Justice Wallace knows firsthand the challenges a child experiences while in foster care and the significance of having a positive adult relationship during this time. During her youth, Justice spent a total of four years in foster care, removed from her home twice. She remained in foster care for one year the first time then for three years the second time. She was eventually placed with her maternal grandmother.
In August 2020, Justice became a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer and has since served on two cases, advocating for a total of four youth. She wanted to get involved as a CASA to advocate for children, like her, who feel alone in the system. She felt like no one was hearing her, no one was speaking up for her, and she does not want other kids to feel that way.
Justice is currently serving on case of an LGBTQ youth, Paul. Justice is also a member of the LGBTQ community. For youth to have just one caring adult in their life who understands what they are experiencing is crucial in a child feeling seen and heard, setting them on the path of hope. Foster care can be isolating for youth, especially LGBTQ youth.
With the current case, the parents have relinquished their rights, and Justice is attempting to find permanency with relatives or adoptive families. She is utilizing Collaborative Family Engagement, connecting with relatives to build a network of support for Paul. She has spent hours herself connecting with Paul by phone, zoom visits and taking him on outings. He likes the place that Justice would take him to for a “fly” haircut, so she made it a special thing they would do together. On one occasion, she spent the night in an emergency room holding Paul’s hand for hours, because she was the only person he would trust.
Justice and her wife have two children. Justice also works for Communities in Schools, spending her professional and personal time serving the young people in her community.
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To learn how you can make a difference as a CASA volunteer for Coastal Bend youth in foster care, attend an upcoming 45 minute Virtual CASA Info Session held every Wednesday at 12pm via Zoom: https://bit.ly/2JAld0E
