ORDER NO.30624 COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA) CONTRACT Came to be heard this the 26th day of November, 2007, with a motion made by Commissioner Letz, seconded by Commissioner Williams. The Court unanimously approved by vote of 4-0-0: Fund the $1,000.00 to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) this year from the Commissioners' Court Contingency, subject to the County Attorney reviewing the form of Contract. 3o6a~ l.~ COMMISSIONERS' COURT AGENDA REQUEST PLEASE FURNISH ONE ORIGINAL AND TEN (10) COPIES OF THIS REQUEST AND DOCUMENTS TO BE REVIEWED BY THE COURT MADE BY: Judge Tinley MEETING DATE: November 26, 2007 TIME PREFERRED: SUBJECT: Consider, discuss, and take appropriate action on contract proposed by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for funding by Kerr County to CASA. EXECUTIVE SESSION REQUESTED: (PLEASE STATE REASON) NAME OF PERSON ADDRESSING THE COURT: Judge Tinley ESTIMATED LENGTH OF PRESENTATION: IF PERSONNEL MATTER -NAME OF EMPLOYEE: Time for submitting this request for Court to assure that the matter is posted in accordance with Title 5, Chapter 551 and 552, Government Code, is as follows: Meeting scheduled for Mondays: THIS RF,QIIF,ST RRCETVED RY: THIS RQUEST RECEIVED ON: OFFICE: County Judge 5:00 PM previous Tuesday @ .M. All Agenda Requests will be screened by the County Judge's Office to determine if adequate information has been prepared for the Court's formal consideration and action at time of Court Meetings. Your cooperation will be appreciated and contribute towards your request being addressed at the earliest opportunity. See Agenda Request Rules Adopted by Commissioners' Court. CASH Court Appointed Special Advocates FOR CHILDREN HILL COUNTRY CASA P.O. Box 290965 Kerrville, TX 78029-0965 830.896.2272. 830.896.2309 F • hccasa@ktc.com November 26, 2007 Kerr County Commissioner's Court Kerr County Courthouse Kerrville, Texas 78028 Members of the Court: On November 21St, I received a call from Judge Tinley's office informing that the contract our Board President Chaille Hawkins recently signed between Kerr County and Hill Country CASA was "a mistake" and that there was no money in the budget for CASA this year as we do not provide service to the County. Since 1989 Kerr County has supported this organization and our community volunteers who give service to the local courts by providing advocacy for children involved in the judicial system. Since 2000, every Kerr County child taken into state custody by TDFPS has had the support of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) during the course of that abuse lawsuit. Between 2003 and 2006 the number of children entering CPS custody from Kerr, Bandera, Kendall and Gillespie counties more than doubled. That growth has been most dynamic in Kerr County. To fact: • In 2005 this office was ordered by the Courts to give service to 201 children in abuse/neglect cases. Ninety-six of those children (48%) were from Kerr County. • In 2006 this office was ordered by the Courts to give service to 267 children in 142 abuse cases. Of that number, 145 children (54%) were from Kerr County. • In 2007 to date (January 1St to November 26th) we have provided services to 255 children in 128 abuse lawsuits. Of that number 168 children (66%) were from Kerr County. Please look again at those numbers; they are startling. Each of these children was taken into conservatorship by Child Protection Services and will remain in the state's custody until parents prove to the Court that a safe and stable home is possible. If parents are not able to provide a safe home, the children go to relatives or the State of Texas may become the permanent conservator. These cases generally last 12 months and Hill Country CASA provides the Court trained advocates who monitor the child's situation and make regular reports to the judiciary and ad litem attorneys. Our three-person staff currently works with 51 trained community volunteers who give their time to serve as advocates for these children. Serving Kerr, Bandera, Kendall and Gillespie Counties HCCASA IS A MEMBER OF TEXAS AND NATIONAL CASA ASSOCIATIONS During the last seventeen years Kerr County has given us consistent financial support. This has been vital to us because, like CASA programs all around the United States, we rely on county governments for funding that not only helps pay the cost of providing CASA services but also demonstrates local support as we seek grants from other sources. In the current fiscal year our budget is over $170,000. Sixty percent (60%) of that is from public sources and forty percent (40%) is from private foundations and individuals. Please know that we are most grateful for the support shown this organization over the last seventeen years. I understand that revenue is especially tight in Kerr County right now and that funding decisions will be made with great care. If you have any questions about Hill Country CASA and the services we provide in Kerr County; I would welcome the opportunity to speak to you. Yours truly, \`t -_, ,\ Diane L. Oehler Executive Director Hill Country CASA Attachments: Hill Country CASA Narrative Working agreements: TDFPS, 198`h & 216`h District Courts, Kerr Co. Court at Law and the Child Protection Court of South Texas Copy of annual report to Judge Tinley, October 29, 2007 Current statistics Board of Director contact list CC: The Honorable Stephen B. Ables The Honorable E. Karl Prohl The Honorable Spencer Brown The Honorable Camile DuBose HILL COUNTRY CASA NARRATIVE Hill Country CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) was established in 1989 to recruit, screen and train community volunteers to provide advocacy services for children from Kerr, Bandera, Gillespie and Kendall counties who are in the State's custody because of abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers work for the local Courts. Their job is to help assure that every child receives individual attention, necessary services and timely placement in a safe, loving and permanent home. In all matters, a CASA volunteer's mandate is to speak in the best interest of the child being served. Our community volunteers are screened and trained in accordance with national and state CASA guidelines. After an initial 30 hour training is completed; CASH volunteers are sworn as Officers of the Court and are appointed to appropriate cases by one of the local presiding Judges. At present there are fifty one active CASA volunteers from Kerr, Bandera, Gillespie and Kendall counties. These volunteers act as fact finders for the Court, conduct interviews, make home and placement visits, monitor the progress of cases, and give written recommendations to the judiciary. Supervision and support for these volunteers is provided by Hill Country CASA's Executive Director and two CASA Case Supervisors. Hill Country CASA is anon-profit 501(c) (3) organization with funding from the Office of the Texas Attorney General, Criminal Justice Division of the Texas Governor's Office, Kerr County United Way, Kendall County United Way, Sterling- Turner Foundation, Texas CASA, The Kronkosky Foundation, Kerr County, Bandera County, Kendall County, The Dian Graves Owen Foundation, Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, The Hal and Charlie Peterson Foundation, The San Antonio Area Foundation as well as various local churches, organizations and individuals. HILL COUNTRY CASA STATISTICS November 26, 2007 TOTALS today: 191 children in 100 cases CHILDREN IN CPS CUSTODY 190 children in CPS cases - 99 Kerr County - 112 children/59 cases (59% of the total) Bandera County - 36 children/19 cases Gillespie County - 24 children/13 cases Kendall County - 17 children/7 cases Courtesy Case for another court - 1 child/1 case CUSTODY: None ADOPTIONS: Kerr - 1 child/1 case (Kerr County - 198'b District Court) AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE 198`h JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT AND HILL COUNTRY CASA HILL COUNTRY CASA hereinafter referred to as "CASA" and the JUDGE OF THE 198`h JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT hereby enter into this agreement where the Court has appointed a CASA volunteer to act as an advocate for a child or children. 1. The CASA program will be appointed to a specific case through order of this Court. 2. CASA, by a previously sworn statement, pledges to hold in confidence any and all information concerning the child or children disclosed during the period of assignment. 3. Assigned studies shall be carried out in a timely and professional manner and a report of the findings filed with the Court. 4. The CASA shall make him/her self available to the Court to testify when needed. 5. The CASA shall further agree to monitor the case by an order of the Court and report any changes in the situation that may be detrimental to the child or children. THE HONORABLE E. KARL PROHL 198th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT KERB COUNTY, TEXAS ~~ DIAN L.OEHLER HILL COUNTRY CASA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR May 1, 2007 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE KERR COUNTY COURT AT LAW AND HILL COUNTRY CASA HILL COUNTRY CASA hereinafter referred to as "CASA" and the JUDGE OF THE KERR COUNTY COURT AT LAW hereby enter into this agreement where the Court has appointed a CASA volunteer to act as an advocate for a child or children. 1. The CASA program will be appointed to a specific case through order of this Court. 2. CASA, by a previously sworn statement, pledges to hold in confidence any and all information concerning the child or children disclosed during the period of assignment. 3. Assigned studies shall be carried out in a timely and professional manner and a report of the findings filed with the Court. 4. The CASA shall make him/her self available to the Court to testify when needed. 5. The CASA shall further agree to monitor the case by an order of the Court and report any changes in the situation that may be detrimental to the child Ar children. ONOrKABLE SPENCER BROWN COUNTY COURT AT LAW KERR COUNTY, TEXAS ~~ DIANE L. OEHLER HILL COUNTRY CASA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR May 1, 2007 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE 216th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT AND HILL COUNTRY CASA HILL COUNTRY CASA hereinafter referred to as "CASA" and the JUDGE OF THE 216th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT hereby enter into this agreement where the Court has appointed a CASA volunteer to act as an advocate for a child or children. 1. The CASA program will be appointed to a specific case through order of this Court. 2. CASA, by a previously sworn statement, pledges to hold in confidence any and all information concerning the child or children disclosed during the period of assignment. 3. Assigned studies shall be carried out in a timely and professional manner and a report of the findings filed with the Court. 4. The CASA shall make him/her self available to the Court to testify when needed. 5. The CASA shall further agree to monitor the case by an order of the Court and report any changes in the situation that may be detrimental to the child or chi dr n. THE HONORABLE STEPHEN B. ABLES 216th JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT KERR COUNTY, TEXAS ~' ~^ ~~~ DIANE L. OEHLER HILL COUNTRY CASA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR May 1, 2007 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CHILD PROTECTION COURT OF SOUTH TEXAS AND HILL COUNTRY CASA HILL COUNTRY CASA hereinafter referred to as "CASA" and the ASSOCIATE DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE CHILD PROTECTION COURT OF SOUTH TEXAS hereby enter into this agreement where the Court has appointed a CASA volunteer to act as an advocate for a child or children. 1. The CASA program will be appointed to a specific case through order of this Court. 2. CASA, by a previously sworn statement, pledges to hold in confidence any and all information concerning the child or children disclosed during the period of assignment. 3. Assigned studies shall be carried out in a timely and professional manner and a report of the findings filed with the Court. 4. The CASA shall make him/her self available to the Court to testify when needed. 5. The CASA shall further agree to monitor the case by an order of the Court and report any changes in the situation that may be detrimental to the child or children. T E HONO CANTLE G. DUBOSE ASSOCIATE DISTRICT JUDGE CHILD PROTECTION COURT OF SOUTH TEXAS ~~ ~~ ~~~ DIANE L. OEHLER HILL COUNTRY CASA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR May 1, 2007 AGREEMENT BETWEEN Te_ xas Department of Family & Protective Services (FPS) Child Protective Services (CPS) And Hill Country CASA I. Introduction. The following Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services (FPS) and Child Protective Services division (CPS) and Hill Country Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Each agency is committed to working together for the common goals of moving every child through the foster care system in a timely manner and finding a safe and permanent home for each child. CPS and CASA may not always agree, however, these guidelines are designed to facilitate an open style of communication between the agencies. Our mutual goal is to help the Courts achieve permanency for children as quickly as possible. II. Appointment. A. Hill Country CASA is court-appointed to a specific case through an order signed by a District Court ,Judge or an Associate Judge in the Family, Juvenile, or Domestic Relations Courts. Petition for the appointment of CASA may be made at anytime during the pendency of a suit by making a request to the Court or to CASA's executive director. In CPS cases, CASA will send notification of appointment of CASA to the attorney representing CPS, the CPS caseworker and other parties involved in the suit. B. For the term of the appointment of CASA, the volunteer advocate and the CPS caseworker for the child should remain in contact conveying necessary information regarding the status of the case. C. The CASA Volunteer Advocate is a sworn officer of the court who remains active on the case until legal permanence is attained for the child(ren) or as directed by the Court. D. In any case in which a CASA serves as the guardian ad litem for the child(ren), the provisions of this agreement shall not be construed to place any limitation