Advocating for a self-conscious young girl to get the braces she needs to correct her crooked smile….

Buying an ice cream for a child and helping them count out the change…..

Teaching a teen how to comfortably approach an adult and ask for a job application….

All of these relatively simple tasks can lead to development and growth for a youth in the foster care system. Youth in care often have no consistent support system surrounding them and mentoring them. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) tries to fill that gap by training volunteers to provide this essential support for children in foster care. CASAs are there to listen and ensure that the voices of the youth they support are heard and that their best interests are represented in the legal system. 

Children in foster care experience frequent disruptions in their lives. They are removed from their family home, often placed with strangers, and typically have to start over at an unfamiliar school with new classmates and teachers. Social workers, lawyers, therapists and other professionals come and go increasing the child’s feeling of instability. CASAs try to mitigate this instability by building a long-term, reliable relationship with a youth; providing consistent support and continuity that is often lacking in their world. 

While much of the twice monthly visits are designed to be fun outings for the youth, CASAs also provide support by monitoring their youth’s environment. They observe and assess the child’s living conditions, relationships with caregivers, and overall well-being to ensure that the child is safe and receiving the proper care.

As the relationship between a CASA and their youth develops, and a CASA learns more about what their youth needs, advocacy becomes a significant part of the support they provide. CASAs advocate solely on behalf of their youth’s best interests and provide unbiased recommendations to the court based on their observations and understanding of the child’s needs. CASAs advocate for services or interventions that may be needed, such as therapy, educational support, or healthcare.

Other ways CASAs provide support include; helping a child navigate their way through the complex dependency system by explaining the proceedings in an age-appropriate way and helping them understand what’s happening. CASAs make recommendations to the judge in court reports which outline the child’s needs, suggest possible solutions, and recommend appropriate actions for the child’s future. CASAs advocate for outcomes that ensure the child’s safety, well-being, and long-term stability

When family reunification is the goal, CASAs will monitor the family’s progress and ensure that the parents are meeting the requirements for reunification. This may include advocating for parenting classes, substance abuse treatment, or other services that can help parents reunite with their children safely.

CASAs might also play a big role in ensuring youth receive the educational support they need. This support may include advocating for special education services, tutoring, or other accommodations if the child has learning disabilities or other educational challenges.

But a CASA’s most important role is to provide consistency and ongoing support for a youth, giving them a sense of continuity during a time of turmoil and instability. By offering emotional support, ensuring access to necessary services, and advocating for the child’s needs in court, CASAs play a vital role in helping children in foster care navigate a challenging system and ultimately achieve better outcomes in life.

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, the best way to get started is to attend a no-obligation Information Session by signing up here.