of the preventive and educational measures the Office is pursuing to make all Virginians—from teenagers to adults—more aware of the growing crisis involving heroin and prescription and the risks associated with these dangerous drugs, is the film they released, "Heroin: The Hardest Hit," available here. Virginia Responds to Opioid epidemic Known as the epidemic of the 21st century, opioids have plagued the nation for over a decade. In 2014, over 1,000 Virginians died of an opioid overdose. In Northern Virginia, Heroin-related deaths increased by 164% between 2011 and 2013. In Fairfax County, the number of deaths doubled last year. How has Heroin become a drug of choice in Fairfax County? Often, as a consequence of prescription drug abuse: A patient who starts with a legitimate need for medications to deal with pain becomes addicted and then end up needing a "cheaper fix." That is where Heroin enters the picture. A single dose of OxyContin, a powerful prescription opiate, costs anywhere from $30 to $80, state police report. An equivalent amount of heroin costs between $10 and $20. Virginia is also seeing a marked increase in the number of babies being born exposed to and addicted to opioids. Here at CASA, more and more of the newborns on our caseload born exposed to Opioids are being diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). NAS is characterized by hyperactivity, irritablility, hypertonia, difficulty in or excessive sucking, and high-pitched cries. It typically begins 3 hours to 12 days after delivery, depending on the drugs used by mother. In the United States, the incidence of NAS increased 383% during 2000–2012. This increase in addiction is putting an added strain on the foster care system across the Opioids interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the brain and nervous system to produce pleasurable effects and relieve pain. They include the illicit drug heroin as well as prescription pain relievers oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, fentanyl and others. Opioid USE on the rise United States. A recent report by the federal government shows that, after years of decline, the number of children in foster care is going up again. Roughly 265,000 kids entered foster care in 2014— the highest number since 2008. The increase is taxing the child welfare system, officials say. Children of addicts often need special care and counseling, and they often stay in the system longer because it can take months or years for their parents to get clean. In September, 2014, Governor McAuliffe established the Governor’s Task Force on Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse. The Task Force was created to recommend immediate steps to address a growing and dangerous epidemic of prescription opioid and heroin abuse in Virginia, with the ultimate goal of improving public safety and public health. The Task Force is co-chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Resources and Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security and includes representatives from the Office of the Attorney General, legislature, and judiciary, as well as relevant state and local agencies, law enforcement, health and behavioral health care professionals, providers, community advocates, and individuals with personal experience with addiction. In response to this growing public health and public safety problem, Attorney General Herring has launched a five-point plan to combat heroin and prescription opiate abuse by creating and implementing CASA volunteers are the key to our success! We're excited to have a new class of volunteers on board! Among some notable past experiences in social work and the justice system, this class seems uniquely suited to bring fresh perspective and care to the cases they're assigned. We look forward to many years of successful cases, essential court reports and a growing relationship with the children they will serve. A CASA provides a multitude of positive lifelong impacts on their cases and children they serve. Over last two years, 97% of the nearly 3,000 recommendations made to the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Circuit Court have been adopted by the judges and ordered on behalf of the children we serve. Pictured below: the June 2016 class of CASA volunteers take the oath. Top left: Chocolate covered cake congratulates CASA graduates. Bottom left: Judge Leiner and Michele Probst reunite at the swearing in ceremony after decades of friendship. Ten new volunteers have passed background checks, screening and a lengthy interview process in order to undergo the extensive pre-service training that culminates in the June 29th swearing in. June 2016 swearing in welcome volunteer class of june! We were lucky to meet the family and friends that support our volunteers and their work. Right: CASA volunteers pose with Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Judge Leiner. Bottom right: Volunteers Nancy Smith and Joanne Chan discuss their experiences in training with Supervisor MaryAnn Wholford. Bottom left: Board of Directors member, Judy Gayer gives her first speech as President of the Board, expressing her appreciation for the volunteers that make Fairfax CASA a success. Fiscal Year # of Referrals from Court # of Cases Expenses FY15 72 60 $730,516 FY16 95 (32% increase) 81 (35% increase) $705,630 Volunteers had 4,465 face-to-face visits with the children on their cases and made over 15,870 contacts with providers or parties to the case, in furtherance of their duties. They drove 126,088 miles to serve their children, and spent 16,311 hours advocating for their best interests. Financial Data Our ongoing goal is to provide exceptional volunteer advocates for Fairfax County’s most vulnerable children, while striving to keep our overhead low yet increasing the quality of our services. Referrals from the Court and new cases opened increased by 32% in FY16, however Fairfax CASA not only continued to serve the children in need through the provision of exceptional advocacy, but did so while reducing expenses by 4.2%. CHILDREN SERVED IN June, July and August 2016 126 new cases opened 220 court reports were submitted including 1,300 recommendations for services and permanency on behalf of the children and 95.3% of those recommendations were adopted and ordered by the court. Month New Referrals Cases Opened Total children served cases closed June 17 5 251 14 July 9 14 251 6 August 13 4 249 3 CASA REMAINS FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE QUICK FACTS: 149 volunteers served 333 children from 198 families Incoming Board President FY 2017 Judith Gayer THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT the generosity of community members, such as yourself, makes our work possible. Fundraisers keep Fairfax CASA's mission front and center. They help us accomplish our goals while giving children a hope for the future. Our new President, Judy Gayer, has been a member of the Fairfax CASA Board of Directors since June 2007. She served as the head of the Governance Committee and a member of our Board’s Executive Committee since she joined the Board, and served as Vice President of the Board for the past 4 years. At her “day job,” Judy is Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, General Corporate at Freddie Mac in McLean, Virginia. Judy is a mother of 3 human children, ages 19-27, and 2 dog children. Judy’s human children are quite aware and have accepted that the dogs are her favorite kids. Judy has an abiding interest in helping others. Fairfax CASA’s mission of assisting abused and neglected children is particularly near and dear to her heart. Judy’s other current extracurricular activities include volunteering at Chesterbrook Assisted Living and with Greyhound Rescue. GIVE BACK WHEN YOU SHOP ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT FAIRFAX CASA 703.273.3526 www.fairfaxcasa.org Fairfax CASA FOLLOW OUR PROGRESS Sept. 28th, 7:30-8:30 pm Dolly Madison Library 1244 Oak Ridge Ave McLean VA 22101 Sept. 10th, 11 am-12 pm Fairfax CASA office 4103 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax VA 22030 UPCOMING INFORMATION SESSIONS 4103 Chain bridge rd. Suite 200 fairfax, va 22030 Signing up for our newsletter is just the first step! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for more news and updates!