Child Advocates of Contra Costa County
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Child Advocates of Contra Costa County
@childadvocates.bsky.social
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Child Advocates of Contra Costa County is dedicated to providing programs and support for abused and neglected children in foster care to help every child find a permanent home and complete their education.
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📣 Ann Wrixon, our Transition Advisor and former Executive Director, and Bob Salgado, Program Director, co-authored a new article in BMC Health Services Research alongside UCSF and UC Berkeley. The study explores how a digital app and telementoring model could expand substance use prevention for fost
Advancing access to substance use prevention for foster youth through digital innovation: an open trial of fostrspace with court appointed special advocate programs - BMC Health Services Research
Background Adolescents in foster care report high rates of mental health needs, yet intervention access remains limited. Substance use commonly co-occurs with mental health symptoms, but availability of substance use services for foster youth is even more scant than mental health services. Technology has advanced access to behavioral health care across the lifespan, but only for certain sectors of the population. Little research focuses on leveraging technology to advance access for foster youth. We report open trial findings, as a precursor to launching a large-scale implementation science trial, on how a U.S. nationwide serving support system for foster youth, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), might be leveraged to expand access to substance use prevention resources via the FostrSpace app. FostrSpace provides asynchronous resources and synchronous navigator, peer support, and direct clinical intervention. A concurrent 6-session ECHO® substance use prevention telementoring curriculum was co-developed as a FostrSpace implementation strategy with a 6-member CASA Advisory Board. Methods Seven youth-CASA dyads enrolled in the open trial. We used a mixed-methods design (quantitative assessment and qualitative exit interviews) to assess feasibility and acceptability of ECHO® sessions (CASA-only) and the usability of the FostrSpace app (youth-only). Results Six of seven of the youth accessed the app at least once, but a majority reported the app log-in process was burdensome and unappealing, thereby limiting them from frequently using the app. All youth rated the app features, design and content as appealing, helpful and relevant. ECHO® -FostrSpace session attendance was high (most attended 5 or more sessions) and CASAs found the content highly engaging and useful, especially regarding CASA-youth substance use communication skills. Conclusions Technological barriers, such as log-in burden, can prevent youth in need from accessing relevant services and must be regularly assessed and resolved. Substance use education and skills-building for CASAs is novel and a viable implementation strategy to increase foster youth access to digital behavioral health services innovations. Substance use prevention content should be integrated within discussions on youth mental health and trauma to be most engaging and relevant. Findings are informing the subsequent hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial design of FostrSpace with 400 youth-CASA dyads across 10 CASA programs in California. Trial registration Retrospectively registered.
bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com
We know how important education is. Our Tutors are trained in trauma-informed practices and meet with children weekly to help with homework, learning challenges, and confidence-building.

Your time can change a child’s life.

Learn how to become a Tutor:
🔗 bit.ly/42P85hL
We are saddened by the passing of Supervisor Federal Glover, the County’s longest-serving and first Black supervisor. His dedication to our community, including children in foster care, left a lasting impact. His leadership and compassion will be deeply remembered.
#RememberingFederalGlover
When others gave up, a CASA Volunteer chose to stay. For a child who's experienced too much loss, that choice means everything.

Be the one they can count on. Become a CASA Volunteer today.
🔗childadvocatesofcontracostacounty.org/become-an-ad...

#CASAVolunteer #ChangeALife
"The one thing I had in the back of my mind was "Don’t give up" on her. She's had way too many people in her life give up on her, and I wasn't going to be another one."

Become a CASA volunteer today: bit.ly/4d9tTIA

#casavolunteer #childadvocates
Keondra and Kristin
Keondra and Kristin's Story
youtu.be
Monthly donations make a BIG impact! By giving monthly as a Changemaker, you provide continuous support for educational programs, mental health resources, and advocacy for children in foster care. Together, we can empower these children every day!

