What made you decide to become a CASA? Personal life experiences are what called me to become involved in CASA, a way to bring a voice to the children who needed it most. Throughout my life I have witnessed children, friends, and students experience hardships of things they had no control over. A safe place to live, regular meals and support to develop emotionally, developmentally and academically. As a mother, I watched my own children bring friends home who were not being provided their basic needs. As a teacher I worked with children who often did not have their basic needs met. Growing up with a special needs sister I understand when people can not speak for themselves speaking up for them is the right thing to do.
What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA? The most rewarding part of being a CASA is stepping up and trying to help children that you know now are hurting. On my first CASA case there were two girls, seven and an infant. Their biological mother had mental health issues, in addition to other things. The mother relied on her seven year old to care for not only the newborn, but her as well. As the story unfolded the girls moved back with the bio dad and new wife. I like to think back to a time when I brought lunch for my CASA kid at school. I listened to her talk about her dad and his wife. She seemed so happy. She talked about kid thigs like roller skating and going fishing with her dad. It gave me peace when the decision was made.
Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kid or on your case. My favorite way to to connect with my CASA kids is meeting them at their school for lunch. It is a great opportunity to learn more about them and see them with their teachers and friends. I find out about the classes they are taking, and what they like to eat. Most importantly, I get to spend time with them without their bio and foster siblings. It re enforces that I am there for them and them only. I enjoy spending time with my casa kids and love bringing a smile to their face.
Why do you think having a CASA volunteer throughout such a chaotic time is important for foster children? A CASA provides stability. Foster homes, schools, family dynamics, rules, expectations and friendships all change, way too often for these children. It is a unfamiliar and an often scary time for them. A CASA advocate can be the only adult that stays in contact with them throughout this process. It is this reason I try to really work with foster parents because they spend the most time with the kids and its hard if they keep changing foster homes. Also if possible, I have siblings move to the same foster home so they don't have to worry about their siblings.