Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers serve as a consistent presence when children experience turbulent placement changes, help to prevent learning loss, and advocate for children to receive essential resources. In some cases, things look like they are going in a certain direction, and then the situation changes completely. Yet, the CASA volunteer remains steadfast until they witness with their own eyes that the child they have been advocating for has reached permanency. This is precisely what CASA Margaret “Peggy” has done and continues to do as a devoted CASA for Joy* and Jeremiah*.
CASA Margaret “Peggy” first met nine-year-old Joy and seven-year-old Jeremiah in 2019, who were removed from their home due to neglect after being left home alone in a dangerous situation. She quickly built a trusting relationship with them and focused on their education and keeping them together. During the pandemic, while they were unable to spend time together in person, CASA Peggy regularly called, stopped by their foster home to deliver school work, ensured they had Chromebooks provided by their school, and took small treat bags to celebrate various holidays like Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day. In 2021, they had their first in-person visit in over a year, and CASA Peggy made Jeremiah’s wish to go to the San Diego Zoo a reality. The three of them had a memorable day walking through every inch of the zoo and seeing every animal at least once.
That same year, Joy and Jeremiah were placed with a maternal relative out of the state. CASA Peggy was there to support the siblings and the maternal relative as they all transitioned to a new home, new schools, and a new home dynamic. Despite her positive outlook, by June 2022, Peggy noticed unmet needs: missed school, medical and dental appointments, and lack of therapy. Having connected with the maternal caregiver, she shared that, unfortunately, her financial and living situation had drastically changed, and soon thereafter, they gave notice to remove Joy from the home. Joy returned to San Diego feeling abandoned, missing her brother, and now living at an emergency shelter. Nonetheless, CASA Peggy was there right away by her side, supporting her through her brother’s absence, as she knew this was the first time Joy was separated from Jeremiah. A few months later, Jeremiah returned to San Diego as the maternal caregiver was no longer able to care for him as well.
As the educational rights holder for both children, CASA Peggy is the main point of contact regarding each child’s academic needs. Since both children returned to San Diego, she has ensured that transitions to new schools went as smoothly as possible. She has gone above and beyond as a dedicated advocate for Jeremiah, who has had multiple placements and three school changes within one year. This spring, Jeremiah was placed in a small family home outside San Diego County. Visits have been more challenging with this new placement. However, that has not stopped CASA Peggy from bringing the siblings together, and she was even able to help Joy and Jeremiah participate in the same camp this summer.
Today, Joy is a funny and artistic 14-year-old girl full of energy who is now in a co-educational residential school program because of the support and advocacy of CASA Peggy. Jeremiah is about to turn 12 and enjoys playing with LEGOs and video games. While he is currently out of the county, he is doing well. He is considering joining his new school’s soccer team and learning to play the trumpet. CASA Peggy will continue supporting Joy and Jeremiah as they begin new school years in placements where they can thrive. Her unwavering advocacy these past five years has made a significant difference in the lives of Joy and Jeremiah, demonstrating the power of one person’s commitment to change the lives of our community’s most vulnerable.
Name: Margaret E.
County: San Diego
Occupation: Retired architect
Became a CASA in: 2019
Favorite part of being a CASA: “Watching my kiddos grow and flourish while trying new things like learning to play the trumpet or piano, playing soccer, visiting the zoo, seeing a movie or something as simple as getting a Slurpee or going to the pet store just to check out the hamsters!”
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 siblings like Joy and Jeremiah.
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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