What made you decide to become a CASA?
I was a teacher/educator for 35 years. I taught many children that were in the foster care system. Most of those children did not have an advocate. When I retired, I knew that CASA was exactly what I wanted to become. I wanted to help those precious children that needed a cheerleader just for them.
What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA? This is my first time to be a CASA. I have had the same two little boys for 18 months. The most rewarding part of being a CASA is seeing the boys’ progress. When I first saw the boys, they were sad and missed their mom and dad. They were placed in a very loving home and bonded with their kinship mom and dad. They soon became very happy, giggly, busy little guys.
Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kid or on your case. When I first became a CASA volunteer, it was the beginning of the COVID lock-down. I first met my little boys (age 2 and 4), via Zoom. What an experience that was! Once a week we would visit by Zoom. Now I know why it is called zoom….the boys would zoom around the room as I read them a book or sang them a song. Finally, the day came when I got to meet them face-to-face. I met them at a park. I thought they would not know me with my mask. The minute they saw me they ran across the park saying, “Miss Diane, Miss Diane.” What a special day that was!
What is your favorite way to connect with your CASA kid(s)? During our COVID Zoom visits, I bought them and me the same set of hand puppets. To keep them focused we would do some story role plays and “act” silly. Now that I see them once a week, we play at the park and have snacks. I always like to help them celebrate special holidays and of course, their birthdays.
Why do you think having a CASA volunteer throughout such a chaotic time is important for foster children? A CASA is the one constant person during this difficult time. One of my boys was in a foster home that was not the best place for him and he was not with his little brother. I advocated for him to be removed and placed in the same home with his little brother. My boys also have had 3 different caseworkers come and go. I have truly learned the meaning of advocate these last 18 months. I am at every hearing with the judge advocating for the safety of my boys. Also, I could not do my work without the amazing help from my CASA Specialist!