This year, "Danny" will be celebrating Christmas with his new family, in a clean, safe and secure home. Danny is one of the 5,000 abused and neglected children in Washington state who had a CASA volunteer appointed for him.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), also known as volunteer guardians ad litem (GALs), are appointed by the courts to ensure that children like Danny do not fall through the cracks of our judicial system. CASA volunteers act as the "eyes and ears of the court" to see that the children they represent receive the best placements and services as they move through the foster-care system in search of a permanent, safe, and loving home.

When Danny was 10 1/2 years old, his eight-year old brother intentionally set a fire which killed their five-year old sister. Danny suffered smoke inhalation and third-degree burns over 60% of his body. These children had suffered through many years of documented abuse and neglect. Danny, the oldest child, often asked neighbors for food and clothing for his sister and brother. He did yard work to earn money—money that was used by his parents to buy beer and cigarettes.

After being hospitalized for seven months, Danny was placed in foster care far from his home. Although counseling was recommended, there was no therapist available near his foster home who accepted medical coupons and had experience with burn victims.

Danny’s CASA volunteer worked overtime, did plenty of pleading and found a therapist who had experience treating burn victims. Danny’s CASA volunteer also found additional funding to pay for Danny’s care although many said it couldn’t be done.

Through the determination of Danny’s CASA volunteer, a new foster family was found, where Danny is thriving. In five years, Danny has had seven social workers and been in five foster homes, but had only one CASA volunteer. Thanks to that volunteer, Danny will have much to celebrate this year.