Impact Report

As a new CASA, Kim was assigned to 12-year-old “Jackson.” Jackson’s family came to the attention of Child Welfare Services (CWS) in the summer of 2021 after reports were received alleging ongoing and escalating domestic violence between the parents. Subsequently, Jackson and his three younger siblings were removed and put into foster care.

CASA Kim quickly dove in and built relationships with his CWS and tribal social workers. When CASA Kim was first introduced to Jackson, he frequently got into fights and even ran away several times. Jackson was very reluctant to bring down his walls. He was quiet, reserved, and convinced that CASA Kim would leave “just like all the others.” CASA Kim was determined to see what was behind Jackson’s hard exterior. Through CASA Kim’s consistent visits, Jackson slowly began opening up and felt comfortable sharing more about his life.

Jackson always seemed much older than he was due to his stature. His presumed age is not just in the physical sense. He felt the weight of the tremendous responsibilities placed on him at such a young age to care for himself and his siblings. For example, he reported to CASA Kim it often fell to him to find money to pay for food for himself and his siblings. He often recalled many nights comforting his siblings for hours as they cried during his parents’ fights and in their early days in foster care.

Jackson confessed to CASA Kim that he felt he needed to act street-tough so that people would not mess with him and his family. At the age of 12, he told CASA Kim he was sure he would end up in Juvenile Court and eventually in jail.

Jackson saw no other path for himself. Fortunately, CASA Kim did.

CASA Kim’s incredible advocacy and partnership with the minor’s attorney allowed them to advocate for special education resources through the Tutoring, Reading, & Empowering Children (TREC) Program. The TREC Program is designed to meet the unique needs of students between the ages of 5 and 22 who exhibit emotional and behavioral challenges. The program is dedicated to helping these students manage significant emotional reactions, learn to behave responsibly, increase positive social interactions, increase resilience, and improve academic progress. CASA Kim reports it has been game-changing for Jackson’s confidence. She also helped Jackson get involved at a local gym. He says he feels less displaced and overwhelmed with the support he is receiving now. CASA Kim has also forged a connection with Jackson’s parents, who continue to make progress in their respective recovery programs.

CASA Kim’s involvement and advocacy on this case have undoubtedly been impactful and changed Jackson’s life path in many positive ways, giving him hope for a brighter future.

“Adam” was 10 and “Mary” was 8 when they were found alone and scared in a car. Their parents were struggling with opioid addiction, and when they were found, the kids didn’t know how long they had been waiting for their parents to return. The siblings were assigned to CASA Cassie and placed with their paternal grandparents, who stepped up and welcomed them into their home.

CASA Cassie met with the children every other week through FaceTime, as social distancing guidelines were in place. Once restrictions were lifted, she took them on outings and bonded over their interests — for Adam, it was football, and for Mary, it was animals (especially horses!). CASA Cassie also developed a strong relationship with the family.

At their next hearing, Adam and Mary’s social worker asked the court to order that the parents no longer be provided with services to reunify with their children. However, CASA Cassie saw how committed the parents were and how hard they were working to change their lives. Like many children in foster care – more than anything – Adam and Mary wanted to go home to their parents. CASA Cassie asked the court to give them more time, and the judge agreed.

For Mary and Adam’s parents, losing their children was rock bottom. They were eager to participate in services to live a sober life and regain the right to parent their children. They took advantage of every opportunity to visit Adam and Mary and slowly but steadily began rebuilding their family. CASA Cassie encouraged and supported them at every step.

The COVID-19 pandemic strained the already overburdened child welfare system. The children’s social worker changed five times in just a few months and would often encourage the grandparents to consider adoption. However, they would always decline because they wanted their son and daughter-in-law to have a chance to regain custody of their children. As the children’s advocate, CASA Cassie could see the full picture and reassured the grandparents that she understood what they wanted most: to see their family reunited.

When it was time for the court to determine if the children could return home, the new social worker had little information about the parents’ progress in drug treatment and their housing situation. Fortunately, CASA Cassie provided these updates to the judge. She explained Adam and Mary felt safe with their parents and that going home with them was in the best interest of the children.

Shortly after, Adam and Mary were finally able to reunite with their parents. When the case officially closed in February 2022, CASA Cassie was the first person the mother hugged when they exited the courtroom.

Today, the family is happy and thriving. The mother still thanks CASA Cassie and often says she believes CASA Cassie is why her kids are with them today.

CASA Cassie’s dedicated advocacy and consistent support helped this family achieve reunification.