Advocate Stories - Coastal Bend CASA

Q & A With some of our incredible Advocates

What inspired you to become a CASA volunteer?

-I was inspired to become a CASA volunteer because I always loved being around kids and helping them in any way I can. They are the future; they are the most vulnerable and the most in need. I also really support the mission that CASA stands for.

How did you feel when you were assigned your first case?

-When I was assigned my first case, I was super nervous but also excited. Nervous because I did not want to mess up nor did I want to make things worse for the kids (even though I know now I can only help them). Excited because I was going to meet and help these kids that are struggling and need someone in their corner vouching and advocating for them and all their needs.

Can you describe your first meeting with the child or family?

-When I first met the kids I got assigned it was unfortunately at a facility setting. I was so sad to see them there, not in a home and not with their family but instead in a room with strangers, though caring strangers not their family, not in a place they can run outside in or call a home. It was also a bit overwhelming; these kids now were at least partially; my responsibility and I did not want to let them down. They were so open to meeting me and both kids, they were siblings, were receptive to affection and interaction.

What were some challenges you faced during your advocacy?

-In both of my cases, I faced the challenge of ensuring I had enough relevant information to make a decision that was in fact in their best interest. Each party involved sort of tells a different story; CPS, immediate family, court documents etc. they all tell a story, providing different levels of information. I need to analyze everything and come to a decision.

How did you build trust with the child or young person?

-To build trust with the children I needed to meet them at their level, bring things they enjoyed and treat them as kids. I also had to be a consistent person in their life, someone whom they could rely on and come to recognize and want to be. around, whether that be because I brought toys and goodies or simply because of how I interacted with them.

What changes did you witness in the child over time?

– The best change I saw in the children I was assigned was that they opened up to me, they reached out for me and wanted me around. They started seeing me as someone there just for them. Coming out of the facility and into a home I also saw them be more like kids; spill cereal on the floor, run away from their caregiver because they have something they aren’t supposed to have, nap in a car seat etc.

Is there a moment or conversation that sticks with you?

-An event I will never forget was when I took the kids out on an outing and they were so excited to get in the car, they would stare out the window and just watch their surroundings. I took them to the aquarium and they were eager to look at everything and take in all the different sights, their sense of wonder is still stuck with me.

How has this experience changed your perspective—on life, justice, or children’s resilience?

– This experience changed my perspective on how resilient kids are and how one should never take the little things or granted. Also, how little things can make a big different to another person’s life.

· What have you learned about the foster care system that others might not know?

– Since becoming a CASA I’ve learned that the foster system is full of children that need someone to advocate for them; that there’s teams of people involved in just one case but even that is not enough. There are more kids that need help than there are workers in the system.

What advice would you give to a new CASA volunteer?

-Advice I would give to a new CASA volunteer would be that it’s a lot of work but in the best way possible. Every little thing you do amounts to something bigger. The more involved you are with your kids the easier things will be to advocate for them.

How has your role as a CASA volunteer shaped your future goals or identity?

Since becoming a CASA volunteer, I’ve thought more and more about becoming a foster parent to give a child a home while theirs is getting fixed. It has given me a greater purpose and sense of identity knowing I am actively helping children live better lives.

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