Read the full article by Lisa Thibodeau at Sacramento News & Review
The day before Thanksgiving last year, I went to family court in Placer County for the 6-year-old child to whom I am a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
My child and his two younger brothers were permanently placed with their parents, a best-case scenario and the result of a team of social workers, therapists, attorneys, and the diligent efforts of the parents themselves. The day felt important, as studies show that children who remain with their parents, instead of being removed from their home, have greater odds of overcoming addiction, incarceration, suicide and homelessness later in life, should they face these challenges.
CASAs advocate for a child within a system that is often overburdened with cases, and we aim to be a consistent, supportive presence in the child’s life. We observe their home environment and check with teachers, pediatricians, family members and work to fill gaps in the child’s basic needs. We look at each case through a lens of possibility and hold the belief that healing from unimaginable trauma is achievable.