BOOK PROJECT
Just for Now: Kids and the People of the Court

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Just For Now: Kids and the People of the Court is a 6-color, 48-page, fully illustrated hardcover picture book designed to help court appointed special advocates communicate with children ages 6 to 12. This book was written and published in response to an overwhelming need.

What is CPS? What’s a court appointed special advocate?
What is a judge? Why do I need a lawyer? What’s a foster parent? How long will I be here? When can I go home? Will I have to go to court?
Is my mommy in trouble?

These are the questions asked by thousands of children whose lives are disrupted every year by abuse and neglect. Just for Now: Kids and the People of the Court incorporates the ideas and suggestions of more than 400 Child Advocates volunteers, staff, and young people in a “creative nonfiction” approach to addressing these tough questions.

Illustrated by Tony Sansevero, written by Kimberly Morris with staff and volunteers of Child Advocates, Inc. and based on a storyline by Kathleen Burke – this lively and humorous story explains the judicial system as seen through the eyes of Rachel and her little brother, Gilbert – who represent the first two children served by Child Advocates.

They are victims of neglect, but like many children in their situation, they don’t know anything else... so they can’t imagine why all these “busybodies” insist on interfering. In the course of their adventures, they meet Ms. Casey who, along with Officer Friendly, takes them to a foster home presided over by Mr. and Mrs. Lin. The colorful cast of foster siblings includes Sarah, who is in foster care because she was abused and is patiently waiting to be adopted; and Super Vernon who dreams of busting his parents out of jail and flying them to Disney World.

In the course of their foster care adventure, Rachel and Gilbert also meet Mr. Zapato, their attorney ad litem who explains that his job is to go to court and “stand in their shoes”; Judge Wise who gives them a tour of the courtroom; and a stray dog named Spud who teaches Rachel and Gilbert that when you love someone, the best way to show it is to make sure you live up to your responsibilities.

But the most important person in the cast of characters is Miss Hart, their court appointed special advocate. It is with her help that Rachel and Gilbert find the answers to their questions, and ultimately learn that all these distant and sometimes scary people of the court really and truly are dedicated to finding the happiest possible ending to every child’s story.

The book is a special project of Child Advocates, Inc. and is endorsed by Texas and National CASA associations. It includes a glossary of court terms for kids. There is also a Spanish language version of the book along with a user’s guide and activity sheets.

Order your copy of the book now – or to order by mail, please download the order form.

For more information contact Karim Kafray, Development Director, Child Advocates, Inc. (713) 529-1396, ext 219.

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A special thank you volunteers Barbara Abell and Jackie Crowley for their time and leadership with this project. Without them, this book would not be in the hands of thousands of children today. If after reading this book you feel compelled to send Barbara and Jackie a note of appreciation – please drop us a line and we will make sure it gets to them.

English Edition ISBN: 978-0-9754953-9-1
Spanish Language Edition ISBN: 978-0-9754953-7-7