STORIES
Stories from CASAs
I have been a CASA for ten years, but during that time I have been primarily occupied with one family. Through this work, the importance of a CASA has been made very clear. This family, with four children, was involved with the child welfare system for over seven years. During that time, there were probably 20 different caseworkers. During these seven years, I was absolutely the only person with knowledge of the case from the beginning to the end. This became very important during the assessment of the mother's progress in her ability to parent. The mother had mental health issues, not the more typical and easily documented drug and alcohol addiction issues. I was able to point out that that the mother's behavior and attitudes had changed little in seven years. I did not have to be a psychiatrist; I just pointed out similar behaviors and statements from early too late in the case. The four children were all adopted into stable homes. I know that my continued presence as a CASA helped to bring about this positive outcome.
CASA Volunteer, Mary Ann Curran
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The kids I represent are my heroes! I am the voice for the child who has attended eight schools in four years because she is in foster care. The child who now sits, surrounded by strangers, in the back of yet another class. Failing, because she is so far behind and afraid to ask for help.
I listen to her. I stand up for her at her Individual Education Plan meetings. I champion without compromise for her best interests, just like I did for my own children.
This is why I continue to be a CASA volunteer, to make a difference in a life one child at a time.
CASA Volunteer, Sue Braaten
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Stephanie Holt, a CASA in Vancouver WA, shares her personal story.
