According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children in foster care can be classified as a population with special healthcare needs, as 30% to 80% of children entering the foster care system do so with at least one medical problem. Children living in foster care seldom have access to all the resources needed, and, as a result, they can experience far worse outcomes when managing such conditions. Having an adult who understands the unique challenges and service needs of a child with disabilities within the child welfare system and how to address them can impact that child’s whole way of living. CASA Lori embodies this through her persistent advocacy for her case youth whose medical conditions require specialized treatments, care, and equipment.
In 2022 CASA Lori was assigned to *Adam’s case, a 14-year-old youth who has chronic debilitating conditions. Because of Adam’s extensive medical needs, his guardian requested to terminate legal guardianship after many years of care as she did not feel she could adequately care for Adam due to her older age. When CASA Lori first visited Adam, he was residing in a youth medical facility. CASA Lori noticed that Adam was in isolation throughout his day due to one of his potentially contagious medical conditions. Adam’s teacher held school sessions in his room, having no interactions with children his age and few familiar faces in his daily interactions. CASA Lori knew that a teenage boy should have more social interaction and consistent fresh air, so she reached out to Adam’s social worker and attorney to gather more information and see how they could help Adam socialize without compromising his health needs. Together they came to the agreement that with some social distancing and personal protective equipment, Adam could interact with others in a way that did not affect his well-being.
Today, Adam has peer-to-peer interactions during school time, goes on daily walks with staff members, and can participate in music visits and community outings. Thanks to CASA Lori and a little creative thinking with other professionals involved in Adam’s life, his daily routine now includes more social interactions and outdoor activities while keeping him healthy and safe.
Name: Lori W.
County: San Diego
Became a CASA: 2016
Advice to New CASAs: “Embrace the awkward moments and stick with it. Your kiddos will appreciate you at some point in their lives, and even if they don’t, it’s always worth the effort.”
You, too, can make a difference in the life of youth in foster care. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer.
*Names and details have been changed to protect confidentiality
NATIONAL MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO CHILDREN MONTH: The Benefit of Working with Youth in Foster Care Goes Both Ways