Seven-year-old Victor came back into foster care for the second time following his mother’s substance relapse. 

 

Nothing can prepare a child for this.  It causes a pit in the stomach of any child welfare professional.  Concerned about Victor, the Judge appointed Lisa to serve as his volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate, and she became the voice for Victor's needs over the next two years. 

 

Given his extensive exposure to trauma, Victor struggled with challenging behaviors at home and at school - which led to three placement changes that further compounded his loss. 

 

Lisa never gave up on Victor and passionately advocated to ensure the right services were in place to address his trauma and support his need for a permanent loving home.  

 

After what felt like forever to Victor.... a potential adoptive family came forward.

 

Lisa advocated to ensure the adoptive placement had appropriate supports to care for his needs.  When therapy services inexplicably stopped, Lisa engaged the involved professionals to address his need for specific recommended therapy services.  Lisa maintained contact with service providers to monitor medications and advocate for special education services to support his success in school. The Judge acknowledged Lisa's work and her written recommendations in court on multiple occasions, making orders from the bench to ensure that appropriate therapy and school services were secured for Victor. 

 

Thanks to Lisa's advocacy and support, the adoptive family received the support they needed in order to feel confident about making a commitment to little Victor - in turn providing him with long awaited permanency - a forever family.

 

Without CASA, Victor's story could have been very different.  Every child in the foster care system deserves someone like Lisa to advocate for his or her needs. 

 

Consider a gift this Giving Tuesday to forever change a child's story.  Use the QR code or click the images below to give today!