In your Contact Logs in Optima, always check the box next to the child the contact was about, even if the child was not present for the conversation!

The primary source is always your best source of information! For example, if a resource parent mentions how a child is doing at daycare, reach out to the daycare and talk to the teacher or make an appointment to observe the child at daycare; if the resource parent discusses a trip to the pediatrician, contact the pediatrician to get the records; etc.

Use the court report as a guide to your monthly contacts.  Think about the people in each section that could provide the best information about the child and communicate with them regularly.

Ask questions – be aware of our human tendency to fill in gaps by making assumptions – keep asking questions and get your source to paint the entire picture for you.

Remind parties that you are reporting to the court (particularly if folks are slow to get you information).  Sometimes that is a powerful reminder!

Maximize your court efficacy by ensuring:  

• you are clearly identified as a participant so the court staff cannot overlook you,
• you join Zoom early and are prepared to wait (your time slot is just an estimate),
• and you are prepared to speak-up succinctly and clearly when it is your turn!

When communicating with teens you need to be TOTALLY authentic and TOTATLLY present. 

The Bergen CASA office can receive and send faxes such as pediatrician or any doctor records. Use us as your FAX!

We have lots of toys and games in the Bergen CASA office that can be loaned out and used during a visit, or on a rainy day, or just to have some fun. Stop by and see what’s avaible.