For a young person in foster care, life can involve significant change. Placements, schools, professionals, and routines may shift over time. Having one consistent adult who continues to show up can make a meaningful difference.
For more than six years, CASA Laura has been that person for one young woman. CASA Laura began volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer later in life, bringing with her decades of life experience and a desire to make an impact. When she was matched with a teenager in foster care, neither knew their relationship would continue through adolescence and into young adulthood. Throughout their time together, CASA Laura made connection a priority. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, they stayed in touch through a combination of virtual and in-person visits. As restrictions eased, their time together included lunches, shopping trips, movies, walks on the beach, and other activities.
CASA Laura was also there for important milestones. She attended a school holiday performance, celebrated her youth’s high school graduation, and spent time volunteering alongside her at a local animal shelter. But CASA Laura’s role went beyond outings and celebrations. As the young woman approached adulthood, CASA Laura encouraged her to advocate for herself, navigate new responsibilities, and develop greater independence. When challenges arose, CASA Laura was someone she trusted to listen and help connect her with appropriate support.
CASA Laura describes her youth as a funny and caring young adult who loves children and hopes to work with children as a career, potentially in a preschool setting
Recently, after years of change and uncertainty, the young woman celebrated an especially meaningful milestone: finding a permanent home through adoption.
With the conclusion of her case, Laura’s formal role as a CASA came to an end, but the connection they built over the years did not. The young adult chose to maintain a relationship with Laura as a supportive, informal mentor. Laura’s CASA journey isn’t finished, either. She has told Voices for Children that she is ready to advocate for another young person who could benefit from greater stability and connection.
Laura’s story demonstrates that CASA advocacy doesn’t always require extraordinary action. Sometimes, its greatest impact comes from something much simpler: being the person who keeps showing up.
Name: Laura K.
County: San Diego
Occupation: Retired 5th grade teacher and RN/Public Health Nurse
Became a CASA in: 2019
Favorite part of being a CASA: “The rewarding relationship you can build and the positive part you can play in a life that desperately needs positive connections.”
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
