Being a Voice for a Child Without One A look into Foster Care And CASA

Being A Voice For A Child Without One: A Look Into Foster Care and CASA

casa foster care advocatea

May Foster Care Awareness Month

May is National Foster Care Month, a time set aside originally in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan to offer appreciation to foster parents.  Since being initiated, the National Foster Care Coalition has worked to expand the goals of this month to focus on awareness of the issues at hand and to encourage willing citizens to get involved with the foster system.

One such woman, Sue Velasco, has taken this call to action profoundly in becoming what is known in the system as a CASA: a Court Appointed Special Advocate.  Sue first heard about it through a friend as the last of her children was still in high school. “The timing was off”, she explained, “but then a few years later I was at Jury Duty and the CASA promotional video was on a loop, it felt like the right time.”

A CASA fills a very specific role for a child in the foster system, different than that of the child’s attorney, or even their foster parents.  This person is officially appointed by the court, to advocate specifically for the rights and needs of the child.  They receive 30 hours of training, sign up for two years to volunteer with a child and meet with them 10-15 hours per month, all in support of ensuring the child is getting the proper care and taught important skills needed for life.

Sue explained that each of the children are in the system due to their parent’s neglect or failure to protect them. This void seemingly falls on the lap of not only men and women who take on the role of foster parents, but also those like Sue who help to bridge the emotional gaps for these children.  “The younger ones are easiest to work with, they process a little differently, tend to be a little more resilient. I work with the older kids, the ones preparing to age out”, Sue said. Meaning the kids around age 18, on their way out of the foster system, and into the life of an adult in society.

This transition is one that takes much attention according to Sue, “the children have little to no experience, such as knowing not to use the same sponge to clean the bathroom as you do to wash the dishes you eat off of.” These are the life skills CASAs like Sue work to develop in kids as they prepare for college or living on their own.

Sue’s current case has been under her care for over a year and is now approaching the benchmark of aging out.  The child was raped at age 13 and lives with her son who is now four years old.  Sue explained kindly of her assigned child that she tends to be a bit rough around the edges, a result of a plethora of tough circumstances she’s had to live through.  Sue recounts however that each time the girl reacts with rudeness, is a time Sue is reminded to pray for the hurt she’s encountered and how it’s manifested into her perspective of the world.

One day, the child said to Sue how she couldn’t believe that she had “hung in there with me, after being so horrible to you.”  To which Sue replied to her that “this was my place, I’ll be here right next to you”, an interaction that spoke volumes to a girl who had only known rejection and trauma.

Although Sue has had the privilege of building loving relationships with kids that have faced adversity most of their lives, she is sure to explain that this rewarding role does not come without its emotional struggles and fear. “It’s not easy to meet them where they’re at, it takes you outside of your norm; a scary place that takes commitment and relationship.”  But commitment and relationship she has given, and believes is in all of us to give.

There are about 200 kids at this time in need of a CASA in their lives, and though not all of us may be able to take on the responsibility of this role at the present time, we do all have love to give and skills we possess that can help make the lives of these children better.  Both Orangewood Foundation and Orangewood Children’s Center have volunteer opportunities available for those looking to help in some way.  Assisting the older children to develop independent skills, reading to toddlers or being a resource for babysitting are all needs that can be filled by our church community.

These are just a few examples of what it is like being a voice for a child without one.  Sue left us with one final anecdote from the trip to Disneyland she and her case child got to experience on her 17th birthday last year.  After spending the whole day at the “Happiest Place on Earth”, they stood waiting for one of the entertainment shows at the theme park.  The girl looked to Sue and said somberly, “my childhood is almost over, and this was the best memory I have of it.”

We as a community can partner with people like Sue to help create better memories like these for the children that have lived lives filled with heartbreak and pain.  This May let’s join together in praying for the many volunteers who take the time to build in love, hope and a brighter future for these children.

If you were inspired by this story we would love to tell you more about Eastside. We have a relentless love and commitment for all to know God. We are committed to finding unique ways to serve in our local communities & help our global neighbors. Our vision is to be a leader in finding solutions, building bridges, and bringing the love and hope of Jesus to hurting communities. We strive to inspire people to collectively influence transformational life change. If you would like to find out more about ways to make a difference in your community and around the globe find out more at: eastside.com/compassion.

We volunteer in local and global communities and we also meet together every weekend if you would like to join us in person or online. We believe that this is a place for everyone, wherever you are on your journey. If you would like to find out more about Eastside please visit eastside.com.