on the powers and duties of the guardian ad litem, as contained in Section 107.002 of the Texas Family Code. 111. Confidentiality. A. Section 40.005 of the Texas Human Resources Code provides that a person who is authorized to receive confidential information shall maintain its confidentiality and shall prevent disclosure of the information to a person who is not authorized to receive that information. It is a Class A misdemeanor to disclose, without authorization from CPS or the Court, confidential information contained in CPS records, papers, files, or communications. B. CASA will not release or share any information concerning CPS records except with the Court, attorneys ad litem, or parties to the suit as appropriate. Pursuant to Section 264.607 (a)(3)(H) CASA will develop procedures to assure the confidentiality of all case records. C. CASA will provide training to all volunteers and paid staff concerning the confidential nature of CPS case records and any information relating to the child. D. CASA staff and volunteers will ensure the security of case records provided by CPS. E. CASA assumes full responsibility to ensure that all CPS case records in their possession are destroyed once the youngest child in the home reaches eighteen (18) years of age. F. Volunteer advocates will not take a foster child to the home of a CASA staff person or volunteer, or to the home of a CASA friend or relative. Volunteer advocates will not take relatives or friends on visits with a foster child. IV. Access to Records. A. CPS will routinely provide CASA with a copy of the Family Service Plan as well as any other case records filed by CPS with the Court. All CPS records, whether sent by regular mail, fax, or E-mail, should be sent only to the CASA office. No information should be sent to the home of the CASA volunteer. If records are faxed or mailed a cover letter should accompany the records stating "this information is bound by federal and state confidentiality laws and violation of these laws could result in criminal and/or civil penalties". B. If CASA is appointed to a case for which there are no records yet available, the volunteer or a CASA professional staff person may receive verbal information from the CPS caseworker until records are received. C. When CASA wants to obtain additional records beyond the Family Service Plan and other records filed with the Court: 1. CPS will provide CASA with access to CPS records to the extent authorized by law and the Court's order. Under no circumstances, unless ordered by the Court, are the original CPS files to be removed from the CPS offices. 2. When CASA is appointed Guardian Ad Litem by the Court, CASA or CPS will petition the court at the ex-parte hearing to authorize the release of an unredacted copy of the complete CPS file to CASA. 2 3. When CASA is not appointed the Guardian Ad Litem by the Court, it will be the responsibility of CASA to seek clarification from the Court regarding CASA's authority for additional access to records beyond those noted in paragraph A, above. 4. CASA may call for an appointment with the CPS caseworker or supervisor to review CPS records concerning the child(ren) and to discuss the case. When seeking access to records, the CASA should present to the CPS caseworker or supervisor a copy of the Court's order in the case concerning access to CPS records. V. CASA Visiting the Child. A. The CPS caseworker and CASA will discuss and determine how the volunteer advocate will be introduced to the child in a timely manner. B. Foster parents (either verified CPS or licensed by FPS), facilities, or relatives should be given adequate notice prior to home visits by CASA. The volunteer advocate will obtain the name and number of the caretaker through the CPS caseworker. C. It is not necessary for the CPS caseworker to accompany CASA on visits to the foster home. The volunteer advocates have been trained to explain the program and purpose should a caretaker not be familiar with CASA. D. CASA should not make unannounced visits to foster care placements, including foster homes, residential treatment centers, and relative placements. If either CASA or CPS has concerns about the child's placement, those concerns should be reported to the other party. VI. Notification of Staffing/Meetings. A. CPS will notify CASA of any formal staffing, multidisciplinary staffing, (including ARD staffings), or PPTs in a timely manner, prior to the meeting. Generally, formal staffings occur when those people external to the agency are brought together to discuss the direction of the case and the best interest of the child(ren). Professionals invited to the staffing may include, but are not limited to, teachers, therapists, foster parents, CPS caseworkers, CASA and attorneys. B. CASA will be notified in a timely manner of any changes in schedules for staffings. When PPT staffings are changed all parties and CASA are notified. C. CASA will attend all Status Hearings, Permanency Hearings, Placement Review Hearings and any other review hearings. The Court should notify CASA of the time and date of all hearings. 