On this episode, Tracey and Jeff talk about the realities of "aging out" of the foster care system and the challenges young individuals face as they transition into adulthood without traditional support networks. They explores the realities, barriers, and opportunities experienced by youth who are navigating a challenging world towards independence. How has trauma impacted their momentum? What kind of foundational tools can we help provide? All of this and much more on this episode.

Over the years, there have been various shifts in practices within the world of foster care. As we progress, we learn and examine what is best for youth who are removed from their homes because of abuse and/or neglect. Tracey and Jeff discussed these shifts in practices and how the foster care world is continuing to adapt to an ever changing world.

This episode dives into our collective universal goals within the world of foster care. What do we all agree on that will create better outcomes for children who are removed from their home due to abuse and/or neglect? The goals discussed continue to keep our CASA program moving forward!

In this episode, Tracey and Jeff sit down for a thoughtful conversation about what healing truly means, especially for children and families involved in the foster care system. Through reflection, personal insight, and CASA-centered perspective, they explore how healing isn’t linear, how it looks different for everyone, and the vital role consistent advocacy and compassion play in the process. This episode invites listeners to think deeply about resilience, growth, and how showing up, again and again, can make a lasting difference.

On this episode, we talked about how 2026 is going to bring some new goals for us to achieve here at our CASA program. Whether we're implementing programming that addresses poverty in our corner of America, or gauging trauma for those we serve, we're excited to embark on some new goals for 2026! Tracey and Jeff dive into CASA SHaW's goals for this year.

We've been reflecting on what 2025 has brought our CASA program and the children we serve day-in and day-out. As a result, we went back into the CASA Connection vault and are highlight three episodes from this year that meant a lot to us: Effective Advocacy For Youth Living In Foster Care, The Importance Of Resource Parents, and Healing Centered Practices. We hope you enjoy this "best of" 2025 podcast episode as we look towards 2026.

On this episode, Tracey and Jeff discuss various pathways to permanency within the foster care world. Every single family has their own set of circumstances. Every child is unique. How can we make sure we're providing the best path forward for everyone involved? That's what we discuss in this episode. At the root of what we do at CASA, we always strive for safety and permanency for the youth we serve.

This week, we're diving into the phrase "best interest" within the world of foster care. What does "best interest of a child" actually mean? Tracey and Jeff discussed various aspects of this topic, and how CASA volunteers are directly involved with making sure children have a voice. A great episode!