Riverside County CASA of the Month – September 2024

When a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is sworn in and appointed by a judge, many CASAs can have the looming question, “Will I find a way to connect with my youth?” when assigned to advocate for teenagers. At this age, many youth in foster care have been let down by every adult in their lives. They have built walls as a defensive mechanism to protect themselves from negative experiences. At first, youth might not engage or even talk with their CASA, but time and time again, we see how our CASA volunteers bring those walls down simply by showing up and proving to them that they are here to stay. This is what CASA Julie has done for 15-year-old Dakota* and 17-year-old Nina*.

CASA Julie met sisters Dakota and Nina in 2023 after having been removed from their home due to physical abuse. Upon meeting Nina, CASA Julie could see that she was a bright young woman full of optimism, eager to apply to colleges as a high school senior, and very into Korean culture and fashion. CASA Julie and Nina often go to Korean restaurants and discuss college visits. When meeting Dakota, CASA Julie faced a reluctant teenage girl who was skeptical of her. This has not deterred CASA Julie in any way, as she has gone above and beyond to show Dakota that she is there just for her. Knowing Dakota is vegan, CASA Julie offers her a vegan drink from a nearby coffee shop when she comes for her visits. Slowly, their relationship started forming.

CASA Julie was focused on Nina’s education right from the start, knowing they did not have too much time before college application deadlines. With CASA Julie’s unwavering support and encouragement, Nina was accepted into numerous universities, including her dream college. Since receiving her admissions letter, CASA Julie and Nina have met every week to work on ensuring Nina is in the best position possible for when she starts classes in the fall. While still reluctant to interact with CASA Julie, Dakota keenly observed how much CASA Julie had supported her sister in pursuing her college dreams. Seeing this, the walls began to come down as Dakota reached out to CASA Julie and asked for her help fixing her laptop and assisting her with applying for jobs. With CASA Julie’s help, her computer was fixed, and they are working on getting Dakota her ID and online courses to obtain her learner’s permit. As Dakota gets closer to adulthood, CASA Julie continues to develop a relationship established by mutual trust and aims to help her achieve her long-term educational goals.

Today, Nina is a confident 18-year-old who just began her first quarter at university. She is working on obtaining a job and continues to be supported by CASA Julie as they navigate all the resources she has access to as a non-minor dependent (NMD). Dakota is a quiet 16-year-old who is starting to see that her CASA keeps her word and can support her in achieving anything she sets her mind to. CASA Julie is a dedicated advocate who leads by example, showing Nina and Dakota that she is there for them — actively listening, asking questions, finding common ground, remembering the small details, and creating a safe and supportive environment.

Name: Julie C.
County: Riverside
Occupation: Attorney
Became a CASA in: 2023
Favorite thing about being a CASA: “My favorite thing about being a CASA is making connections with my case child by finding commonalities between the two of us.”

You, like CASA Julie, 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 in foster care. Imagine the impact you could make as a CASA volunteer. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer and start making a positive impact today.

*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality