*This script is to serve as an example only. All information provided and connections contacted must be approved by the custodial agency.

“Hello, (address by first name), this is (your name) with (NAME OF AGENCY).” I am a court appointed special advocate, also called a CASA, and my role is to advocate for the best interests of children who are in the foster care system. I’m calling on behalf of (child’s name) who we believe you might be related to. The parents are (mother’s name) and (father’s name). Is this a good time to talk? I have something important regarding the welfare of (child’s name)”.

[Check with your agency's recommendations for sharing the first and last names of children and parents.]

“As a CASA I help children with any needs that they may have, one being locating family members that can be a support for the child.”

[allow a brief pause for them to register information and ask any questions]

“Our program recognizes the important role of family and positive connections in a child’s life; therefore, we are actively looking for support and/or further information which could hopefully lead us to locating a safe and stable home for (child’s name).”

“If you are interested in helping in any way, please let us know. This could be as simple as providing some missing pieces to (child’s name) history, sharing family pictures, sharing family recipes and other traditions, writing a letter to child, or meeting child for the occasional lunch.”

“If you are interested in possibly welcoming this child into your home, but it would be a financial hardship, you may be eligible for assistance with meeting the child’s needs.”

[ If they are interested in learning more about assistance, go into more detail about health insurance, housing, food, clothing, and college education for the child).]

[ At the end of the conversation, always finish with some sort of follow up in order to keep the conversation going. Hint: you could ask them to look for photos of the child, or gather other relatives’ contact information]

“Thank you for your time and help today. I apologize for any pain or distress this conversation may have triggered. Let’s schedule a follow-up call to see if you were able to gather any more information to help (child’s name)”

“Hi, (name)”

“This is (your name) with (NAME OF AGENCY).” I am a court appointed special advocate, also called a CASA, and my role is to advocate for the best interests of children who are in the foster care system. I’m calling regarding a private and urgent matter. Please return my call or text me at (phone number) at your earliest convenience. I can also be reached via email at (email).” Thank you in advance for your help. Please visit my website at… to learn more about CASAs”