3 D. When CPS is requesting anon-suit, CASA will be notified at least one week in advance of the non-suit. VII. CASA Recommendations to the Court. A. Questions about services for the child or family will be raised with the CPS caseworker and/or his/her supervisor as early as possible prior to the relevant hearing. B. CASA works closely with all the parties in the case but submits independent written recommendations to the Court. Recommendations may or may not be in agreement with opinion of others involved in the case. C. CPS will provide to the volunteer advocates copies of their written court report at least ten (10) days prior to the court hearing. CASA shall provide to CPS copies of their written recommendations to the Court at least five (5) days prior to the Court hearing. VIII. Reporting Child Abuse and/or Neglect. If an outcry or new information on an incident of child abuse or neglect is conveyed to the CASA volunteer advocate, that new information must be reported immediately to CPS Intake at 1-800- 252-5400. As a matter of courtesy, the CASA should share this information with the child's CPS worker and/or the CPS Supervisor. IX. Adoption. CPS and CASA recognize that adoption is a sensitive situation. All efforts shall be made to share information so that the adoption may be accomplished as expeditiously as possible. Recognizing this: A. CPS has responsibility for selecting the appropriate Adoptive Parents and home for the child. Once the selection has been made CASA shall support the child in the child's placement. B. CPS shall consider CASA's recommendations in making a decision. C. CPS and CASA shall make every attempt to provide the child with a smooth transition form foster care to adoption. D. CPS and CASA shall negotiate an agreement on a local basis on individual cases regarding contact after an adoption placement has been made. The adoptive parent's preferences will be taken into consideration regarding contacts with the children. The CPS placement caseworker will notify CASA of the date and time of the hearing to consummate the adoption. Once the adoption has been consummated, CPS and CASA have no official role with the child and the adoptive family. 4 X. Handling Disagreements. A. When CASH and/or CPS have issues and concerns; they should be shared as soon as they are identified. B. Disagreements between CASA and CPS should be handled between the CASA volunteer advocates and the CPS caseworker. If issues still exist, those issues should be discussed between the CPS supervisor and CASA supervisor. If no resolution is reached, the CPS program director and the CASA executive director should be contacted. C. When a difference of opinion exists between CASA and CPS there should be communication and sharing of information. Every effort should be made for CASA and CPS to talk with each other to reach a satisfactory conclusion prior to the court hearing. This may necessitate a staffing, before the hearing, of all parties concerned, and either CPS or CASA may request the staffing. XI. Training. A. CPS shall participate and assist in the orientation/training of CASA volunteer advocates, giving presentations about the agency and its roles and responsibilities. The program administrator or designee will make these presentations. B. CASA shall participate and assist in the orientation/training of CPS caseworkers, giving presentations about CASA and its roles and responsibilities. The CASA Executive Director or designee will make these presentations. C. Whenever possible, in-service training will be a joint effort between CPS and CASA. Cross training will include the use of the CASA video entitled Putting the Pieces Together. D. Texas CASA, Inc. and FPS may develop joint training for volunteer advocates on adoption issues as funds are available. XII. Implementation. In order to facilitate the implementation of these suggested policies, every CPS worker, supervisor, program director and program administrators and every CASA volunteer advocate, supervisor and executive director shall receive a copy of these policies. Signed this 12th day of March 2007. -r Edward Gentr ly I{--r-~ ---- ~~ CPS Program Director 5 ~t_--.~_ --- ------------------------ om Molnar CPS Supervisor Kerrville, Texas R Sherry Smith CPS Supervisor New Braunsfels, Texas ~.~ ,~ ~(~w.^~ ~ ~~t ~LC.L cam/ -- ---------------------------- Diane L. Oehler Executive Director Hill Country CASA 6 CASH Court Appointed Special Advocates FOR CHILDREN HILL COUNTRY CASA FO. Box 290965 Kerrville, TX 78029-0965 830.896.2272 • 830.896.2309 F • hccasa@ktc.com October 29, 2007 Kerr County Commissioners Court Kerr County Courthouse Kerrville, Texas 78028 Judge Tinley and Members of the Court: As per our contract with Kerr County; enclosed please find independent audit for Hill Country CASA's fiscal year 2006-07 that ended on June 30, 2007. Hill Country CASA is grateful for the continuing support Kerr Country has shown us over the last eighteen years. Without this support, it would not have been possible to build an ethical and fiscally sound program that could assist the local Courts in achieving timely, safe and permanent legal status for children. If you have questions or need further information; please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours truly, ~--(C~. CSC. t ~ ~~ Diane L. Oehler Executive Director Hill Country CASA ATTACHIvIENTS 1. Hill Country CASA Audit FY 2006-2007 2. Kerr County statistics October 2006 -September 2007 3. Hill Country CASA current statistics 4. Summary 2007 Annual Evaluation Cc: Tommy Tomlinson, Kerr County Auditor Serving Kerr, Bandera, Kendall and Gillespie Counties HCCASA IS A MEMBER OF TEXAS AND NATIONAL CASA ASSOCIATIONS Hill Country CASA's Statistical Report to Kerr County October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007 Between October 2006 and September 2007, Hill Country CASA was ordered by the Courts to serve 266 children in 134 cases. Kerr Co. children represented 60% of the total number of children served. Breakdown of Hill Country CASA's services for the Courts: 1. TDFPS Cases - 266 children in 134 cases (Kerr Co. - 159 children) (Bandera Co. - 62 children) (Gillespie Co. - 29 children in 22 cases) (Kendall Co. - 14 children) (Courtesy other CASA programs - 2 children) PROCEDURE/REPORTS - In TDFPS cases Hill Country CASA files report for each of the various hearings that are held. (As directed in the Texas Family Code.) We maintain regular and consistent contact with the children in state care, conduct home visits and/or monitor the foster placement and facilitate necessary services so that the children receive maximum benefits. HILL COUNTRY CASA STATISTICS October 29, 2007 TOTALS today: 177 children in 90 cases TDFPS Abuse and Neglect Cases: 174 children/88 cases Breakdown by counties: Kerr County - 104 children/54 cases Bandera County - 31 children/14 cases Gillespie County - 24 children/13 cases Kendall County - 14 children/6 cases Courtesy Case for another court - 1 child/1 case CUSTODY: Kerr - 1 child/1 case (Kerr County Court at Law) -Alleged abuse in home ADOPTIONS: Kerr - 2 children /1 case (198`h District Court) Program Evaluation Hill Country CASA .June 2007 Mailed 67 /48 Individual Replies = 72% Response I.'*~udges - 2 mailed/returned - 100% Positive response 24 responses = #5 "Strongly Agree"- (13) - 54% #4 "Agree" - (11) - 46% #3 - "Neither Disagree nor Agree" - (0) #2 - "Disagree" - (0) #1 - "Strongly Disagree" - (0) . *' Child Protection Court of the Hill Country -judge Robert Hofmann Child Protection Court of South Texas -judge Camile DuBose These two judges are each working over 300 abuse/neglect cases in their assigned jurisdictions. Written suggestions by ludiciary: Keep up the good work! Find a way to provide more local services for parents and free drug tests. II. Volunteers -41 mailed/32 returned -Responses were 100% positive *Additionally, two new volunteers called to say they did not feel they could answer the survey as they had not yet worked a case. That would make the response 83%. 320 responses = #5 - "Strongly Agree" - (287) - 90°a #4 - "Agree" - (31) - 10°6 #3 - "Neither Disagree nor Agree" - (6) >.2% #2 - "Disagree" - (0) #1 - "Strongly Disagree" - (0) There were 21 surveys returned that gave the program straight fives (Strongly Agree). The other 11 surveys were overwhelming positive but scored some questions at four (Agree) and others at three (Neither Disagree nor Agree). There is no doubt our volunteers are loyal to the CASA program and want to support the staff. However, we know there are places to improve our program and the responses we got indicate the following areas need attention: • Question 10 "The CASA office helps me make contact with attorneys foster parents and social service providers so that I can serve the children I am assigned to." This question received seven (7) "Agree" and two (2) "Neither Disagree nor Agree" responses. So, CASA staff needs to work at doing a better job facilitating contact between our volunteers and the professionals involved in cases. Question 4 "In the course of working cases assigned to me staff works to provide me guidance through the Child Protective System "This question received seven (7) "Agree" and one (1) "Neither Disagree nor Agree". So, CASA needs to try and make the Child Protective System more accessible to our volunteers. However, given the turmoil in the