The Washoe CASA Foundation was represented by Case Manager Robin Ruybalid, Board Member Ruby Burnley, and Board Member/Advocate Jodie Black at the annual National CASA Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. The conference was opened by David Ambroz, author of A Place Called Home: A Memoir. Judges, authors, defenders, scholars, and advocates used their session time to spread the message of current research in Child Welfare system reform. Lowering the number of children in foster care, reunifying children with their parents and families, and providing CASA advocates for all children who would benefit from one are the goals. While there are obstacles, different in each state, National CASA continues to define and focus their mission. The conference concluded with fun for all. The annual WalkRunThrive event brought the entire conference population out to the streets to walk to the famous Busch Stadium. There we watched a Cardinals game. While the Cardinals lost to the SF Giants (to the delight of the West coast contingent), we ended our stay very grateful to the National CASA staff, the Hyatt Hilton staff, the participant/advocates from across the country and the incredibly hospitable people of St. Louis. Thanks everyone and thanks WCF for funding this learning opportunity.
