7 things I have learned during my time as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.
When Hannah embarked on becoming a CASA in 2017, the youth she served was in elementary school. Throughout the past 6+ years Hannah has been supporting and caring for this individual through many highs and lows, including 30 placement changes. Navigating teen years and risky behaviors is a challenge for all CASAs and it was no different for Hannah as she supported a young person experiencing CSEC. She managed to find the tricky balance between speaking up when situations felt dangerous, while also being there to emotionally support her young person through traumatic experiences and uncertainty.
The power of consistency: Oftentimes as a CASA, it can be hard to know if you are doing the right thing or making a difference. Ask any CASA volunteer and they will likely tell you that staying consistent is the key. If you say you will pick them up after school — pick them up. If you say you will send them a postcard when you are on vacation — send that postcard. These youth have had promises broken to them by every adult in their life, and it is up to you to begin repairing their trust in adults, one fulfilled promise at a time.
High Turnover and Limited Resources: CPS and related agencies often face high turnover rates and limited resources. Some child protective workers have upwards of 50 cases, and fly across state weekly to visit with their youth. In terms of resources, it is not uncommon for the court to deny funding for things such as tutoring, considering it an ‘extracurricular’ expense.’
Unpredictable Legal Process: The legal process involving child welfare cases can be unpredictable due to various factors, including different judges and attorneys. Delays and complications can occur, impacting the pace and tone of a case. Sometimes cases can be mixed up by providers, a heartbreaking scene to hear the kids names pronounced wrong, or placements reported incorrectly.
Emotional Toll: Working in child welfare is emotionally challenging. Witnessing the trauma children have experienced, making tough decisions, and experiencing the highs and lows of the process can take a significant emotional toll on those involved. Oftentimes you find yourself wanting to fix it all, but you will never be able to fix it, and it is not your job to do so. Hold space for these youth, advocate fiercely, and stay consistent.
The harsh realities: Frequently, the media tends to present an overly simplified view of the child welfare system. Movies and television shows often depict scenarios where parents adopt children, seemingly 'rescuing' them from the system. However, the reality is far more complex — many youth continue to express a strong desire to be reunited with their parents, even in situations where they have endured abuse or hardship. Additionally, the abuse encountered by youth in the system is far more extensive than portrayed in the media. Most youth in the welfare system require intensive therapeutic services, and often experience lasting symptoms of PTSD for life.
Encountering the Best and Worst in People: The job exposes individuals to both the darkest aspects of human behavior, such as child abuse, and the resilience and goodness of those who genuinely care for children, and parents who will do just about anything to be reunited with their children. It is easy to oversimplify the process and say that parents are ‘bad’ because their kids were removed, but it is much more complicated than that. Find ways to empathize with parents who have also faced hardships and are trying their best.
The CASA program does not have enough volunteers: Nationwide, there is a waiting list of foster youth looking for CASA’s in nearly every county. If you are interested in getting involved, sign up here: https://nationalcasagal.org/
Officially a CASA!
Hannah Stombler-Levine and her older sister at the 2017 CASA Swearing in Ceremony.
Swearing in Ceremony
Spring 2017 Court Appointed Special Advocates are sworn in by Dependency Judge.
