In the journey of parenthood, many couples contemplate the options of adoption and fostering. For Sarah and Tom Johnson, the desire to nurture a child from the foster care system was undeniably strong. After welcoming their biological child in 2015, they decided to embark on their foster care journey, officially becoming licensed foster parents in 2016. “The timing felt perfect,” Sarah shares with Modern Family Blog. “Transitioning from my full-time job to staying home with our child opened up the opportunity for me to dedicate myself to fostering.”
Since their licensing, the Johnsons have provided care for a 4-year-old and a 10-year-old boy. While Sarah has documented her experiences as a foster mother in her writing endeavors, she chooses to keep the specific details private to respect the boys’ privacy. However, she advocates passionately for the role of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), also referred to as Guardian Ad Litems (GALs), within the foster care system.
What is a CASA?
A CASA is a dedicated volunteer appointed by a judge to advocate for children who have faced abuse and neglect. According to CASA’s official website, these advocates are crucial in ensuring that children do not get lost in an overwhelmed legal and social services system. Each CASA undergoes comprehensive training to effectively navigate the complexities of foster care and to support children who have experienced the emotional turmoil of the system.
The Commitment of a CASA
CASA volunteers commit to standing by a foster child from the moment they enter the system until they can either reunite with their biological parents or find a forever family through adoption. The duration of this commitment can vary widely. Some children may have a CASA for only a few months, while others may have the same advocate for years.
Often, foster children face a high turnover of adult figures due to the nature of the system—social workers can experience burnout, and children may move between multiple foster homes. “A CASA provides a stable presence in a child’s life,” emphasizes Sarah. “Even if a child moves to a new foster home, they can find comfort knowing their CASA will continue to visit them.” This familiar face can be a critical source of support for children who often feel scared and lost.
The Impact of CASAs
According to Sarah, becoming a CASA offers a meaningful way to make a significant impact in a child’s life. These volunteers serve as essential advocates, working collaboratively with social workers, birth parents, and foster parents to ensure the child’s needs are met. By attending regular meetings with the child and participating in permanency hearings, CASAs help determine the best path forward for each child.
Research indicates that children with a CASA or GAL volunteer are more likely to find a safe, permanent home and are less likely to spend extended time in foster care. They are also half as likely to re-enter the system, especially among children of color. Despite the critical role they play, there are currently fewer than 86,000 CASA volunteers for over 400,000 children in foster care across the United States. This disparity highlights an urgent need for compassionate individuals to step up and become CASAs in their communities.
Getting Involved
Becoming a CASA can be a rewarding endeavor, allowing individuals to be directly involved in a child’s life. It not only benefits the child but also enriches the volunteer’s experience. “CASAs hold a special place in my heart,” says Sarah.
If you’re interested in making a difference, you can learn more about becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate and find a program in your area by visiting this link. For additional insights into pregnancy and home insemination, consider exploring this excellent resource.
In summary, the role of a CASA is vital in ensuring that foster children receive the advocacy and support they need to thrive. The commitment of a volunteer can lead to lasting positive outcomes for these vulnerable children.