April 20, 2020
” I became a CASA because I wanted to make a difference in a child’s life, mainly a teenager’s life – because I felt that sometimes they get overlooked. My goal was for my CASA child to know I would always be there for her and I wanted her to know that she could always count on me no matter where the system placed her. I have tried to build her self-esteem, to convey to her how important she is to me, and to ensure that she knows she truly does matter in this world. “
– Diana Gillian, CASA of the Coastal Bend Volunteer
Diana was sworn in as a CASA Child Advocate on 2 February 2017, and accepted appointment to her first case the next day – a teenage girl. From Day One, Diana has been totally devoted to Chrisy, and remains as her CASA Guardian Ad Litem to this day. Since Diana became her CASA, Chrisy has been in a total of 13 different placements – and except for those that were Emergency Shelters or Hospitals (where she only stayed for a few days), Diana has visited regularly with her in every placement – and advocated fiercely for her best interests (in Court, in Placement Disruption Meetings, and at Circles of Support Meetings). Throughout her appointment as Chrisy’s CASA, Diana has ensured that Chrisy always knew that she was not expendable, that she could rely on her CASA to always be there for her, and that being a consistent and positive part of her life was very important to Diana. There have been good times and not so good times during Chrisy’s time in care; but through it all, Diana has been (and remains) a loving part of her Team.
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
