At Voices for Children, we are privileged to work with compassionate, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers who make an extraordinary impact on the lives of children and youth navigating the foster care system. This month, we are proud to highlight CASA Rowena, who recently went above and beyond to ensure that a vulnerable young girl named Amanda* found the safety, stability, and care she desperately needed.
Amanda’s journey through foster care has been a difficult one, marked by loss, instability, and the emotional weight of her mother’s illness. In May 2023, CASA Rowena was assigned to Amanda after she became a dependent of the court following her mother’s declining health. At the time, Amanda was 16 years old and living with a resource family who provided her with a caring and secure environment. However, when Amanda’s mother passed away in the spring of 2023, she turned to an unhealthy coping mechanism, leading the resource family to request that she be moved due to concerns for the other children in the home.
After a difficult transition to a residential educational campus, Amanda struggled with bullying, fear, and anxiety, all of which took a toll on her emotional well-being. During one such weekend in mid-November, CASA Rowena’s intervention would prove to be crucial in Amanda’s safety and emotional recovery. On that Saturday in November, CASA Rowena picked up Amanda for an outing, only to notice that something was off. Amanda, usually a bright and joyful teen, was subdued and showed signs of exhaustion. During the drive, Amanda confided in CASA Rowena about the increasingly hostile environment at her placement, including threats of violence from a peer. Amanda feared for her life, particularly knowing that this peer had access to firearms during their weekend visits. Rowena quickly recognized the gravity of the situation, and with Amanda in distress, they reached out to Amanda’s former resource family. The family immediately agreed to take Amanda in for the weekend, providing a temporary refuge from the toxic environment. However, since the family wasn’t listed as an approved contact, Rowena and Amanda faced several hurdles before receiving approval to make the visit.
After more than three hours of persistence, CASA Rowena connected with the appropriate authorities to grant permission for Amanda to stay with her former resource family. Despite the delay, CASA Rowena remained by Amanda’s side, offering comfort and reassurance. When the approval was finally given, Rowena made the hour-long drive with Amanda, ensuring her well-being every step of the way. Amanda’s weekend at her former resource family’s home was a turning point. She and the family shared heartfelt conversations, and Amanda began to feel the sense of understanding and security she had been missing. After talking with her resource parents about the home rules and realizing she could follow them, Amanda found the courage to ask if she could return to live with them. With both parties eager to reunite, Amanda was placed back with her former resource family, where she is now thriving.
CASA Rowena’s dedication to Amanda’s prosperity and emotional needs underscores the influential role CASA volunteers play in the lives of children in foster care. Her advocacy and compassionate presence not only helped Amanda navigate her fears but also created the conditions for her return to a stable and nurturing environment. Thanks to CASA Rowena’s tireless commitment to Amanda’s well-being, she has a chance to heal and grow in the place where she feels most secure.
Name: Rowena B.
County: San Diego
Occupation: Homemaker
Became a CASA in: 2022
Favorite thing about being a CASA: “Having the feeling that I am somehow making a positive impact in her life by showing her that I am another adult that is looking out for her, making sure her needs are met, and by letting her know that I can be her voice.”
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 young teen girls like Amanda. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer and start making a positive impact today.
*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality
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