Being a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a trained volunteer appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of a child in foster care, is often about the profound act of showing up. It means being there even when things are difficult, even when the path forward isn’t clear, and especially when a youth needs a lot of patience and understanding from those trying to support them. For the past two years, CASA Lindsey has embodied this commitment, serving as a steadfast advocate for 17-year-old Diane*.
Since May 2024, Lindsey has been by Diane’s side, navigating a journey filled with significant challenges. Diane, who has been in the dependency system since 2019, has experienced a difficult transition through the foster care system, enduring multiple placements and the pain of being separated from her siblings. Throughout these years, Diane has also worked through depression and anxiety. Through it all, CASA Lindsey has remained a pillar of consistency, reaching out and following up with Diane regardless of the circumstances or whether Diane felt ready to engage at that moment.
When it became clear that the traditional educational route was not meeting Diane’s needs and that she was falling behind, CASA Lindsey stepped in. Normally, a child’s parents hold the legal right to make educational decisions, such as enrolling them in a new school or authorizing specialized plans. When a youth is in foster care, a juvenile court judge can appoint an “Educational Rights Holder” to step into that role. Without hesitation, CASA Linsey took on Diane’s educational rights and began advocating for a change that would actually work for her. CASA Lindsey identified an alternative schooling option that fit Diane’s current mental and emotional bandwidth.
To further support Diane’s academic progress, CASA Lindsey researched and successfully advocated for Diane to qualify for AB 167/216. This California law is specifically designed to protect high school students in foster care from being penalized for moving between schools. Because youth like Diane, who has experienced 14 different placements, often lose credits in the shuffle, it can become nearly impossible to meet high local district graduation requirements. By clearing the complex credit hurdles that so often disrupt a student’s education, CASA Lindsey’s dedicated research and advocacy ensured Diane didn’t fall further behind.
Because of CASA Lindsey’s dedication and advocacy, what once felt impossible is now becoming a reality: Diane is graduating from high school at the end of this month.
The transformation does not stop at graduation. With support from her school and CASA Lindsey’s guidance, Diane is already looking toward the future. She is enrolled in a cosmetology program at a local college and has secured transitional housing, where she will share an apartment with her twin brother.
Lindsey expresses immense pride in the hard work Diane has put in and everything she has overcome to build this bright new chapter for herself. As Diane prepares to turn 18 and step into this next phase of her life, CASA Lindsey looks forward to continuing to walk alongside her, providing support and encouragement as she pursues her goals.
CASA Lindsey truly exemplifies the life-changing power of a consistent advocate. By showing up through every challenge, she ensured that Diane felt supported not only in her education and mental health but also in her deep desire to remain connected to her family. As Diane steps into independent adulthood with a high school diploma in hand and her brother by her side, we celebrate Lindsey’s extraordinary dedication. CASA volunteers like Lindsey remind us that consistent, holistic advocacy can completely change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
Name: Lindsey L.
County: San Diego
Occupation: Advertising Sales and Marketing
Became a CASA in: 2024
Favorite part of being a CASA: “When you finally see that your efforts have helped make a difference in the life of your case youth. I have enjoyed getting to know not only Diane but also her siblings, and seeing them grow into young adults warms my heart.”
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
