San Diego County CASA of the Month – May 2024

When a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer steps into a child’s life, they embark on a journey of trust-building. This process involves creating a connection with their assigned child, who often has their guard up and has not trusted an adult in a long time. For children in foster care, trust is not easily given, rather, it needs to be built and repaired over time. It’s the small steps, the consistent presence, and the unwavering commitment that demonstrates to the child that their CASA will show up no matter what. Once this trust is established, the child has the space to open up and confide in an adult again. This is the transformative power of a CASA volunteer, as exemplified by CASA Ryan and his youth, Caleb*, who now considers his CASA as family.

When CASA Ryan met Caleb in 2022, he was a teenage boy facing expulsion from his high school, enduring the loss of support from family members, struggling with mental health issues, and adjusting to yet another placement. In the past two years, CASA Ryan has interacted with Caleb on his terms, having lunch together, seeing movies, going shopping, or simply talking about life. CASA Ryan’s gentle and understanding presence has allowed him to continue to earn Caleb’s trust and respect. In one particular instance, Caleb was very upset about having to go to school and became so angry that he began acting out in his group home. Staff could not calm him down, but they let CASA Ryan know what happened. CASA Ryan called later in the day and talked Caleb through his anger. During the conversation, Caleb shared, “You’re kind of saying the same thing that they were saying to me earlier, but for some reason, the way you said it made me think about it differently, and I’m listening.”

CASA Ryan has been instrumental in advocating for Caleb’s education, including holding education rights, frequently meeting with his teachers, and creatively finding ways to help Caleb complete his high school requirements and reach his goal of being the first person in his family to graduate. Needing some help to regulate his emotions and develop positive coping mechanisms, CASA Ryan has also actively supported Caleb’s mental health by normalizing therapy for him and commending his efforts to attend therapy weekly. Because of the trusting relationship CASA Ryan has built with Caleb, he recently opened up to him about his participation in therapy, and although he was reluctant to admit he went at first, their discussion made Caleb feel better and see the benefits in going and gaining more self-confidence.

Having complicated relationships with his family, Caleb expressed he felt his family had turned their back on him and did not really feel like his family, but that CASA Ryan was someone he considered “real family.” CASA Ryan shared that this was especially meaningful because, over the past year, he has tried to help Caleb realize that he gets to choose who he wants to have in his life and who he considers family. CASA Ryan’s loyalty, genuine care, and empathy have helped him forge a meaningful relationship with Caleb, shaping his life trajectory as he transitions into adulthood. CASA Ryan is a thoughtful, committed volunteer who takes extra steps to see the whole picture and catch every detail. Because of his advocacy and consistent presence, Caleb is now a bright, kind-hearted youth with endless potential.  

Name: Ryan B.
County: San Diego
Occupation: Project Manager
Became a CASA in: 2022
Favorite thing about being a CASA: “It brings me immense joy to know that I’ve made a significant impact on someone’s life and future, someone I likely would have never met otherwise. Guiding him through difficult times and preparing him for adulthood has been a privilege. I feel honored and fortunate to witness the young man he is today. Life isn’t easy, but knowing that I’m here for him is beyond rewarding.”

Imagine the difference you could make in the lives of youth in foster care. Consider becoming a CASA volunteer and learn more about this rewarding opportunity. *Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality.