It’s a sobering reality that youth in the dependency system may often find themselves entangled with the juvenile justice system. However, through the Voices for Children Juvenile Justice program, a CASA volunteer, or Court Appointed Special Advocate, steps in to advocate for these youth in juvenile justice court. Their role is crucial, serving as a vital support system to ensure these youth spend the least time in the juvenile justice system possible. More often than not, for justice-involved youth, meeting their CASA creates a turning point in their young lives, showing them that they are worth caring about and can succeed. This is precisely what CASA Adriana has done for Antonio*, an 18-year-old boy who was in foster care for years and who, through negative influences and circumstances, ended up in juvenile detention in 2022.
In 2018, Antonio and his siblings entered foster care due to ongoing domestic violence in the home. Despite the challenges, Antonio showed resilience. While in foster care at the age of 12, Antonio was separated from his siblings, had poor academic performance, and was suffering from a neurodevelopmental disability that was undiagnosed until 2019. Reunifying Antonio with his family was the top priority, but unfortunately, reunification was not possible. In the span of two years, Antonio had eight different placements and often went absent without leave (AWOL) from foster care. Then Antonio was placed with his paternal grandmother along with his siblings. Moving to a new home and school was an adjustment, but he had a warm relationship with his grandmother and enjoyed being with his siblings. However, Antonio was still severely behind academically. As he attended a new school where he knew no one, he was approached by a troublesome group of peers who became a bad influence on a teenage boy who simply wanted male friends and desperately needed a male role model. Within a year, these negative influences put Antonio into an impossible situation that led to his involvement in the juvenile justice system.
CASA Adriana first met Antonio in 2023, and since then, he has been moved through different juvenile detention facilities and participated in multiple rehabilitative programs. Despite being unable to do typical things that a CASA would do with a child in foster care, CASA Adriana makes sure they spend time together by visiting him, playing games, and diligently supporting him while he completes his program. She fiercely advocates for him and is intricately involved with numerous professionals regarding Antonio’s schooling, disciplinary hearings, and reentry plan into the community. Most recently, Antonio’s good behavior earned him a furlough day, a rare temporary release from the juvenile hall that is typically spent with a family member. Out of everyone, Antonio chose his CASA, Adriana, and the two will get a chance to do something fun outside his everyday life.
When asked about his CASA, Antonio shared, “My CASA is very interactive. She gives me a lot of wisdom and helps me see things differently. She motivates me to do things differently as well. She helps me recognize my flaws and how I can work on them, and I have been able to improve my behavior. She is very funny, we laugh a lot, and she is very cheerful. I don’t have much control over my situation, so some days are better than others, but every time she visits me, it turns into a good day. I am very grateful to have someone like her looking out for me during times like this.”
CASA Adriana’s dedication was also recognized by Antonio’s therapist, who reached out to Voices for Children and asked that she be commended for her efforts, saying she has had the pleasure of working with many CASAs but that CASA Adriana’s level of advocacy and dedication is unlike anyone else. Antonio’s therapist has seen firsthand how CASA Adriana consistently shows up and always works to ensure Antonio gets the support he needs. She has also witnessed CASA Adriana’s kindness and empathy in navigating challenging, confusing, and frustrating situations and doing so with skill and a positive attitude.
While serving as a CASA for justice-involved youth presents unique challenges, it also underscores the transformative impact of a caring adult in a vulnerable youth’s life. CASA Adriana embodies this role for Antonio, guiding him through rehabilitative and supportive services to complete his high school education, learn life skills, build healthy social behaviors, and prepare for successful reentry to the community. Her unwavering presence and advocacy are providing Antonio with the opportunity to embrace a brighter and more hopeful future.
Name: Adriana T.
County: San Diego
Occupation: Sr. Government Affairs Analyst
Became a CASA in: 2023
Advice to a new CASA: “Show up consistently, even on challenging days. And remember, your presence can mean the world to our kids, even when it doesn’t feel that way.”
You, too, can make a significant difference in the lives of youth in foster care. Your support and advocacy can be a beacon of hope for children like Antonio.
Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer and start making a positive impact today. *Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality
