CASA: A Voice for Children with Kayla Gaffney, LMSW and CASA Volunteer

Ken and Michelle are joined by Kayla Gaffney, LMSW: Therapist, former Idaho Children's Trust Fund Intern, and dedicated Guardian ad Litem volunteer for The Third District Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program, also known as CASA of Southwest Idaho. CASA of Southwest Idaho is a non-profit organization that trains volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect. 

GALS (Guardian ad Litem), also known as CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers, support families by advocating for a child's best interests in the child welfare system, which includes helping parents secure services and housing for family reunification, connecting family members, and providing resources for a child's long-term well-being. 

These volunteers work with parents and other community members to identify barriers to family stability and advocate for appropriate services and resources that strengthen families and lead to positive, permanent outcomes for children. Volunteers are appointed by judges to represent children in the child protection system, ensuring they don't get lost in the process. 

RESOURCES:

National CASA
https://nationalcasagal.org/
CASA of SW ID:
https://www.casaofswidaho.org/
Volunteers Needed:
https://www.casaofswidaho.org/volunteer
Family Advocates:
https://www.familyadvocates.org/casa
Kayla Gaffney:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/kayla-gaffney-boise-id/1169639
Contact between adoptive and birth families outcomes:
https://experts.umn.edu/en/publications/contact-between-adoptive-and-birth-families-perspectives-from-the?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Sponsored by the Idaho Children's Trust Fund
https://idahochildrenstrustfund.org/