This training will focus on how CASAs can support expectant and parenting youth (EPY) in the child welfare system in California so that the youth are thriving as a parent not just surviving. The ultimate goal of CASA advocacy is for the children of parenting youth/NMDs not to enter the child welfare system. We will review the rights and choices of expectant and parenting youth/NMDs in California’s child welfare systems, share resources/benefits available to expectant and parenting youth, and suggest opportunities to create systems of support/resources in your own counties. We will also share some examples of systems of support/resources in Los Angeles County as well as discuss the challenges of implicit bias, racism, and trauma on our EPYs and CASA advocacy. The speakers will outline some guiding principles for CASAs working with expectant and parenting youth.

Attendees will learn how to:

• Identify and strengthen protective factors to ensure the child of the parenting CASA youth does not enter the child welfare system.
• Build up the capacities and skills of the CASA youth to parent and advocate for their child.
• Amplify the EPY’s voice to make their own choices in their life and the life of their child.

Our speakers for this webinar will be:

• Lauri Halderman, Early Childhood Program Manager, CASA of Loas Angeles
• Sylvia Martin, Expectant and Parenting Youth Specialist, CASA of Los Angeles

We will record this webinar and it will be available on California CASAs E-Learning Center. Please share the attached flyer with CASA Advocates and click here if you would like to register.

Click here to register for the webinar!