ENVIRONMENT YOUTH ARTS FAMILY AND ARTS , WELLNESS SUSTAINABILITY
EDUCATION
AND WELLNESS COMMUNITY HEALTH
BALTIMORE CHESAPEAKE BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS -
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Peer Intern SPECIAL EDUCATION Intern
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Shan Peer Mentor : : Ethan Jonathan : Wang Caroline Cionne Arauz Gu Lee Vallecillo Gates Colvin
Supervisor Peer Mentor : Leisha : Nadia : Sarah
Koye Winley West Oputa
Supervisor : Troy Ernest : Nawal Reah Jennings Maynard Vasilakopoulos
Rajeh Howell
What Supervisor : Annabelle Bacordio
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I had the opportunity to work with CASA of Baltimore this summer . Through this experience , I was able to dive into the history and judicial process of foster care in Baltimore City . Before CASA , I didn ’ t have an in-depth understanding of how children ended up in foster care , so I wanted to put a large focus on the role that CASA played in training and supporting its volunteers . What I learned is that court appointed special advocates ( CASAs ) serve as the bridge between the juvenile court , foster kids , and their families . After getting to know the family for a period of time , CASAs speak in court on the best interests of the child and advocate for next steps . Each family has different needs . Some parents need substance use treatment , anger management classes , or parental training . Some children need additional support for developmental disabilities , homework , or various other social and emotional needs .
If I could use only one word to describe how I ’ ve grown this summer , it would be “ empathy .” While the intent of foster care is to look out for the best interests of the child , it is a very difficult system to navigate and can result in traumas for both the child and the parents . Racism , classism , ablism , and xenophobia are all factors that can cause a child in a loving household to be separated . Although I haven ’ t personally experienced the challenges with foster care , I can still play a part in supporting our volunteers and youth . My main goal this summer was to create a CASA resource guide that covers some of the most common needs . I want it to be especially helpful for youth who age out of the system at 21- years-old .
Overall , my time with CASA has helped me realize that public health is more than pandemics and healthcare . It applies to any system with inequities and individuals who aren ’ t provided the opportunity to advocate for themselves . In the future , I hope to continue being involved with CASA and learning from our youth .
Created a comprehensive CASA of Baltimore resource guide for our volunteers and youth to provide assistance with food insecurity , housing , healthcare , life skills , and more
Designed and led a training on the impact of racial prejudice on the history of foster care
Coordinated an appreciation event for our volunteers
Designed flyers and Instagram posts to spread awareness of CASA ’ s mission
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