When a child enters the foster care system, they get taken, in an instant, from the only home they’ve known. Whether their removal is initiated because of abuse or severe neglect, their entire world gets flipped upside down. A child is suddenly introduced to a myriad of strangers each serving different roles in their new legal case; they’re enrolled in new schools, possibly separated from their siblings, and now living in a world radically unfamiliar to them. Within the months or years to follow, one of the biggest things they lose in the child welfare system is consistency.
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA advocates are trained community volunteers who are sworn in by a local judge to serve children in the child welfare system. While they are often recognized for their role in the courtroom, their advocacy extends far beyond the courthouse walls. CASA advocates visit children, build trusting relationships, and work to understand each child’s unique experiences, needs, and circumstances. They help ensure children’s voices are heard and their best interests remain a priority throughout what can be a long and uncertain journey through the child welfare system. CASA advocates are not lawyers, caseworkers, or teachers, and no specific degree or professional background is required to serve. They are everyday people—just like YOU—with caring hearts, a willingness to learn, and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children.
Darkess, a local CASA volunteer, has been working with a teen, and serving as her assigned CASA Advocate. In her earliest days in foster care, this teen was having a difficult time overall and was not fond of the new strangers now involved in her life. This teen is very artistic, loves to draw, and enjoys reading. Darkess would admire and compliment her drawings, only to be met with comments like “You aren’t interested in my artwork”, or “it’s not that big of a deal, you don’t have to act interested.” Darkess wanted to make the child feel seen and heard, and while the child didn’t love and appreciate her presence, Darkess continued showing up, supporting, and encouraging her. Eventually, the two exchanged phone numbers and Darkess was able to communicate with her more. She reached out often, asking about her interests, how her day was, what she was reading, and all about her artwork. After some time, the teen started to be more open with Darkess about her days, good and bad. Once she realized she wasn’t alone and had someone faithfully on her side, she expressed gratitude for Darkess being in her corner and supporting her through all things big and small. Sometimes the greatest impact one can have is simply showing up!
In sharing about CASA advocacy, local CASA volunteer and former Judge Sharon says “I tell people all the time, it is a life-changing experience to advocate for these children. It is not easy and requires full commitment but is well worth the time and effort…It can change you and all those around you. No feeling is better than knowing you can make a change in the life of a child.” She continued to say, “CASA is a loving, caring, supportive community of individuals focused on improving the lives of the children in the foster care system. As advocates we make sure all needs are met and become the voice of those children through the legal and child welfare systems. We become the one stable person in their lives throughout the process, loving and caring for them with no financial gain. We truly want to be there, care for them and advocate in their best interest, knowing the return is in the positive change in the life of that child.”
There are many children in our community who need support, friendship, and the consistent presence of at least one person in their life. They need someone to stand up for them in court when they can’t, someone to look out for their best interest, someone willing to hear their story, and someone to help lead them in the right direction; Home. And the most beautiful part of this all is that person could be YOU!
If you are on the fence about advocacy or interested in learning more, we would love to talk to you, share more, and listen to your questions and concerns. With CASA 101 information sessions coming up on December 1st in Coldspring and December 8th in Huntsville, you have an opportunity to sit, listen, and learn whether CASA Advocacy is right for you. Don’t let these children walk through foster care alone! Join us in standing up for the abused and neglected children in our community and make a meaningful difference for the children who need you most!
For more information or to RSVP to attend an information session email information@casaofwalkercounty.org or call 936-291-2271 (291-CASA).
Every child has a chance. It’s YOU!