A stark reality is that children in foster care can endure unimaginable hardships, often facing circumstances that no child should ever have to know. This was the case for three-year-old Javier* and his seven-year-old sister, Melanie*. Their young lives have been marked by inconceivable neglect and trauma. With their father incarcerated and their mother recently deceased, their world seemed to crumble, leaving little room for hope. Yet, despite the darkness surrounding their short lives, Javier and Melanie’s high spirits shine through, inspiring all who come into their lives.
When their Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Linda, first met the siblings in 2023, she immediately saw their light and joy. After a few visits, she discovered a bright young girl who enjoys playing card games and a cheerful toddler who likes to play bingo and look at seek-and-find books with his sister. CASA Linda didn’t just focus on the children; she prioritized building relationships with their caregivers, a maternal uncle and aunt who had stepped up to provide a home. Together, they worked on arranging tutoring services for Melanie and obtaining a developmental assessment for Javier to see what educational support he may need as they identified a potential preschool for him. Within a few months, the caregivers moved to a new home with Javier, Melanie, and their biological cousins. CASA Linda remained a consistent presence in their lives through this significant change to the child’s environment. When CASA Linda visited them at their new home, Javier and Melanie met her at the door with beaming smiles and hugs.
As Javier began preschool, it became evident that he would greatly benefit from speech-language therapy. As his caregivers struggled to identify a speech therapist without a waitlist, CASA Linda assisted them in their search and worked with Javier’s maternal aunt to contact his pediatrician to determine possible recommendations. A month later, Javier began speech therapy and now has started talking in complete sentences. Melanie’s progress has also been remarkable. With the support of tutoring, she caught up in reading and improved her math skills. Now, in the middle of second grade, she has blossomed into a friendly, well-adjusted child who thrives on positive encouragement from her teachers.
Going the extra mile as a CASA, CASA Linda and Melanie began an equine-assisted mentorship program in early August. For an hour every week through May 2025, CASA Linda and Melanie groom, wash, lead, and tend to their assigned horse, Jelly Bean. As Melanie’s mentor, CASA Linda has worked with Melanie and the program staff to develop a tailored program incorporating life skill areas like emotional awareness, responsibility, and independence. Their weekly sessions also foster a healthy relationship between the two, making it clear to Melanie that she matters and is worthy of CASA Linda’s time. The impact of CASA Linda’s advocacy is profound. Javier and Melanie are not just surviving; they are beginning to heal and thrive. They are learning, laughing, and experiencing joy for the first time in a long time. Their journey highlights the critical role that a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) can play in the lives of vulnerable children.
CASA Linda’s journey with Voices for Children began in 2022, and her commitment to being a voice for children in the foster care system was evident from the start. She doesn’t just fulfill her responsibilities; she consistently goes above and beyond. Before advocating for Javier and Melanie, she served as a CASA for a young teenage boy, Leo*, who faced many challenges. Being nervous about connecting with Leo, CASA Linda navigated complex situations with empathy and resourcefulness, acting as a bridge between various stakeholders and ensuring Leo’s* best interests remained front and center. Because of her advocacy, Leo returned home to his father. CASA Linda became critical support not just for Leo but also for the father, the social service practitioner, and all parties involved. Beyond her work as a CASA, Linda is also a valued member of the Riverside County CASA Program outreach team, spreading the word about the transformative role of a CASA in the communities we serve, including Riverside, Corona, Temecula, Palm Desert, Murrieta, Menifee, Banning, Indio, Hemet, Perris, and more further demonstrating her commitment to children in need throughout the vast region.
Name: Linda P.
County: Riverside
Occupation: Retired school employee
Became a CASA in: 2022
Favorite thing about being a CASA: “Being able to help make a positive difference in the lives of children who have limited options.”
You, too, can make a significant difference in the lives of youth in foster care. Your support and advocacy can be a beacon of hope for young children like Javier and Melanie. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer and start making a positive impact today.
*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality