When siblings enter foster care together, their bond can be a source of comfort in the midst of upheaval. Yet, the path forward is rarely straightforward. Each child carries their own experiences, hopes, and needs. For Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), this often means navigating unexpected turns and advocating uniquely for each child, ensuring that their needs are understood and their strengths uplifted even when their journeys may take different directions. Through her role as a CASA volunteer, Alexis has exemplified this kind of advocacy for siblings Eddie* and Lanie*.
From the moment she stepped into their lives in 2022, CASA Alexis became a steadfast champion for their well-being. She took on educational rights, ensuring assessments and services were in place, and worked tirelessly to connect them with every opportunity available through Voices for Children. CASA Alexis also became a vital mediator, helping to manage complex case dynamics and keeping the children’s needs at the forefront. Her advocacy proved especially critical for Eddie this summer. When his placement with relatives unexpectedly ended, CASA Alexis acted quickly. She reached out to professionals, reconnected Eddie with a trusted therapist, and identified caregivers who already had a meaningful bond with him. Because of her persistence, Eddie was able to transition into a home where he was welcomed with warmth, joy, and the promise of belonging by caregivers who already had a close connection with him and were eager to support him. Upon arriving, he was greeted with a handmade “Welcome Home” sign, a family meal, and a reminder that he was wanted.
Today, Eddie is an inquisitive and kind boy. He loves trains and LEGOs, and carries his stuffed animals close as reminders of comfort. In therapy, he has been setting his own goals, working hard to manage big feelings, and discovering healthier ways to express himself. He is both excited and nervous to start at a new school, where he hopes to make new friends and continue building on the progress he has already made. CASA Alexis has been a constant presence through it all, showing up and never letting Eddie’s voice be lost. Thanks to her dedication, Eddie is surrounded by a support system that sees his strengths and believes in his future.
Lanie, meanwhile, continues to shine in her own placement. A vibrant young girl, she has been exploring new activities like camping and flag football, and she dreams of opening her own bakery one day. CASA Alexis has made it a priority to keep Lanie’s needs recognized and her connection with Eddie supported, even as the siblings’ permanency paths diverge.
CASA Alexis’s advocacy has ensured that both children are celebrated for who they are, while also giving them the individualized support they need. She embodies what it means to advocate for siblings in foster care by honoring their bond, championing their individual needs, and ensuring each child’s strengths are recognized.
Name: Alexis S.
County: San Diego
Occupation: Nonprofit Consultant
Became a CASA in: 2022
Favorite part of being a CASA: “Walking alongside my kiddos for every step of their journey and knowing they can count on me to show up, no matter where they are. I strive to make them feel seen and known, so they can feel safe and experience the simple, carefree joys of childhood during our visits together. ”
You, too, can make a meaningful difference in the lives of siblings like Eddie and Lanie. With your steady support and advocacy, a young person facing uncertainty can feel seen, heard, and empowered to grow. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer and start making a positive impact today.
*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality
