In 2016, Lucas*, a one-year-old infant who is developmentally delayed, was abandoned by his mother at his daycare center. Lucas had visible physical injuries and was examined by a child abuse pediatrician, and it was determined that Lucas’s injuries were consistent with blunt impact trauma. After a thorough investigation, Lucas was placed into a foster home for medically fragile children.
Having just come off a prior sibling case that ended in successful reunification, CASA Kelly answered the call to be Lucas’s Court Appointed Special Advocate or CASA. CASA Kelly met with Lucas, and the two formed a special connection in the following years. For the past seven years, CASA Kelly has been a dedicated advocate and has visited Lucas two to three times every month. CASA Kelly has been there for many of Lucas’s first milestone achievements, including first words, first steps, first days at schools, and summer camps.
He works closely with Lucas’s social worker and caregiver to help ensure that everyone is on the same page and coordinates visits that don’t overlap with Lucas’s schooling and therapy appointments. CASA Kelly has also developed a strong working relationship with Lucas’s caregiver. Together, they work with a vast team of medical specialists to monitor his complex medical conditions and keep a detailed medical tracker to stay on top of Lucas’s ongoing medical needs. They also collaborate and advocate for Lucas’s education, getting him all the best schooling and support, including ongoing services aides, specialized academic instruction, adapted physical education, and music therapy. Both CASA Kelly and his caregiver have worked tirelessly for years to make sure Lucas has everything he needs to develop as best as he can and thrive.
Despite Lucas’s extensive medical conditions and pediatric care needs, he is a sweet and spirited little boy. CASA Kelly shares that Lucas’s persevering spirit takes a back seat to any physical challenges he faces, which is both heartwarming and inspirational to all who meet him. Lucas enjoys music, dancing, and singing. His team of therapists and caregivers have all said that Lucas has a heightened ear for music and demonstrates strong auditory perception that can hopefully aid his ability to adapt to different environments.
Lucas’s caregiver has made it known she wishes to adopt Lucas and be his forever home. She and CASA Kelly have navigated the adoption process together, having finalized the adoption recently. CASA Kelly says it brings him great joy to know how far Lucas has come, and with the love and support Lucas has today, he can thrive and reach his fullest potential.
Name: Kelly G.
County: San Diego
Occupation: Training Specialist for the US Navy and a small business entrepreneur.
Became a CASA in: 2016
Advice to a new CASA: “Remove all personal judgment of what you think a foster child should be. Just accept them for who and where they are and support them unconditionally. By doing that, you can make a stronger connection, which will have a great impact on the kiddo.
You, too, can make a difference in the lives of youth in foster care. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer.
*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality
