When Sarah and John Anderson started their family, they always envisioned adopting and fostering children. While they planned to have biological kids, their hearts were undeniably drawn to providing a loving home for a child in foster care. In 2015, after their daughter turned 5, the Andersons took the leap into fostering. “It felt like the right moment,” Sarah shares with a smile. “Transitioning to being a stay-at-home mom allowed me to dedicate more time and energy to fostering.”
Since becoming licensed, the Andersons have opened their home to a 4-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy. Although Sarah has shared snippets of their fostering journey through her writing, she prefers to keep personal details private out of respect for the children they welcomed. However, there’s one crucial aspect of the foster care system that she feels strongly about: the role of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs).
What is a CASA?
CASAs, also known as Guardian Ad Litems (GAL), are volunteers appointed by judges to advocate for abused or neglected children. The CASA program is essential, as it ensures that children don’t get lost in the overwhelming legal and social services maze. Volunteers undergo specialized training to effectively navigate the foster care system and support children who have experienced emotional turmoil.
A CASA stays with a foster child from the moment they enter the system until they either reunite with their biological parents or find a permanent adoptive home, with the length of service varying widely for each child. Often, the CASA is the one reliable adult a foster child sees consistently, which can be incredibly comforting during a tumultuous time.
“Foster children frequently encounter a revolving door of adults—social workers, lawyers, and court officials—while moving from home to home,” Sarah explains. “But with a CASA, they have that familiar face to rely on, which can be a lifeline during difficult times.”
The Role of a CASA
Getting involved as a CASA is a fantastic way to make a meaningful impact in a child’s life. A CASA serves as a vital voice, collaborating with social workers, birth parents, and foster parents to advocate for the child’s best interests. They attend meetings and court hearings, ensuring the child’s needs are met and reporting their observations to the judge overseeing the case.
Research shows that children with CASAs are more likely to find stable, permanent homes and have a better educational experience because their advocates work closely with school staff to help them achieve their goals. “Simply dedicating a small amount of time can create a significant difference in a child’s life,” says Sarah.
The Need for CASAs
Sadly, there are currently not enough CASAs to meet the needs of the over 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, with fewer than 86,000 volunteers available. This shortage often leads judges to assign available CASAs to more complex, high-risk cases, highlighting the urgent need for compassionate individuals to step up in their communities.
How to Get Involved
If you’re interested in making a difference, you can find more information on how to become a CASA by exploring local programs. It’s an opportunity to play an active role in a child’s life, creating lasting change for both the child and the volunteer.
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Conclusion
In summary, becoming a CASA can profoundly impact a foster child’s life, providing them with a consistent source of support and advocacy during a challenging time. If you’re looking to help children, consider exploring this rewarding opportunity to make a positive difference.
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