More than 1,800 youth in Riverside County foster care have siblings. Of that group, about 40 percent are placed separately from one or more of their siblings, which can be just as traumatizing as being taken away from their parents. Many of our Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers advocate for sibling sets, like our CASA of the Month does for 15-year-old “Lacey” and 14-year-old “Landon.”
Lacey and Landon entered foster care in 2016 after it was discovered their father had been physically abusing them. The siblings lived in a dozen different placements before CASA Christina came into their lives in 2020. Although it meant driving to opposite ends of the county each month, CASA Christina didn’t hesitate in taking their case and never misses a visit. When Lacey recently moved into a new foster home, CASA Christina was there that day to provide comfort and encouragement.
Besides providing support during transitions, CASA Christina holds each youth’s educational rights and helps ensure Lacey and Landon receive the services they need to succeed at school. Both teens also have mental health challenges, and CASA Christina advocates for them in that arena as well.
“I am truly so proud of her,” said Nicole B., Christina’s advocacy supervisor at Voices for Children. “She has given this case her all and continues to impress me day in and day out with her devotion to these children and her unwavering advocacy!”
Christina says her favorite part about being a CASA is advocating for a sibling group. It allows her to get to know two unique children and make a difference in not just one, but two lives.
Volunteer Name: Christina K.
County: Riverside
Became a CASA: 2020
Favorite Quote: “Charity is no substitute for justice.” –St. Augustine
You, too, can make a difference in the life of youth in foster care. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer.
CASA of the Month – March 2022