Riverside County CASA of the Month – July 2024

Having just completed his training to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and graduated from Voices for Children Advocate University, Josh took on his new role as a CASA for four brothers. William*, Jordan*, Elijah*, and Samuel* were placed in foster care due to abuse and general neglect, along with their three sisters. Unfortunately, they have experienced unimaginable circumstances that no child should ever endure. These challenges made their case particularly complex and underscored the crucial need for a dedicated CASA and positive male role model like Josh. 

CASA Josh jumped right in as a fierce advocate for each of the boys, getting to know them, learning about their distinct needs, and ensuring they maintained their sibling bonds. During their time together, they have all enjoyed playing board games, taking walks at the park with CASA Josh’s dogs, playing arcade games, and eating some of the brother’s favorite things like pancakes, sushi, Starbucks, and slushies. CASA Josh has helped the boys with each of their health needs, such as advocating for 15-year-old William to work with a nutritionist or ensuring 5-year-old Samuel received medical attention when he was struggling to sleep. CASA Josh also works with 12-year-old Jordan on making progress on his therapeutic goals to regulate his emotions and understand the stressors that cause him anxiety. CASA Josh has also been very encouraging in their engagement in extracurricular activities. For example, CASA Josh knew 9-year-old Elijah struggled to express himself by speaking. Still, he had no problem expressing himself through dance, so CASA Josh worked with his caregiver to enroll him in gymnastics at school. 

The brothers have all been through multiple homes and have not always been placed together because of their varying ages. However, after some time, all four brothers were placed in a homey house with two welcoming caregivers working to adopt all of them. William, Jordan, Elijah, and Samuel formed natural and close relationships with the caregivers and their adopted daughter. CASA Josh witnessed how they genuinely care for the boys and provide them with individualized attention. Overall, the boys were thriving in their new home and school, and the adoption was finalized earlier this year. Then, shortly after, an unexpected set of circumstances between Jordan and the caregiver’s adopted daughter led to his removal from the home, and CASA Josh stepped up yet again to be Jordan’s CASA and ensure he knew there was somebody by his side who is looking out just for him. 

CASA Josh’s unwavering support for Jordan is a powerful testament to the impact of individual advocacy, especially when serving as a CASA for siblings. His actions have not only provided stability in Jordan’s life but also shown him that he is not alone. This dedication underscores the crucial role that CASAs play in advocating for and supporting children through their most vulnerable moments.

Name: Josh S.
County: Riverside
Occupation: Web & Search Consultant
Became a CASA in: 2022
Advice to a new CASA: “Trust that you are making an impact, even though you may not always see that impact. Kids aren’t always great at expressing how much you mean to them, but believe that they think about you and you make a difference to them just knowing someone cares about them.”

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 and siblings in foster care. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer and start making a positive impact today. *Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality