As of March 18, 2020, Anne Arundel County CASA has suspended all in-person visitations through JUNE 5, 2020, though virtual visits are encouraged to provide consistency and support to your CASA child during this time of uncertainty. Please be sure to connect with your case supervisor with any questions you may have. Remember we are still here to support you! Call your supervisor via her cell phone or email to reach us. We will continue to update you going forward.
In the midst of this unprecedented pandemic, children and families are struggling to make it through each day, one day at a time. Many of our families, already engaged with the child welfare system prior to COVID-19, will have an even more difficult time than the average family. Fortunately, CASA volunteers can still be strong supporters and advocates for the children they are appointed to and their families, while still observing social distancing and self-quarantining protocols.
CASA volunteers can be a support to both resource and biological parents during normal times, and this situation is no different. Volunteers are encouraged to check in with caretakers regularly as a form of support and to lend a listening ear. Parents may be struggling with distance learning school work, children’s lack of traditional routine or lack of services that support our children (therapy, visitations, after school activities, etc.) All of these things may cause trauma reactions for children who already have a history of trauma. Caretakers and CASAs should be aware of this and have behavioral management tools to support youth if needed. To support a child and family, when making weekly check in calls, inquire about items such as:
- Health of all household members — physical and mental
- How are school/distance learning assignments being completed? What was sent by the teacher? Is the teacher available via email to help, if needed? Could the CASA assist virtually?
- What is the family doing to keep busy daily?
- Is anyone in the household still working outside the home?
- Has the child/children had any issues behaviorally since being home?
- If the child’s visitation has been suspended due to COVID-19, have they been able to stay in touch with their parent/sibling(s) by phone?
- Is the household having any other challenges? (Financial, shortage of food, childcare for healthcare workers/first responders, etc.)
- Are there upcoming non-urgent medical/dental appointments for the child/children, and if so, has the Department been consulted to determine whether these appointments can be postponed?
- Does the caretaker have supportive individuals they are relying on right now to stay emotionally and physically healthy?
Please be sure to make phone contact with anyone else involved with the child’s case during this time to determine what their status is currently in relation to the child in question (if services are suspended, being offered remotely, etc.) This includes contact with biological parents if the child is not currently in their custody. Be sure to make contact and help connect them with needed resources they may be seeking – the same as you would the child’s current caretaker.
For resources, please visit 2-1-1 Maryland or you can contact the United Way’s helpline at by calling 211. Additionally, go to Aunt Bertha for a search engine of resources in your or your CASA child’s or family’s area. Keep in mind that these resources may be operating in a modified way during the COVID-19 crisis, so it is important to call first.
Companies including Verizon and Comcast have pledged to keep internet online for customers who can’t pay their internet bills, as well as waive late billing fees and open WiFi hot spots.
Even though we are physically apart, virtual communities keep people connected and build relationships every day. We hope that this will continue to hold true under these stressful conditions.
Above all, please take care of yourself and those around you, and please maintain contact with your CASA Supervisor.
Thank you, and be well!