COVID-19 FAQ's

View Resources
Can I visit my CASA children face to face?
No, face-to-face visits with children are not allowed until further notice. The health and safety of our children, Advocates and community at-large remains a priority during this time. This is effective immediately and will be in place until further notice. Communication with children via phone, video, etc. remains strongly encouraged to minimize our children feeling isolated or forgotten. In the meantime, please use the Exception Form and document your actions in Optima.

I’m concerned about my CASA children’s anxiety, fear, or reaction to the uncertainty and fear surrounding the coronavirus. What can I do to help comfort them if we cannot visit them?
Advocates are requested to maintain frequent communication using technology to keep in touch with their CASA children, as best as possible. We realize this capability will vary depending on the age of the child and their current placement. Please do the best you can to let them know you are still their CASA and that we are being extra careful to keep everyone healthy. This protocol will be in place until further notice in accordance with city guidelines. Communication with children via phone, video, etc. remains strongly encouraged to minimize our children feeling isolated or forgotten. In the meantime, please use the Exception Form and document your actions in Optima.

Can I still take my children out in public for outings, shopping, previously scheduled events or to eat?
No, face-to-face interaction with children is not allowed until further notice. Given the uncertainty with the Coronavirus, we will exercise an abundance of caution to help minimize exposure and spread of the virus.

Should I still show up to scheduled court hearings?
No. The Bexar County Children’s Court is requiring all parties, including CASA staff and Advocates, to participate in their hearings by phone. Please contact your CASA supervisor to receive the phone number you will need to participate. If hearings are dropped or reset, your supervisor will notify you of the changes.

Can I still pick up or drop off donations (school supplies, clothing, etc.) to CASA? (Updated 4.22.20)
Picking-up Donations: CASA will be taking requests from advocates to pick up supplies that we currently have at the office so that you can drop them off for your CASA children. Please fill out this form to submit your requests and CASA staff will do our best to fulfill your order. We will confirm that we received your order request via email, and on Monday afternoon, you will receive an email with confirmation for your pick up time and further pick up instructions. 

Dropping-off Donations: We've listed the most requested items from the survey we sent to advocates below concerning the needs of your CASA children during this time. If you are able to donate any of these items, you can drop them off on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at our office: 
Cloth masks for teens / adults, Diapers, Wipes, Soap, Shampoo, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Grade leveled activity / work books, Index cards, Puzzles/games, Sidewalk chalk, Bubbles, Play-dough.

Shipping Donations: We will also be accepting orders through our Amazon Wish List. If you choose to ship a donation, please only do so through this Amazon link to ensure that we receive the item(s).

Can I drop off items for my CASA kids on their porches? (Updated 4.22.20)
In response to the needs assessment that was completed we would like to implement a no contact porch drop off protocol at this time to help get needed items to the children that we serve. A few things to remember:
  • Please ensure that you have the permission from the placement for the porch drop off and you have notified your CASA supervisor. 
  • Please remember do not to have any direct contact with anyone in the home, including children.
  • Please wear a mask or face covering in accordance with city protocol. 
Items that are appropriate to drop off: activities, games, puzzles, educational workbooks, pre-packaged snacks (not homemade), new clothing items, toiletries and books. 

How long will this protocol be in place?
Until further notice in accordance with city guidelines. Our CEO and leadership team are monitoring the evolving situation daily and will take this two weeks at a time. Any updates and changes to the protocol will be emailed to all Advocates, with supervisors also reaching out by phone to ensure all Advocates are updated.

How can I best help support CASA outside of my duties as an Advocate?
As we continue our work remotely, support in the form of financial gifts to ensure we are able to continue our mission are greatly appreciated. You can make a financial gift here to support our continued operations.

Can I observe a parent child visit?
No, face-to-face interaction with children or parents is not allowed until further notice. Given the uncertainty with the Coronavirus, we will exercise an abundance of caution to help minimize exposure and spread of the virus.

How is CPS currently functioning?
Starting 3/30, CPS will only be doing virtual home visits unless there is a safety concern that requires an in-person visit. Parent-child visits will mostly be done through Zoom or Skype. All CPS offices are closed to the public. Staff at the main CPS offices are still available to answer phones. Advocates can reach out to CPS workers to be included on the parent/child virtual visits so that they can observe.

Please continue to stay in touch with your Advocate Supervisor with any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you for pulling together with us as we work to ensure every foster child has someone to support them!

What will the school year look like for children in Bexar County?
Most schools have announced that they will be implementing remorse learning at least until Labor Day. Please see the specific dates below:
  • NISD: The first day of school will be 8/24 and will be online only until at least 9/8.
  • NEISD: The first day of school will be 8/17 and will be online for the first 3 weeks of school.
  • SAISD: The first day of school will be 8/17 and will be online only until Labor Day.
Help Provide Needed Tech Items for CASA Staff

COVID-19 Advocate Resources

Forms

Crisis Lines

Text "HOME" to 741741
800-662-HELP (4357)

Parenting / Advocate Resources

Plus comics, podcasts and links to support your efforts.
Children as young as 8 months respond well to interactions with people via video chat platforms.
While there's no shortage of video calling apps in the market, kid-friendly apps are a rarity.

Virtual Tours / Field Trips for Children

Share by: