Since COVID-19 began, more of the reports of abuse and neglect to Child Protective Services (CPS) have been substantiated and severe, requiring children to be removed immediately and placed into foster care. And now, with the start of school, the number of child abuse and neglect cases is increasing. Your financial support will help CASA get a caring and trained Volunteer Advocate to each child quickly so they will have a trusted adult like Bri to rely on throughout their time in foster care.

I became a CASA volunteer in 2013. Why? So often I would read stories of child abuse in the newspaper and feel totally overwhelmed and helpless.  What could I do make a difference? I found becoming a CASA a little scary, but also empowering. I could face the darkness of abuse and do something concrete to make a child feel cared for and supported. 

When a child is removed from their parents and enters the foster system, he or she will be a ward of the state for at least a year. Over this time, the child may have changes in caseworkers and/or foster placements. Sometimes a CASA is the only constant in the child's life.  As a CASA volunteer, I work cooperatively but independently with the child's caseworker and Ad Litem attorney looking out for the child's needs and best interests. However,  those professionals are assigned dozens of cases and I am assigned one case. That means I can give the children on my case extra attention and my complete focus. Over the course of my service, I've helped eleven children  - ages newborn - 10 years-old. I visit them at school, talk to teachers and daycare providers, I visit them at their placement, I get updates from their therapists, I get to know their parents and relatives, I take them on outings to the museums, zoo, library, to expose them to normalized routines and to have some fun!

In one case, four siblings were separated and put in three different foster homes. Their mother was a drug-user and prone to violence. Every two weeks, I drove the 9-year-sister to visit her younger sister (3) and brother (2) in one home and then on to see the 5-month-old baby in another. An eighty mile round trip! 

Before each court hearing, I write a court report updating the judge about how the child is doing, outlining my concerns, and making recommendations. Sometimes I'm asked to testify. Speaking out for what I think is best for a child can be challenging, but also rewarding. 

Not everyone can be a CASA. But everyone can help. It costs $1500 to train and supervise a CASA for a year. Take this opportunity to show an abused and neglected child you care. Donations by made by November 13th are best.  So donate now! Every little bit helps. 

PS Did you know that my husband Steve is also trained as a CASA?