A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a dedicated volunteer who is trained to see the child for who they truly are. Their mission is to provide the court with a holistic view of a youth’s life, ensuring that their emotional needs, personal strengths, and individual voice are represented. By showing up consistently, a CASA becomes a stable anchor for a child during a time of transition, advocating for their best interests while building a bond based on trust and genuine connection. This is exactly the role CASA Alex stepped into when he was assigned to 10-year-old Kurt* last year.
In 2025, Kurt was entering the foster care system for the third time and was placed in a temporary emergency shelter. Initial reports were heavy with descriptions of behavioral outbursts, leaving CASA Alex initially concerned about their first meeting. However, CASA Alex quickly realized that the “difficult” child described in the files was simply a boy carrying a heavy burden of trauma. The two hit it off immediately, sparked by a shared interest in CASA Alex’s Ford Mustang. A few months later, CASA Alex secured a LEGO Mustang set through the One Simple Wish program, which they spent hours building together, cementing their bond and marking the first time Kurt had a reliable male adult in his corner.
In early 2026, because of the previous “negative behaviors” documented, the professionals involved in Kurt’s case were struggling to find a placement and were considering a restrictive Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP). During a crucial Child Family Team (CFT) meeting, CASA Alex did exactly what a CASA is trained to do: he spoke up for Kurt’s humanity. He informed the team that the boy they were worried about was not the boy he knew. He shared stories of Kurt’s loving nature, curiosity, and resilience. Because of CASA Alex’s advocacy, Kurt was instead placed in a group home with children his own age, a place Kurt says now “feels like family.”
When CASA Alex prepared his first court report a month later, he provided the judge with the truest and deepest goodness of Kurt, a vital and important perspective based on his one-on-one advocacy. Alex described an energetic boy who loves chess, dreams of being a SWAT team leader, and holds his own on the basketball court against older kids. CASA Alex painted a picture of a remarkably thoughtful child, telling the judge how Kurt used his own gift card money to buy seeds for his school’s garden and made a point of thanking the cooks every time they went out to eat. Through this report, CASA Alex did more than just present facts to the court; he became a powerful voice for Kurt’s potential, ensuring that Kurt was seen for his character rather than just his challenges.
Today, CASA Alex remains a constant in Kurt’s life, visiting twice a month for Mexican food and trips to the park. Whether they are listening to the Backstreet Boys in the car or playing soccer, CASA Alex has become Kurt’s “go-to” person. Through his dedication, CASA Alex is helping the court see the bright, polite, and valuable boy hidden beneath the trauma, proving that when a child has a dedicated advocate to champion their worth, the challenges of their past no longer define their future, but are instead replaced by a sense of hope and belonging.
Name: Alexander S.
County: San Diego
Occupation: Solutions Engineer
Became a CASA in: 2025
Favorite part of being a CASA: “The chance to show up consistently for a child and become a steady person in their corner. So much of the system can feel complicated, rushed, or fragmented, and I really value the simple yet powerful act of listening, paying attention, and helping make sure the child’s needs don’t get lost. I like that it combines advocacy with attentiveness – both the practical work of speaking up and the human work of caring enough to notice.”
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
