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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Just For Now: Kids and the People of the Court?
Just For Now: Kids and the People of the Court is a 6 color 48-page hardcover picture book and a comprehensive communication and education tool for kids and adults involved in the CPS (Child Protective Services) and /or family court system.

Who is the publisher?
The publisher is Child Advocates, Inc., Houston’s CASA chapter (Court Appointed Special Advocates). CASA chapters train volunteers to be court appointed special advocates for children in CPS custody or foster care.

Why are they publishing a book?
Court appointed special advocates who work with children ages 6 to 12 need a child-friendly way to explain their role, the court system, and legal terminology to the children they serve.

Why does it matter if the children understand these things?
Children in the court system feel powerless and at the mercy of forces beyond their control. This book will give them frames of reference for understanding the reasons, logic, and processes by which decisions concerning their welfare are made. It will also help them be better advocates on their own behalf.

What is the book about?
The book tells the story of Gilbert and Rachel who are removed from their home by CPS and go into foster care. In the course of the story, they meet a CPS caseworker, foster parents, foster siblings, an attorney ad litem, a psychologist, a judge, a dog named Spud, and Miss Hart, their court appointed special advocate.

What else is in the book?
The book includes sidebars and a glossary that explains, in very easy language, many legal terms and concepts.

Can children read this book to themselves?
That depends upon the reading skills of the child. If the child cannot read the book, it can be read to the child by their court appointed special advocate, their school counselor, their foster parent, or any interested adult.

Would this book be of interest to anyone besides children?
YES! This book is useful to teenagers and adults who would like a simple and easy way to understand extremely complex terms and situations. Many writers and researchers go to the children’s shelf when they need a quick way to “get up to speed” on a complicated topic.

Why would foster parents, caseworkers, judges, lawyers, therapists and other adults who have a good understanding of the legal system need a book like this?
Adults who understand complex legal terms and processes sometimes struggle to put things into words that children can understand. This story and glossary provide a “script” for adults who need to communicate this information to children.

Is there a User’s Guide or some kind of training to show adults how to use the book effectively?
Yes. There is a web-based user’s guide that can be printed off of the computer and duplicated. There will be facilitated training sessions for Child Advocates volunteers.

How can I get a copy of this book?
All children ages 6 to 12 served by Child Advocates, Inc. or the Texas CASA system will be given books gratis via the child’s court appointed special advocate.One book will be sent gratis to each of the 850 CASA chapters in the U.S.

Where can other people buy the book?
The book is available for individual and bulk purchase from Child Advocates, Inc. Order now!

Who should I contact for more information?
Please feel free to contact Child Advocates, Inc. directly at 713.529.1396.

Who is the project team?
With the help of an advisory group of Houston community leaders, the Child Advocates staff and 400 participating volunteers, the book is now a reality.

The executive project coordinators are Jackie Crowley and Barbara Abell. Jackie is a former training and change management consultant and a Child Advocates volunteer. Barbara is a community economic development consultant and volunteer coordinator. They began collaborating on this landmark publishing project in 2003.

The illustrator is Tony Sansevero, a well-known children’s book illustrator, with the storyline by Kathleen Burke, a professional social services advocate.

Kimberly Morris of PUBLISHING MATTERS, a custom book producer for corporations and nonprofits, is the author and consultant on the project.