At the heart of every Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer’s work is a commitment to show up, to listen, and to be a steady presence in a child’s life. For youth in foster care, whose experiences often include instability, trauma, and the loss of trusting adults, that consistency can mean everything. CASA volunteers aren’t just advocates—they’re bridge-builders. They walk into situations where families, caregivers, or professionals may be unsure or even resistant to their involvement. But by leading with compassion, patience, and perseverance, they earn trust and open doors to better outcomes for the youth they serve. This month, we honor CASA Chelsea as our CASA of the Month for being that steady presence and bridge builder for 14-year-old Leon* and for demonstrating the profound impact of showing up even when it’s hard.
CASA Chelsea was matched with Leon in October 2024. Just days later, he was placed with an uncle over 120 miles away. Many volunteers might have stepped back from such a logistically challenging case — but not CASA Chelsea. She had family nearby, and more importantly, she was dedicated to supporting Leon however she could.
Leon’s story is one marked by instability — years of housing insecurity, a father absent from his life, and a mother battling addiction. When CASA Chelsea first joined the case, there were immediate roadblocks. Leon’s attorney questioned the need for a CASA, given that Leon was with family. His uncle echoed those doubts, unsure about a CASA’s involvement. But CASA Chelsea was determined. With the help of her Advocacy Supervisor, she coordinated a joint visit with the social worker to meet Leon and his uncle. That first meeting changed everything. CASA Chelsea brought comic books, something small, yet deeply thoughtful. Leon lit up. They clicked instantly. Even as his uncle remained hesitant, Leon began opening up.
Over time, Chelsea’s steady presence became a lifeline for Leon, especially as he faced yet another disruption. After behavioral issues led his uncle to request removal, Leon returned to San Diego and was placed in a group home. As Leon adapted to living in a group home, CASA Chelsea remained consistent, visiting him weekly, bringing his favorite meals, and continuing to build trust. CASA Chelsea also took on complex advocacy work behind the scenes. When Leon was denied a school placement due to a prior expulsion, she reached out to attorneys, the school district’s foster youth liaison, and the social worker to offer to become his educational rights holder and advocate for Leon to be enrolled into a school. Though she was not granted educational rights, her advocacy helped keep the issue in focus and underscored her dedication to Leon’s education.
A pivotal moment then came when a sick social worker asked CASA Chelsea to take Leon to a disposition hearing. Though CASA volunteers don’t usually attend, CASA Chelsea agreed. At court, Leon turned to her and asked if she would sit beside him because he was nervous. It was a moment that showed how much he valued her presence. In court, she spoke clearly and confidently, offering to be the co-holder of educational rights for Leon, and to support him however she could. Her actions did not go unnoticed as a Voices for Children Court Liaison praised her involvement and impact.
Now, as Leon begins a new chapter with a Spanish-speaking caregiver, Chelsea continues to show up weekly — navigating language barriers with creativity and meeting regularly to support him through school and life transitions. Most importantly, Leon is starting to believe in something new: that stability, care, and trust are possible. CASA Chelsea has helped make that belief a reality.
Because of CASA Chelsea, Leon is not facing the foster care system alone. Her consistency, patience, and determination are exactly what a CASA is meant to bring into a young person’s life. We’re proud to recognize Chelsea as our CASA of the Month—a true example of what it means to show up, even when it’s hard, and to keep showing up, because every young person deserves someone who won’t give up on them.
Name: Chelsea A.
County: San Diego
Occupation: Retired DEI Consultant
Became a CASA in: 2024
Advice to new CASAs: “1) form your opinions from your interactions (with case youth, parents, etc), not from what you read in the case file, 2) sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest impact and 3) be consistent and always do what you say are going to do.”
You, too, can make a significant difference in the lives of youth in foster care. Your support and advocacy can be a steady light in the darkness for young boys like Leon. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer and start making a positive impact today.
*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality
