Although people think, learn, and behave in different ways, those who are neurodivergent often face challenges when voicing their needs. Neurodivergent children in foster care especially need someone to advocate for the resources they require. There is no one ‘right’ way to learn from or interact with the world. Neurodivergent children in foster care need our support and guidance to discover their way, and a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer can do just that.
This is precisely what CASA Lisa does for her assigned siblings, Lauren and Joseph, whom she met in 2023. Six-year-old Lauren and four-year-old Joseph both have developmental conditions, so CASA Lisa has had to hone in on her observation skills and communication with their caregiver, biological parents, and case professionals to advocate for the unique needs of Joseph and Lauren. With CASA Lisa’s knowledge as a registered nurse and experience working in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), she was able to make perceptive observations. On her first few visits with the youth, CASA Lisa noticed specific patterns of behaviors and movement and advocated for needed further assessment. She immediately brought this to the attention of everyone involved in the case and got both youth’s medical evaluations. Through CASA Lisa’s keen observations, she has been able to help Joseph and Lauren receive better support through occupational therapy.
CASA Lisa has also gone above and beyond to assist with identifying resources for the caregiver and biological parents. She worked with her Advocacy Supervisor to get car seats for both youth and a double stroller, which was essential as the siblings can struggle with movement and sensory issues. The stroller was significant in keeping the youth safe from possibly getting into a dangerous situation and for the times when they cannot walk.
CASA Lisa actively keeps a line of communication about each child’s individual needs between their caregiver, biological parents, and social worker so everyone is on the same page. She has been instrumental in helping the biological parents and the caregiver work together to resolve scheduling issues to consistently have visits. CASA Lisa even went the extra mile to communicate with the mother and other individuals to coordinate logistics for visits with her children and help eliminate transportation barriers she was facing. Joseph, Lauren, and their mother have loved being able to see each other more now and are grateful for their time together.
CASA Lisa exemplifies that outside-the-box advocacy is as important and impactful as direct advocacy with youth. Each case is different, and in this case, the youth have highly benefitted from the resources and support from their CASA. Joseph and Lauren are growing and thriving and will continue to do so with CASA Lisa’s can-do personality, empathy, and ingenuity.
Name: Lisa S.
County: San Diego
Occupation: Registered nurse
Became a CASA in: 2023
Favorite thing about being a CASA: “Helping the kids and interacting with the biological family and the foster family. Sometimes, getting schedules lined up and communication can be a challenge, but the importance of all parties working together for the benefit of the children is worth the effort.”
You, too, can make a difference in the lives of youth in foster care. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer. *Names and details have been changed to protect confidentiality
