As we reach the end of 2013, we look back at the stories of the children CASA has worked with and want to celebrate one of those with our community. This year, more than 230 children had a CASA volunteer advocate, children like Keisha and Dakota (names changed to protect privacy).
When CASA first met Keisha and her brother Dakota, they came into court as a scared three-year-old and hardened, angry eight-year-old. They had been brought into custody on and off their entire lives, being raised by a single mother who had been arrested for prostitution multiple times.
This time, in May, they were permanently removed when their mom passed out from a fatal dose of drugs and alcohol. Keisha was inconsolable; her brother would speak to no one and stopped anyone from approaching his sister.
They were assigned a CASA volunteer, Katy, who sat at the end of the bench in the court room. As the people all around them were talking, Katy took care to explain what was happening to Keisha and Dakota. Katy explained to them who she was, that she cared about them deeply and wanted to make sure they found a safe home.
The kids were placed in a foster home that required they move schools. The foster parents didn’t know Dakota had been involved in a Boys and Girls Club sports program or that Keisha couldn’t sleep without her favorite stuffed animal.
Katy came to see them a couple of days after they moved. Dakota didn’t want to speak, and Keisha sat in the corner of the room crying. Katy tried to start a conversation with them but they were unresponsive.
Katy came back week after week. Slowly, they began to warm up a little. Dakota told Katy about Keisha’s stuffed animal—Katy was able to locate it and get it moved to the foster home for her.
One day, Katy noticed a jersey in Dakota’s things and asked him about it. He explained he was involved in Boys and Girls Club sports… Katy was able to get him into the local club.
The kids slowly began to adjust to their new lives. Dakota even began to smile when he talked. Katy spent time talking to them about their dads. She asked if they were happy in their foster home. She asked them about their aunts and grandma.
She also asked the kids where they would want to live if they could choose. Both of the kids picked an aunt who had been coming to visit them regularly. Katy asked their aunt if she would be willing to adopt them, and she visited her home and asked if they could remain in the same school system. She talked to the aunt about keeping Dakota in sports and let her know about Keisha’s favorite stuffed animal.
Last month, in time for the holidays, Katy went back to court with Keisha and Dakota. This time, they sat on either side of her holding her hands. Katy told the judge about her conversations with the aunt and made a recommendation they be adopted.
Today, Dakota and Keisha are happy and safe living with their loving aunt. They are doing well in school and so excited about putting up their Christmas tree this weekend! Dakota wrote a note to thank Katy for being there for him and making sure his little sister had everything she needed.
For more information about the CASA program, contact Naomi Asher at naomi@casatnh.org or (865) 425-0888.
Lauren Biloski says
C.A.S.A. has helped so many children in Juvenile Court. Their volunteers make such a difference when they are assigned to the case. They are such a help to DCS, the Guardian ad Litem, the children, and everyone involved. It is wonderful to see their relationships grow and for the kids to know they have someone they can trust who is not part of the “Court system.” I wish a C.A.S.A. worker could be on every case but more volunteers are needed.