SFCASA's Response to the Derek Chauvin Trial

Dear SFCASA Community,

The eleven months since George Floyd’s senseless and violent death on May 25, 2020 have been an emotional time for our nation, for California, and especially for our community members of color— foster youth, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), and staff. Like so many, SFCASA has been closely following the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.

This tragic event has sparked deeper conversations around systemic/individual racism’s impact on communities of color. In SFCASA’s context, how crucial it is to confront the legacy of white supremacy  in the systems that are intended to protect and support vulnerable BIPOC youth, but often inflict additional and unnecessary trauma. We acknowledge more than ever the importance of culturally humble advocacy and the need  to listen and learn from the children and families that we serve.

It is our hope that Mr. Floyd’s death and this trial in Minneapolis, will remind everyone of the value of each human life, encourage greater respect toward one another, and move us to call out and eliminate racialized violence and the legal mandates that make it possible. We hope that the guilty verdict has given Mr. Floyd’s family some small measure of peace and paves the way for greater accountability at all levels of law enforcement and other systems.

SFCASA is humbled by the scope of what still needs to be accomplished in our country, in our own community, and in our own lives. We are committed to working towards ending racial injustice wherever we find it, and especially in the Child Welfare system. We call for our staff and advocates to continue practicing cultural humility, and to engage in all learning opportunities that can serve as opportunities to address systemic oppression where we see it. With that in mind we invite you to join us at an upcoming Continuing Education training:

Racism in the Child Welfare System

Wednesday, June 23 6-8pm via Zoom with David Noble and Brisia Gutierrez of the Alliance for Children's Rights

Over the course of this training, participants will gain an overview of the history of racism in the child welfare system, the impacts of racism and bias in the system today, and how to employ cultural humility in engaging with young people in foster care. In addition, participants will explore ongoing efforts to make the system more equitable and just for Black and Brown families and communities. 

Registration link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZApcumtrDwjHNMSoLy4a6aK9rPRtXQyMsgg

We appreciate you all.

SFCASA Family