Brian Bennett and his wife both worked in law enforcement for many years and wanted to do more to serve the community once they retired. They now serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) to Orange County foster care system youth. Brian was drawn to the idea of connecting with youth in a deeper, more long-term way after years of police work which he describes as "slapping a bandaid on something and moving on to the next problem."
After completing CASA's training, Brian was introduced to *Ben, who was 17 then—the two connected easily over a shared enthusiasm for cars and riding bikes. According to Brian, "These are two activities we enjoy doing together. He's a good guy and doesn't really get into trouble. We share some similar interests, so that helped us connect."
Brian had a good understanding of the dependency court system from his time working in law enforcement. Still, the extensive CASA training really helped him understand the significance of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ACEs refer to childhood trauma and adversity, such as abuse, neglect, and/or witnessing violence. Most youth in the foster care system are dealing with one or more ACEs. Brian says, "The training was excellent. There was a lot of stuff I wasn't aware of. It gave me the opportunity to learn how to dig deeper and work through some of those issues."
As a young adult, Ben can remain in the foster care system until age 21 if he meets eligibility requirements. California law was changed over a decade ago to provide a better safety net for youth aging out of the dependency care system. Previously, the number of 18-year-olds who aged out of foster care and ended up homeless was staggering, so benefits were extended to allow more time for youth to gain skills, education, and employment to ensure a better future.
Brian shares his happiness that Ben has been accepted into a Transitional Housing Program, allowing him to move out of his foster home and into his own small apartment. According to Brian, "This will be really good for him and prepare him for living independently. There are a couple of community colleges close by with auto mechanic programs. A vocational program will be right up his alley."
Additional programs funded through state and federal programs may allow Ben to remain in this living arrangement until he is 24. Brian explains, "Ben must pay rent from the funds he receives through the program. Rent starts at only $50 a month and increases incrementally. Leftover funds go into an account, and when he leaves the program, they can go towards his first month's rent." Brian explains the program's requirements, "Ben has to go to school full-time, work full-time, or do both on a part-time basis to remain eligible to participate."
The decision to set out on his own wasn't easy for Ben, who has no family he is connected to. Still, Brian encouraged him to consider his options, "We discussed his options, and after some consideration, he decided it was the best way to go. I can't really push him because he's an adult; I could only encourage him. He moves in this week. We'll find him a job and get him enrolled in school next. He will probably need a car and hopefully will have enough money to afford one and all the expenses that go into owning a car within a few months."
Scott Goldfarb, Brian's Advocate Supervisor, speaks very highly of him, "Since day one, Brian has been such a dedicated and strong advocate for Ben. He has unselfishly driven from Seal Beach to Chino Hills several times a month to see and mentor his youth. He often takes him to the beach and back to Chino Hills. Since becoming his CASA, Brian has helped Ben get his driver's license and several jobs, enroll in college, and move into a Transitional Housing Placement. Brian has been an integral part of CASA and Team Scott. I couldn't be more appreciative of such a great human being, a CASA!"
If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate, please sign up to attend an upcoming Information Session to learn more about the program.
*Name changed to protect privacy.