When families need extra support, it is often grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives, or kin – a close family friend, a godparent – who step forward to provide support and care for the children, either temporarily or permanently. Placing children with relatives or family friends can help them remain in familiar surroundings, maintain meaningful relationships, and provide children with stability and security. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer can ensure a child maintains familial connections as a champion of the child’s best interests and as a facilitator linking children and their families with community resources and opening doors of communication. This is what CASA Heather has done for one-year-old Gia* and her grandmother, who became her relative caregiver.
Gia* entered the foster care system under challenging circumstances in the early months of her life as her mother struggled with substance abuse, homelessness, and mental health issues. While Gia was initially placed in a foster home at 6 months old, she was moved to be with a relative caregiver, her grandmother, and her four older siblings. Gia was then assigned a CASA, Heather. She quickly began interacting with her, learning all her needs while developing a trusting relationship with her grandmother, who welcomed CASA Heather as if she were part of the family.
CASA Heather and the grandmother worked together closely as they navigated the complexities of Gia’s needs, including developmental screenings and behavioral support. As Gia struggled with sleeping, self-soothing, eating, fine motor skills, and extreme emotions, CASA Heather was there every step of the way, ensuring Gia had the proper behavioral services and that the grandmother felt supported through behavioral coaching with Gia to help her communicate and minimize her frustration. Within a few months, the changes in Gia’s mood were substantial, having transformed from a baby who was constantly upset to a baby who woke up happy and smiling most of the time. On top of this, her siblings also began forming a strong bond with Gia. They enjoy reading books to her and playing with her, and they are always nearby to help her.
As the grandmother managed Gia’s complex needs, cared for her siblings, and underwent the process of adopting Gia, CASA Heather helped her obtain essential respite care services to ensure her well-being. Having developed a good rapport with Gia’s social worker, they both agreed that the grandmother could benefit from short-term relief and coordinated the proper referrals to support the grandmother. The grandmother was very grateful to have CASA Heather as a listening ear and a sounding board as she learned how to best care for Gia while also taking care of herself.
Today, Gia is a sweet and happy, soon-to-be 2-year-old toddler interested in the world around her. With CASA Heather’s unwavering support for the family as a whole and her powerful advocacy in the courtroom, she helped pave the way for a successful kinship adoption earlier this year. CASA Heather’s presence and dedication made a significant difference in Gia’s life, ensuring she continues to grow, surrounded by family, receiving the love, stability, and guidance she deserves to reach their full potential.
Name: Heather G.
County: San Diego
Occupation: Portfolio Analyst
Became a CASA in: 2023
Advice to a new CASA: “Go in with an open mind and listen to the needs of the child and family. Everyone has their own unique strengths and experiences. It can be very easy to put our own judgments on how others should live their lives, but doing so can also make you miss out on what makes our case children and families great and what is working well for 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 toddlers like Gia.
Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer and start making a positive impact today. *Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality
We Need Men to Speak Up and Advocate for Boys in Foster Care Now