Before a child ever enters the foster care system, they often endure invisible battles that no young mind should have to bear. Many children experience severe parentification, being forced to grow up overnight. Instead of worrying about schoolwork, friendships, and play, these children become the emotional anchors of their homes. They cook meals, manage household chaos, and act as surrogate parents to younger siblings, carrying the weight of a struggling family structure on their small shoulders. Without predictability and safety, they lose something fundamental: the opportunity to simply be a child.
This is where a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) steps in to alter the trajectory of a child’s life. A CASA is a dedicated, consistent adult appointed by a judge to get to know the child, understand their unique needs, and advocate solely for their best interests in the courtroom, school, and community. They are a stabilizing force who listens to the child’s hopes and guards their well-being. More than that, a CASA brings joy and a sense of normalcy back into a child’s world, reminding them that their dreams and happiness matter. CASA Janet’s work with 11-year-old Makenna* is a shining example of this transformative advocacy in action.
When Janet was first assigned to Makenna, she met a young girl who was deeply parentified, spending the majority of her energy caring for her toddler brother and trying to hold her family together. Makenna had rarely known the carefree joy of just being a kid.
When an opportunity for a free sleepaway camp became available, CASA Janet recognized it immediately for what it was: a rare chance to give Makenna a week of pure childhood. When Makenna expressed her excitement for the equestrian camp, CASA Janet made it her mission to make it happen.
Even when Makenna’s caregivers gave notice and she was unexpectedly moved to a temporary emergency shelter, CASA Janet refused to let the dream slip away. Facing a maze of administrative hurdles, she spent hours on the phone with HHSA social workers, staff, and her Voices for Children Advocacy Supervisor. She coordinated medical histories, went through packing lists with a fine-tooth comb, guided staff on what needed to be packed and when, and arranged transportation to ensure Makenna would make it on time.
Despite the disruption of losing a caregiver, CASA Janet’s relentless dedication kept the summer camp dream alive. Through her advocacy, CASA Janet did far more than register a child for camp. She made it clear to Makenna that her happiness is worth fighting for, proving that a CASA doesn’t just help a child navigate the foster care system; they protect their right to experience a real childhood.
Name: Janet K.
County: San Diego
Occupation: Elementary school teacher
Became a CASA in: 2015
Favorite part of being a CASA: “Building a trusting relationship with the children. I enjoy helping them in any way I can and just having a good time doing fun activities and outings.”
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
