ANNOUNCEMENTS
COVID-19 Updates & Resources for Local CASA Programs
Oklahoma CASA is dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of the CASA network, those we serve and the public as a whole. We have been carefully following the news, recommendations and expertise of health officials as the situation with COVID-19 has continued to evolve. We recognize that this is a serious concern and are making the well-being of the network our highest priority.
Resources for CASA Programs
CARES Act Summary - House and Senate Pass the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act with Non-Profit Provisions (click here).
The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act - Download here.
CARES Act - How to Apply for Nonprofit Relief Funds
Families First Coronaviris Response Act & E-FMLA
Poster - Must be posted by April 1, 2020. If working remotely, e-mail or mail directly.
- Employee Rights: Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave under The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
- FAQs.
FFCRA Policy Addemdum - For your personnel handbook (click here).
Families First Coronavirus Response Act - Click here for more information about the Families First Coronavirus Act.
Acknowledgment Form for Staff - Click here to download the Expanded FMLA Acknowledgment Form.
Program Operations
Advocacy Protocols for OK - Click here.
Advocacy Protocols for Volunteers - Click here.
VOCA Time Forms - Detailed samples from Texas - Staff Time-sheet and Volunteer Time-sheet.
Oklahoma Open Meeting Act - Infographic
Sample Board Agenda - (click here) in compliance with videoconference requirements under amended Open Meeting Act.
Remote Work Activity Sheets - Sample activity sheets for remote work from Oklahoma CASA and CASA of NE OK.
Telecommuting Memorandum and Agreement Templates - Here are templates for a memorandum and an agreement for staff that are working remotely.
In case you missed it, please check out National CASA’s “Guidelines for Volunteers” as we navigate advocacy for children and families under the current circumstances. While the title states it is for volunteers, page two includes information about National Standards and staff activities.
Case Management Materials
Staff Supervision Guidelines - Download here.
CASA Advocacy Guidelines - Download here.
Monthly Summary Form - Download here.
Sample Language for Placement Providers - Download here.
COVID-19 Volunteer Visitation Exception Form - Download here.
Case Supervision Form - Download sampler here.
Services Facilitated - Download here.
NATIONAL CASA UPDATES
A Message From National CASA: Support from National CASA/GAL for Online Training & Emergencies – As we continue to monitor the effects of the coronavirus (COVID – 19) and its impact on all of our lives, we have been planning numerous alternative ways we can support you in your service to children and families, as they will continue to need our support, especially during trying times. Continue reading…
A Message From National CASA: regarding the National CASA/GAL Standard (Standards for Local CASA/GAL Programs 2012 version – Standard 7.E.5.f.) for volunteers to visit the child in person with the child once every 30 days at a minimum, please be reminded that the standard also allows for an exception to this practice. Continue reading…
STATEWIDE & CHILD WELFARE UPDATES
- OKDHS COVID-19 Feed – Contains news, guidance and resources for providers.
- State Agency Child Visitation. OKDHS will be using phone and video alternatives for child visitation for the foreseeable future, and will be coming up with strategies such as “front yard” visits that allow for social distance. This is the result of a federal waiver for Title IVB agencies.
- The Oklahoma State Department of Health is tracking cases of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. OSDH will update the state case count each day by noon Central Time.
- Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits - Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources for nonprofits.
Resources for CASA Staff & Volunteers
FOR STAFF
10 CORONAVIRUS CRISIS COMMUNICATION TIPS
IF YOU HAVE TO CANCEL YOUR EVENT BECAUSE OF CORONAVIRUS
GUIDANCE FOR VOLUNTEERS: WAYS TO SAFELY STAY IN TOUCH WITH CHILDREN (From National CASA)
FOR VOLUNTEERS
VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES - A List of Virtual Actives for Volunteers and Children
Virtual Visit Resources: Below are some materials that CASA volunteers can use when staying in contact with their CASA kids. We also encourage volunteers to share these with bio parents (if applicable) so that they can increase and improve contact with their children during this time.
- Virtual Visits: Recommendations by Age and Access Resources by Rose Marie Wentz
- Ways to supplement Face-to-Face visits or when those are not possible by Rose Marie Wentz
- Virtual Parenting Time by By Michael Saini, PhD & Shely Polak Phd(c)
Tech options: Low or No Cost Technology Options for Virtual Participation and Contact
HOW TO TALK TO KIDS & TEENS ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS
TIPS FOR VIDEO CHATTING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN – STAYING CONNECTED WHILE FAR APART
ZERO TO THRIVE: HELPING YOUNG KIDS THROUGH THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) CRISIS
CHILD MIND INSTITUTE: SUPPORTING KIDS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
FOR FAMILES
FEED AMERICA - Find your local food bank.
SMART START CENTRAL OKLAHOMA: Below is some of the information shared with Smart Start's communities to supplement the great things they are already doing in support of children's development. We hope you may find it useful and share it with the young children in your life.
The information in each section is categorized by age.
• STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math)
Campaign Materials from National CASA
#EYESONKIDS - COVID-19 MATERIALS & CAP Materials
National CASA added new resources that highlight the need for all of us to keep eyes on children and work as a community to make sure children are safe.
OKLAHOMA CASA ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 54946
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73154
CHANGE A CHILD'S STORY.TM
Member of the National CASA/GAL Association.