National Day of Prayer
(click on picture below to watch the recorded event)
Last Month's Speaker Paul Ammons
CASA Outreach Director
(Click on image to view recording)
Paul Ammons, CASA Outreach Director, and Margaret Walls, CASA, shared information and experience about being a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children who are in foster care. From helping a child get glasses to ensuring their records transfer to new schools, a CASA is an expert problem-solver who makes things happen. With resources provided by Voices for Children, CASAs work alongside social workers, caregivers, attorneys, and other professionals to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. At regular intervals, CASAs report on children’s progress and needs. A CASA is able to help the judge understand not only the child’s needs, but also what they like to do, what their favorite color is, or why they are struggling in school. This individualized advocacy helps judges make the most informed decisions for each child’s future.
If you or someone you know is interested in being a CASA, you can contact Voices for Children @858-569-2019.
Here is some additional information on foster care:
Overview
70% of adults in prison, 33% of homeless men and women, and 60% of trafficking victims have histories in child welfare and foster care systems. In San Diego County there are currently 3200 children in the foster system, with 64% under the age of 6. The system is overwhelmed, but the number of children continues to multiply. Many parents are at risk of losing their kids to county services as they face poverty, unemployment, lack of affordable housing, and rising living costs—often combined with issues of domestic violence, mental health, and addiction. Once in foster care, 48% of girls become pregnant by age 19, with few resources to break generational cycles of poverty, abuse, trauma and tragedy.
Loving foster parents can provide the care, stability and mentorship kids need to heal and flourish. But there are not nearly enough, and the average foster family takes in just one child, quitting after one placement due to the overwhelming task. More foster families are needed, and those families need more support.
All through scripture God expresses his care and concern for the orphan and the fatherless. What would happen if hundreds of local churches and thousands of individual Christians shared God's heart for these kids? Ways to Pray for Foster Care:
That God would give us a heart for the orphan and the fatherless, precious boys and girls made in His image. Pray through these verses: Hosea 14:3, Isaiah 1:17, Psalm 82:3, James 1:27
That public awareness and concern for the plight of these children would grow.
That God would raise up and sustain caring Child Welfare Service workers.
That our city's leaders would pursue wise policies that protect children and help break cycles of poverty.
For organizations like Restoration 225 and David's Harp, and local churches like Redeemer, Trinity and Risen, who serve families and kids in foster care.
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