Module 4

Activity 4.1: Bailey’s Story and the Importance of Permanence

Part 1: Watch the video “Bailey’s Story” from Stories of Aging Out.

Part 2: Answer the following questions in the online discussion:

• Given Bailey's age and developmental stage at the time of her entry into the child welfare system, how could a CASA/GAL advocate have made a difference in her case?

• What decisions did Bailey make for herself and how did they work out for her? How did she show resilience in the face of adversity?

Activity 4.2: Protective Factors Part 1: Having watched Bailey’s video, open the document below to learn about factors affecting resilience in youth. Make a note of which protective factors you believe apply to Bailey’s situation.

It has been shown through research that individuals differ widely in their responses to stress. Because of this, and because resilience is shaped by so many factors, the development of resilience is a personal journey. Some approaches to building resilience may be effective for one person, but might not result in success for another.

• In what ways did Bailey find permanence? In what ways did she not?

• How could a CASA/GAL volunteer have made a difference in Bailey's case?

Part 2: In the online discussion below, share three protective factors you think are most prominent in Bailey’s case and how you think these factors show up in the case.

Activity 4.3: Comparing Advocacy Across Age Ranges

How do you think your role as a CASA/GAL volunteer working with an older youth may differ from your role working with a child age 10 or younger?

Think back to what you learned about the developmental differences between children and older youth as you create your response.

Activity 4.4: What is Culture?

Culture is a learned pattern of customs, beliefs and behaviors, socially acquired and socially transmitted through symbols and widely shared meanings. Culture can be defined as an organized group of learned responses and ready-made solutions to problems people face and how to live day-to-day.

Culture is not only bound by race and ethnicity. Groups of people who work in certain fields may develop a unique culture. They have a unique language, practice model, etc. Culture defines how we do things, think about things and talk about things.

There are many analogies that help us understand culture. One is that culture is like an iceberg: There are parts we can see and parts we can’t see but know are there. The part above the waterline makes up only about 10 percent of an iceberg’s entirety. The visible parts of culture might include dress, music, food and…