🔗 bit.ly/44DU4ES

#SupportOurYouth #Changemakers
Did you know that over 200 children in foster care in our county rely on our advocacy services? With your help, we can continue to change lives and create brighter futures for them. Donate now, help us meet our matching gift, and spread the word!
🔗 bit.ly/3GPgjxL
#FundTheFuture #ChildAdvocates
Spring - Child Advocates Of Contra Costa County
As spring brings new beginnings, we’re reminded of the hope and growth your support makes possible. With your help, we’ve continued to make meaningful
childadvocatesofcontracostacounty.org
📖 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲: 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸

Looking for a story that makes a difference? This month’s pick is 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗝𝗼𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗹𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿.
A multi-award-winning memoir, Misplaced Childhood tells Ulsher’s journey from poverty, abuse, and foster care to military service, faith, and exceptional adv
Book | Misplaced Childhood
Misplaced Childhood chronicles one woman’s powerful journey to overcome a tragic past and use her “lived experiences” to inspire others. Wounded by poverty, child abuse, and foster care, Joan Ulsher discovers a purpose-filled life through military service and faith in God.
www.joanulsher.com
Anita’s story shows how tutoring can transform a student’s outlook. Our Volunteer Tutors help with homework, build confidence, and provide caring support.

Guide, inspire, and uplift! Your impact can be life-changing.
🔗 bit.ly/42P85hL

#ChildAdvocates #VolunteerTutoring #FosterCare
This National Foster Care Month, let’s challenge misconceptions and support the resilience of children in foster care.

#NationalFosterCareMonth #FosterCareAwareness #ChildAdvocacy #ChildAdvocates
Our Tutors offer vital educational support for children from k-12. They meet with students weekly, helping with homework, learning concepts, and building confidence in a safe, supportive environment. Learn how to volunteer as a Tutor today:
bit.ly/42P85hL
#tutorsneeded #childadvocates
Cinco de Mayo is more than a celebration. It’s a chance to honor the vibrant culture and traditions of the Mexican community. For children in foster care, celebrating cultural identity can be a powerful way to stay connected to their roots and feel seen, valued, supported.
#cincodemayo #fostercare
𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞!
Join us as a CASA Volunteer and make a lasting impact. 50 local children and youth are waiting to be matched. A few hours a week can change a life. Sign up for an info session today.
bit.ly/4d9tTIA
#childadvocates #casavolunteer
Become an Advocate - Child Advocates Of Contra Costa County
Children and youth with a CASA volunteer benefit from consistent advocacy that ensures their needs are heard and addressed throughout their legal journey.
childadvocatesofcontracostacounty.org
We stand with children in foster care, cchallenging stigma, honoring their stories, and supporting their potential.
They are not defined by their circumstances, but by their courage and resilience.
Learn more: bit.ly/42Hk0OH
#FosterCareAwareness #ChildAdvocates
Over 365,000 kids are in foster care in the US, 67,000+ in CA. 478 in our county still need a volunteer advocate.
May is #NationalFosterCareMonth. Every child deserves support and a voice.
Be the difference. Become a volunteer advocate. 💙
🔗 childadvocatesofcontracostacounty.org/become-an-advocate
Feeling grateful this week and every day for the people at the heart of our mission: our volunteers. 💙
CASA Connection lunches are full of stories, laughter, and moments that remind us why this work matters.
To everyone who gives their time, heart, and presence: thank you.
Did you know you can 𝗗𝗢𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗘 a donation you make to Child Advocates? Many companies offer matching gift programs that make it easy to amplify your impact for the children we serve!
Check if your company matches:
🌐https://bit.ly/42pXFFd
#MatchYourGift #ChildAdvocates
Spring is here, and so is our opportunity to advocate for the children in our community! Your support helps us provide crucial resources and volunteers to children in need. Join us in making a difference.
💝 Donate today: childadvocatesofcontracostacounty.org/spring
#springappeal #childadvocates
Join us in welcoming our newest volunteers! 💙 They’re ready to stand up for children and youth in the child welfare system with care, consistency, and hope.
As we celebrate #GlobalVolunteerMonth, we’re so grateful for all our volunteers. Your commitment changes lives. Thank you!
This March, we celebrate the women who have paved the way for progress and empowerment. Their impact has shaped brighter futures for children and families. Let’s honor their legacy and keep working toward a world where every girl can thrive. 💜
#WomensHistoryMonth #EmpowerGirls #ChildAdvocates
𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓: 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭! (by 3/3)
Youth in foster care deserve strong advocates, and CASA volunteers ensure their voices are heard. Assemblymember Mia Bonta is leading a funding sign-on letter—ask your Assemblymember to join her by 3/3 at 4 PM!
#FundCASA #FosterYouthAdvocacy #WeStandWithCASA
Find Your California Representatives
Use your residential address to find your California State Senate and Assembly representatives.
findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov
We’re Child Advocates of Contra Costa County! 💙
We stand up for children in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, uplifting their voices and ensuring they have the support they need to thrive. Join us in making a difference! ✨
#childadvocates #childwelfare #juvenilejustice #advocacymatters