Being a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is often about the profound act of helping a child feel truly seen. It can mean having the patience to build trust with a youth who feels entirely alone, particularly when language and cultural differences compound that lack of safety. Since 2025, CASA Natasha has embodied this commitment as a steadfast advocate for 15-year-old Mary*.
Mary’s journey had been fraught with trauma. Having immigrated to the United States as a young girl, she speaks Farsi as her primary language. In September 2025, Mary entered the dependency system after enduring physical abuse. By the time CASA Natasha met Mary, she was understandably guarded. The trauma of her home life, compounded by the isolating experience of navigating a new country, had left her deeply mistrustful of adults, especially women.
CASA Natasha arrived not just as an advocate, but as a comforting, familiar presence. Raised in a bilingual, multicultural household, Natasha grew up speaking Farsi. When they sat down for the first time, she looked directly at Mary and spoke a simple yet profound greeting:
“Salaam, esm-e man Natasha ast va motevajeh.” (Hello, my name is Natasha and I understand.)
Those few words worked like magic, immediately bringing a bright smile to Mary’s face. Feeling truly seen and respected, Mary opened up to CASA Natasha right away. She shared concerns about her current placement and explained how difficult it had been to try to communicate with people who did not understand her culture or language. Overjoyed to have someone who understood her finally, Mary asked if CASA Natasha would attend her upcoming court hearing in February with her. Naturally, CASA Natasha said yes.
The court date, however, brought an unexpected wave of anxiety. While waiting for the case to be heard, Mary overheard her mother confidently declaring something that alarmed her. The terrifying prospect sent Mary into a panic, leaving her nearly inconsolable. Stepping in as a steady anchor, CASA Natasha comforted Mary and reassured her that she would advocate for her needs and wished. CASA Natasha also immediately alerted Mary’s attorney to her distress, ensuring they all had a thorough, calming conversation about exactly how the hearing would proceed.
By the time the hearing concluded, the heavy cloud of anxiety had completely lifted. Mary gave CASA Natasha a massive hug, saying she didn’t even know what she had been so afraid of, and sharing her immense relief that CASA Natasha was there to protect and support her. Reaching into her bag, Mary pulled out a beautiful, handmade Valentine’s Day thank-you card. Handing it to CASA Natasha, Mary told her that she felt like the luckiest person in the world to have a CASA like her.
For a child in foster care, a courtroom can be an intimidating place, a cold room full of adults making monumental decisions about their future. But Mary’s story proves the sheer power of a CASA’s physical presence in that room. By simply being there and ensuring a child is seen and heard, a CASA transforms a terrifying proceeding into a moment of safety. In that courtroom, CASA Natasha didn’t just represent Mary’s best interests; she proved to a vulnerable youth that she never has to face the hardest moments of her life alone.
Name: Natasha A.
County: San Diego
Occupation: Fitness Instructor
Became a CASA in: 2025
Favorite part of being a CASA: “Having the opportunity to be a consistent, trusted adult in a child’s life. Seeing a child begin to feel heard, build trust, and gain confidence reminds me that even small acts of advocacy can have a lasting impact. Building that relationship with my youth and knowing she has someone in her corner is the best feeling.”
You can be the steady, caring presence a young person living in foster care needs. CASA volunteers help youth feel grounded through life’s most difficult transitions, offering guidance, encouragement, and someone they can count on. If you’re ready to stand beside a child and help them move toward a brighter future, learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer today.
*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality
