Youth who are living in foster care and approaching the age of 18 have some life-altering decisions to make. Will they go to school? Will they get a job? Where will they live? And how are they going to pay the bills? These decisions get more complicated if the youth has medical conditions or mental health challenges. This is when Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are in a great position to talk with their assigned youth, hear their thoughts, and help them through the decision-making process. CASA Josh has done precisely this for his case youth, Dillon*, who is turning 18 this year.
CASA Josh met Dillon, a shy and introverted teenage boy, in 2021, and the two have formed a close connection and trusting relationship. For the past few years, CASA Josh has consistently shown up for Dillon, talking about video games, going out to eat, and encouraging his interests in technology and computer engineering. CASA Josh is also a proactive advocate who works hard to support Dillon’s educational goals for the future, his mental health needs, and maintaining his sibling bond with his older brother.
In 2023, he was moved to a new foster home, and Dillon struggled to connect with his caregiver, who had rules that Dillon was not used to. Nevertheless, Dillon is on track to graduate at the end of the school year. He excels in his classes and has already applied to several colleges to study criminology. As Dillon turns 18 and desires to move into an independent living program, CASA Josh has collaborated with all the other professionals involved in Dillon’s case to help identify a suitable transitional housing placement (THP) program as he reaches adulthood. As Dillon’s birthday approached, there was a concern regarding alternative courses of action should Dillon not have a THP program by then. Thankfully, the week before Dillon turned 18, he was accepted into a THP program and moved in on his birthday. Dillon asked CASA Josh for help moving into his new placement on his birthday. CASA Josh was there with his truck, ready to move his belongings and be by his side on a memorable day for Dillon. Because of Josh’s consistent advocacy and presence in Dillon’s life, Dillon knows he can rely on his CASA.
Name: Josh S.
County: Riverside
Occupation: Commercial Cleaning Company Owner
Became a CASA in: 2021
Favorite thing about being a CASA: “I love being able to have a direct impact on my youth in a very significant and tangible way. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to be a CASA, which I believe is among the most important volunteer work one could do.”
You, too, can make a difference in the lives of youth in foster care. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer. *Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality
San Diego County CASA of the Month – April 2024