What made you decide to become a CASA? I've always believed that when a child enters foster care, it's up to the community--and not just the courts and professional agencies--to walk alongside the child. CASA provides everyday people the opportunity to do that.
What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA? There are many people involved in a CASA child's case. Sometimes, each person has a slightly different piece of the puzzle--a unique perspective or extra information that the other parties do not. As a CASA, it's been rewarding to talk to everyone involved in my child's case and to then be able to share the information I learn so that everyone can work together better as a team.
Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kid or on your case. This past Christmas, I was able to bring my child a few gifts provided by CASA. When I brought the gifts to my child, it was heartwarming to see simple, childlike joy on the face of a child who has had to bear so many difficult "grown up" realities.
What is your favorite way to connect with your CASA kid(s)? During my visits, my CASA kid and I play games like chess and throw a ball around outside. This gives us a chance to bond while lessening the heaviness that can surround the case.
Why do you think having a CASA volunteer throughout such a chaotic time is important for foster children? The past couple of years have been full of uncertainty and anxiety for all of us. When you add that to the uncertainty and anxiety that a child in the foster care system is already experiencing, the role of a CASA as a faithful and constant presence becomes even more important.