state's system this is challenging as often even our staff does not understand what is going on or why. Question3 "The staff provides knowledgeable information regarding the area's services and resources so that I may effectively work my CASA case." Tf:is question received four (4) "Agree" responses and one (1) "Neither Disagree nor Agree". So, CASA staff needs remember to work closely with volunteers who will be accessing community resources in the course of their casework. Additionally, each year we will provide volunteers an updated list of area community resources. These were the only questions that received more than two responses that were not "Strongly Agree". There were no responses that were marked "Disagree" or "Strongly Disagree". In last year's evaluation the main area noted for improvement was staff support of volunteers. This year that does not seem to be as great an issue. There is no question that this is because we were able to add a third full time staff person. Volunteers' written comments: I. What are the most frustrating/difficult things you deal with as a CASA volunteer? 1. CPS staff not available for consultation/lack of response to calls/e-mails (11 times) 2. Constant turnover in CPS personnel 3. Not being kept informed by CPS of important changes in a child's situation (4) 4. CPS policy/protocol 5. Inferior foster homes 6. Professionals involved in cases who are unable or unwilling to do their assignments 7. My own time limitations (2) 8. Getting correct intake information on kids and parents 9. Lack of educational records and the length of time it takes to get correct ones (2) 10. Lack of communication between principals involves such as therapists 11. judge waiting to read CASA reports until during the hearing -makes me feel it is not valued. 12. Children placed away from the immediate area (2) 13. Parents of the children/home visits 14. Stonewalling by CPS 15: For a working CASA -the ability to see the parent-child meetings during day 16. Ad Litem attorneys who never see their child clients and don't really seem to care 17. Humanity 18. Driving long distances 19. Professionals who ignore the Court's orders How can Hill Country CASA improve its program? 1. You're doing a great job -thanks for the help! 2. Help get more and better foster homes 3. Your office and staff make me proud to be a part of CASA. 4. Continue to help us stay current with new programs, policies and procedures 5. Keep giving opportunities for volunteers to meet together 6. More in-house updates on changing situations that affect our cases 7. A private, quiet space for work and/or discussions with our case supervisor (2) 8. Can't get much better -have never worked with a more professional, helpful, efficient staff 9. Be more forceful with CPS about the need for better communication between principals in the case 2 10. Achieve some type of clarity in regard to the value the judiciary puts on our reports if they are not reading them until the hearing 11. Excellent -staff courteous and prompt in responding to my questions/needs 12. Lean on the state legislature to improve funding for CPS for more workers 13. Everything I need is being met- workshops, availability of staff, information available -everything is great 14. I'm proud to be associated with CASA; wish I had known of it when I was an abused child. 15. More volunteers! Suggestions for training topics: 1. How we can help CPS do more and do it better. 2. Help us better understand the workings of CPS (local and state) (7) 3. National CASA news 4. Information and updates on local programs/services/resources (3) 5. Benefits available to children/families- Medical, SSI, Adoption Subsidies etc 6. Description of regional structure of CPS and what each area is supposed to do. 7. New developments on ADHD and appropriate treatment 8. Changes in legislation/changes in policy at the state level 9. Updates on legal issues esp. as related to our Courts 10. Specific topics related to cases (child abuse, termination, substance abuse, mental health issues, foster care/foster adopt, case studies etc) 11. What foster parents are required to provide for children placed in foster homes 12. When children age out what we can do to help them (2) 13. Understanding the role of attorneys involved in cases 14. How far we can go to make sure children have what they need 15. How to best visit with our CASA children; children that are -young (4, 5, 6 yrs) difficult, abused, sometimes sick, kids in long term care, etc. 16. Psychiatrist to talk about medications and diagnosis of very young children 17. Keep up the Brown Bag sessions -informal, informative and time for discussion 18. I like to train with your books and tapes 19. How to keep your feelings in check when talking with an abused child 20. Techniques for interviewing various individuals in cases -parent, siblings, grandparent, neighbors, school personnel 21. Common learning disabilities III. Attorneys Ad Litem - 24 mailed - 14 (58%) received 168 responses #5 -Strongly Agree (96) -57% #4 -Agree (58) -35% #3 -Neither Agree nor Disagree (9) - 5% #2 -Disagree (5) -3% #1 -Strongly Disagree (0) Positive Response= 97% Negative Response= 3% All the ne4ative response (3% of total) came on one evaluation. That evaluation gave five (5) "Disagree" responses. These were in regard to the following #3. "CASA volunteers seem to understand their role as described in the Texas Family Code." #4. "CASA volunteers seem to understand the issues in their cases and are knowledgeable of facts related to the children involved." #7. "CASA volunteers are honest and straightforward in their dealings with all the participants in the case." 3 #8. "In my dealings with Hill Country CASA, that organization (staff/volunteer advocates) shares information and seeks my assessment at appropriate times." #9. In my dealings with Hill Country CASA staff my messages and requests for information are received and acknowledged in a timely and accurate manner." 1. That survey also gave five (5) "Neither Agree nor Disagree" responses and the written comment was as follows: "I wish the CASA program and/or CASA volunteers would: Make their cases less about their agenda and gaining attention for themselves and more about the children they serve." We regret this attorney does not have a better opinion of CASA. We have a good idea who this person is and will continue to try and work with him in a positive manner. We are very pleased all the other attorney evaluations were so positive. Written comments from attorneys: 1. Make reports assessable to all attorneys (i.e. attorneys representing parents) 2. Write a brief addendum if the material in the report changes before the hearing 3. Perhaps, not as straightforward with the parents' attorneys as with the ad litem 4. I ask for information before it's shared -keep in better contact. 5. CASA volunteers are always on time and very professional. 6. Add more volunteers so you could do more cases. 7. Clone themselves! Seriously, I wish they would be appointed as GAL We are pleased with the results of our dune 2007 Program Evaluation. We thank everyone who responded. Our overall response rate was higher than ever before and we maintained overwhelmingly positive response in all categories. The written suggestions of volunteers and attorneys have given us things to think about. Comparisons over the last three years are as follows: • Judiciary 100% positive response in 2004 and 2005 and in 2006 and in 2007 • Volunteers 100% positive in 2004/05; 99% positive in 2006, 100% positive 2007 • Attorneys 91% positive response in `04, 94% in `05, 96% in '06 and 97% in 2007 • Total Evaluation Response 61% in '04, 63% in '05, 68% in '06 and 72% in 2007 4 ~- , HILL COUNTRY CASH 2007 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS: PRESIDENT (W) 367-5353 CHAILLE HAWKINS (H) 367-4284 400 RIVER VALLEY RD. SOUTH (F) 367-4044 INGRAM, TEXAS 78025 VICE-PRESIDENT TOMMY DANIELS, JR (W) 895-2265 BANK OF THE HILLS P. 0. BOX 2002 KERRVILLE, TEXAS 78029-2002 SECRETARY VIRGINIA WALKER (H) 830 997-8596 616 W. PEACH (F) 830 990-0617 FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS 78624 TREASURER (W) 830 896-4962 L. ALLEN WILLIAMS (C) 377-5333 412 GUADAL UPE STREET KERRVILLE, TEXAS 78028 BOARD MEMBERS: LIZ ALTHAUS (H) 830 997-7954 1434 COUNTRYSIDE BEND FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS 78624 CHIEF DEPUTY CLAY BARYON (W) 830 896-1216 KERR COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT 400 CLEARWATER PASEO KERRVILLE, TEXAS 78028 CHIEF DEPUTY DON BERGER (W) 830 796-3771 BANDERA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT P. O. BOX 607 BANDERA, TEXAS 78003 TED COONAN 30411 FAIRWAY RUN (C) 713-202-0617 FAIR OAKS RANCH, TEXAS 78015 1 MIKE HA YES ATTORNEY AT LAW (H) 830 896-3511 1210 JACKSON RD KERRVILLE, TEXAS 78028 CHARLES MOTHERAL (H) 830 896-4831 517 PRESTON TRAIL LOOP (C) 210 416-8704 KERRVILLE, TEXAS 78028 MELISSA M. SCHNEIDER (H) 830 896-2476 300 RIDGE ROAD KERRVILLE, TEXAS 78028 MEMBER EMERITUS BETTY PELTON 210 DRUMMOND DRIVE (H) 257-3983 KERRVILLE, TEXAS 78028 REVISED 7-2007 2 N i o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 o m o o r o o M .n 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 m o m o a I A H c n>.a eU ' /., ~,y , H\ O a O 4L q Cry W W H x a aH aa.aa HaHHm~ zw O a O C y ~ H H W U' W f]q ~ m H Cn O H a (/J Ul '~ SJ W ."lY O ,~E H H .'~ ~1 a FC U ft W H ` O W .4 ~G x E U cn W [O q ~. N ~G U C.S W 3 ~ N m ,-~ C W O .-1 N ~o r o o ~n N O N lO r H O~ O C r N O a N O O O O H N N M V' C v C' r m 0 C O bl CL .J M + U 1 N I O O O O O O O O O O O O O p O to 00 i O I F E ly.~ a. 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