When 16-year-old Alina* entered foster care due to an unsafe home environment, she was quickly placed with a relative outside of San Diego County. The distance created new challenges, but it did not deter Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Leila, who was assigned to her case this past year. From the moment she accepted her assignment, Leila demonstrated the heart, commitment, and persistence that make CASA volunteers so invaluable.
CASA Leila made it a priority to meet Alina as soon as possible. Despite the long distance, she faithfully made visits every month, steadily building trust and connection. Her regular check-ins between visits helped Alina feel supported and cared for, even from miles away.
Understanding the needs of Alina and her relative caregiver, CASA Leila stepped in to help them navigate resources in a community unfamiliar to them. She located a community closet, so Alina could get clothing for the upcoming school year and identified local dentists who accepted her insurance, meaningful actions that helped stabilize her day-to-day life.
When CASA Leila learned that Alina would soon be moving out of state to live with her aunt, she acted quickly to ensure the transition would be as smooth as possible. CASA Leila contacted the aunt right away and learned that Alina’s school transcript had not yet been transferred and that she needed additional school supplies to prepare for her new classes. Without hesitation, CASA Leila began coordinating with multiple agencies, gathering the supplies Alina needed, and working with her former school to send her transcript to her new one. Her efforts ensured that Alina’s credits transferred seamlessly, helping her stay on track academically during a major life change.
Today, Alina reports feeling comfortable and supported in her new placement. CASA Leila’s dedicated advocacy played a key role in helping to remove the stress and confusion that often come with moving between homes. Her steady presence allowed Alina to focus on settling in, making connections, and planning for her future.
CASA Leila remains committed to staying with Alina until her case closes, no matter where Alina goes.
Her advocacy is a powerful reminder that what matters most is not the miles between CASA and youth, but the consistency, compassion, and unwavering belief in a young person’s potential. We are honored to recognize CASA Leila as our December CASA of the Month and celebrate her extraordinary commitment to her case youth’s well-being.
Name: Leila E.
County: San Diego
Occupation: Software Engineer
Became a CASA in: 2025
Favorite thing about being a CASA: “My favorite thing about being a CASA is having the opportunity to get to know my case child. I am constantly blown away by the depth of knowledge she holds for her interests like art, fashion, and the paranormal.”
You can be the steady, caring presence a young person like Alina 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
