Each child we serve has suffered Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): traumatic events that occur in childhood that can include neglect, abuse, or growing up in a family with mental health or substance use issues. The presence of ACEs can have long-term consequences in a youth’s life through adulthood, being linked to chronic health problems, high-risk behaviors, mental illness, and more. However, our Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) model is designed to support youth or children who have experienced such trauma. The presence of a supportive adult relationship can serve as an influential factor against the adverse effects of childhood trauma.
How CASA volunteers build resilience in trauma-impacted youth
CASAs pay attention. They stand by children throughout their time in foster care, showing them they can rely on adults. CASAs learn about children’s unique mental health needs by spending time with them and speaking with members of the children’s support network. They monitor their access to mental health services and progress on therapeutic goals. When children encounter barriers to receiving critical mental health services, CASAs collaborate with the children’s social worker, attorney, and judge to find solutions. The American Academy of Pediatrics Healthy Foster Care America Initiative identifies mental and behavioral health as the “greatest unmet health need for children and teens in foster care.” Through their advocacy, CASAs help break down barriers to help youth in foster care get the mental health support that they need.
Being there through all the ups and downs
in his life through multiple changes in placements, schools, and services. Through her advocacy, Jonathan is now in a placement that allows him to receive therapeutic services. CASA Christina also serves as his educational rights holder. As Jonathan approaches high school graduation, she helps make the best decisions regarding his academic success. When asked how she supports Jonathan’s mental health as his CASA, she shared, “I have established receptive communication with the therapist, the school, and daily mental health staff. The cooperative sharing of information regarding behavior, medication, and mood observations has helped determine a more fluid treatment plan for him.”
When Jonathan is having a tough time, CASA Christina picks up his favorite meal or takes him for a car ride to sing songs playing on the radio, providing a welcome distraction. These small gestures and the consistency of CASA Christina’s presence allow Jonathan to experience a trusting relationship and relieve his stress of “not knowing what to expect” from an adult. With this established stability, Jonathan can feel hope and explore possibilities about his future beyond simply surviving.
Listening, learning, and supporting
For over a year and a half, CASA Tracey has diligently served as an advocate for her assigned youth, 18-year-old Mariana. She is a vibrant teen with a great sense of humor, enjoys interacting with others, and has a positive outlook on life despite the adversity she has endured. However, before she had the consistency and stability of a CASA in her life, Mariana struggled to regulate her emotions and develop coping mechanisms to make healthy choices. Needing mental health support, Mariana has been receiving treatment outside of San Diego County. Nonetheless, CASA Tracey frequently visits, schedules video chats, and has consistent calls with her, building a very close relationship. Working with Mariana’s case manager, social worker, and teachers, CASA Tracey did everything possible for Mariana to complete all the requisites to finish high school successfully. After many study sessions, Mariana received her high school diploma in 2023, feeling proud of herself for everything she had accomplished. With her CASA’s presence and support, Mariana is prospering through her recovery, working part-time, and attending a local college.
Exploring every possible resource
When she first met Sophia, CASA Ashley felt she needed to plan engaging activities for their outings. Over time, she realized Sophia enjoyed activities like walking or hiking. “My youth was enduring so much mental and emotional stress in her day-to-day that quieter and simple visits were providing her the emotional break that she needed,” shared CASA Ashley. CASA Ashley’s consistent advocacy for Sophia has enabled her to trust an adult for the first time in a long time, setting a new course for building and caring for future relationships with others. Sophia’s path to recovery is still unfolding slowly, but CASA Ashley’s commitment remains steadfast in navigating her journey, finding practical solutions, and providing a promising environment for her.voices for
How Voices for Children trains CASAs to advocate for children’s mental health
Our training through Advocate University introduces all CASA volunteers to different types of trauma youth may have endured, focusing on ways that youth respond to trauma, behaviors of concern, and how trauma can have a significant effect on their mental health. Due to CASAs’ unique one-on-one advocacy, they may be the first or only person to observe a warning sign that indicates the child is struggling with their mental health.
VFC offers a multi-disciplinary training curriculum incorporating childhood mental health research and trauma-informed child advocacy, including:
- Guidance on how to work with various mental health professionals
- Understanding and supporting children affected by trauma, particularly concerning the risk factors for emotional distress in teens, transitional-age youth, and LGBTQ+ youth
- Strategies for developing cultural competency skills, identifying bias, and creating a sense of belonging
Voices for Children Observes National Foster Care Awareness Month