Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) build a trusted one-on-one relationship with a child in foster care and consistently show up by going on outings and spending time together. They cultivate a child’s interests and advocate for them in court, school, and the community to ensure their needs are met, and their voices are heard. This is precisely what CASA Jennifer has done for Jack, a 9-year-old boy who entered the child welfare system with his four siblings due to substance abuse and narcotics activity in their home.
CASA Jennifer first met 9-year-old Jack in 2023 and observed that he was being quiet, withdrawn, and uncomfortable around large groups of people. CASA Jennifer also noticed Jack had difficulty trusting anyone around him, particularly adults. CASA Jennifer assured Jack she would be there for him, but she knew her actions would speak louder than her words. So, when CASA Jennifer found out that Jack loved to play soccer and that he was on a soccer team, she promised Jack that she would go to as many games as she could to cheer him on. When CASA Jennifer showed up to Jack’s soccer game for the first time, Jack looked up and made eye contact with her, gave her a huge smile, and scored several goals during that game. Week after week, CASA Jennifer shows up to Jack’s games, and every time, CASA Jennifer notices how happy he is to see her cheering him on in the crowd. Win, lose, or draw; Jack knows that after each game, they will go for some Boba tea, Jack’s favorite.
In March 2024, CASA Jennifer learned that a relative was willing to care for Jack and his siblings, and things were quickly moving for them to be placed permanently with their relative. CASA Jennifer knew Jack’s trust was not easy to gain. When Jack expressed how much he wanted to stay at his current school to finish out his school year since he had never completed an entire school year at one school, CASA Jennifer knew she had to do everything possible to make this a reality for him. CASA Jennifer spoke with Jack’s attorney, social worker, current caregiver, and potential new caregiver to advocate for his current school to become his school of origin so that even with his potential move, he could continue to attend his current school. After several conversations, both caregivers agreed that Jack should complete the school year at his current school, and his potential new caregiver planned to set up transportation through the school district so that Jack could continue to attend his current school for the next school year as well. In April, during a review hearing, Jack’s attorney requested that Jack’s current school be identified and accepted as his school of origin for the record, which the Court accepted.
When CASA Jennifer shared the news with Jack, his joy was palpable. He realized that CASA Jennifer had not only kept her promise but had also advocated for his wish. This experience marked a significant shift in Jack’s perspective, fostering a newfound trust in an adult. For the first time, he was able to conclude the school year with his friends, a milestone made possible by CASA Jennifer’s unwavering dedication to him.
Name: Jennifer M.
County: San Diego
Occupation: Healthcare staffing
Became a CASA in: 2023
Favorite thing about being a CASA: “I love being a CASA for so many different reasons, one of them being that I get to positively influence Jack’s life! I think one of the biggest ways I make a difference is by advocating for them to gain control of their situation when possible so they can focus on typical kid things and do what they want to do and what makes them happy!”
Imagine the difference you could make in the lives of youth in foster care. Consider becoming a CASA volunteer and learn more about this rewarding opportunity. *Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality
Riverside County CASA of the Month – May 2024