Together. Forever.

This past month the CASA 20^th staff celebrated with two teenagers and their new forever family.

This story really began when these children were born. Bounced around between family members and used as bait by their parents to steal drug money, Daniel and Laura had already been in and out of the foster care system twice. The system was failing them. It was in 2009, when Daniel (then 10) and Laura (then 9), were taken into foster care for the third time that something different happened. They were given a CASA 20^th advocate.

The CASA 20^th advocate, with 8 years experience, recalls meeting them for the first time, “Daniel was angry at world, and rightfully so. He had been used and abandoned by every adult in his life. Laura was trying desperately to take care of him and control his outbursts in the hope they wouldn’t get kicked out of yet another home.” For another two years the kids would continue to be bounced from home to home waiting for a family to adopt them. Caught in a vicious cycle filled with anger, distrust and disappointment the only stabilizing factor in these kids’ lives was their CASA 20^th Advocate. Eventually Daniel was placed into a residential treatment center. This was key to giving him a stable living environment so they could begin to address his separation anxiety and behavioral issues.

Daniel began asking his CASA Advocate when a family would want him. After two years Daniel was finally able to trust an adult and voice his biggest fear. The person he trusted was his CASA 20th Advocate. As Daniel left the treatment facility he was placed with the Smith family. They had seen a profile piece on Daniel and become foster parents specifically so they could bring him into their home with a plan to adopt him.

During this time Laura had been placed with a foster family and without the pressure to be a caregiver for her brother was beginning to blossom. She had also become adamant about not being adopted with her brother. She was scared he would act out again and her chances at a forever family would be gone. The CASA Advocate, recognizing that in the long term an adoption together would be best in ensuring their relationship is maintained (if they were adopted separately there is no guarantee of visitation), convinced Laura to spend one weekend a month visiting with her brother.

The first few visits were hard, afraid of having her heart broken again, Laura was determined to not like it there. After a few months however, Laura began to feel at peace in the Smith family home. She began to realized that the Smith family had picked Daniel knowing all of his background and then learning that he had a sister were also willing to adopt her. The fact that they picked him first let her trust that this time she could be a sister and not a care giver.

Last month the CASA Advocate watched beaming as Daniel and Laura were officially adopted by the Smith family. These kids needed someone to be there for them consistently and unconditionally. Their CASA 20^th Advocate gave them that and although it took four years they are finally thriving. Together. Forever.

My Journey with Sophie….Only the Beginning

Two years ago I was lucky enough to become involved in an amazing volunteer program, CASA 20th. Shortly after being sworn in as a CASA 20th advocate I got my first case, a 14 year old girl in foster care for the third time. Sophie had so much working against her and sadly many had already given up on her. I reviewed years of family history, medical records, DHS reports and any other document that could give me insight and help me connect with Sophie. With everything she had been through I knew it would not be an easy task to gain her trust. She had been let down time and time again by her parents, friends, “the system”, basically everyone she had ever counted on. She fully expected that I would be like everyone else and disappear after a few months. I knew if I was going to help Sophie, I must prove to her not only that I was here to stay, but that I was 100% devoted to her best interest and earn her trust.

She was placed four hours away which made visits difficult but I made the drive at least once a month, demonstrating to Sophie how devoted I was to her case. Because she was so far away, regular, almost daily phone calls were also essential to building a relationship with her. Sophie recognized these small gestures of caring and it didn’t take long before she began opening up to me and I could see the smart, generous, caring girl under the mask of toughness she wore.

In the two years I’ve been Sophie’s CASA advocate she has been through 5 placements, 5 caseworkers and 2 judges leaving few people to provide a stable and consistent support system. I’ve watched her persevere through the many ups and downs of growing up in the foster care system with minimal family support, through having her parents in prison, through social anxiety and struggles with her education due to her history and learning disorders. At age 17 Sophie was at a tenth grade level and not progressing towards graduation. I began searching for an appropriate GED program near her placement. I found a program that also offered a smaller classroom setting as well as behavioral and counseling services and she was eventually enrolled. Finally in an appropriate classroom setting for her, Sophie flourished impressing and inspiring her fellow classmates and teachers.

Other than her mother, most of Sophie’s family lived out of state, leaving little chance of a relative placement or support system. However, Sophie did have a “father-figure” she had known for years and who was willing to help her in any way he could. He and I worked together to provide a healthy and consistent support system she so desperately needed. With these positive influences in her life, Sophie began showing her true potential. Despite all the hardships she had faced in foster care, when Sophie turned 18 she opted to remain in care and take advantage of all the opportunities available to her, first and foremost her education. Sophie earned her GED and I began working diligently to guide her through the college admission process and keep her motivated. I made appointment for her, attended the appointments with her and assisted her with all necessary paperwork and applications.

Today, the rebellious teenager I met just two short years ago is in a healthy and loving long-term placement, has learned to set boundaries with her parents to maintain a healthy relationship with them and is enrolled as a full-time college student. I have witnessed Sophie’s journey as she transformed from a struggling girl to a responsible young adult, still learning and growing, inspiring everyone she meets along the way as she overcomes barriers most of us could not imagine. I feel so blessed to have been a part of her journey….and it’s only just the beginning.

This story was shared with our staff and it immediately reminded us why our Kidsfest Superhero Race on April 6th is so important….It’s not just about raising funds, it’s about getting out there and doing something that changes a child’s life.

“Let’s put your sneakers on.” The cutest little boy was playing with a train set at the Center. He had one sneaker tied and the other kicked onto the floor. As a volunteer, I had no idea what crisis he had been removed from but it was my job to make sure he was safe, distracted by toys before his forensic interview and kept comfortable in the bright, friendly playroom.

“Here, Jason, I’ll help you put this on.” As I attempted to gently wedge the tennis shoe onto his squirming little foot, Jason started to cry. “Does your foot hurt?” He pulled the back of his sock down to reveal blisters. I realized his shoes had been rubbing against his heel and ankle. “Oh, you poor little guy, looks like these shoes are too tight.”

I wiped his tears and gave him a hug. Jason didn’t speak. He looked down at the floor. “Hey, it’s OK, Buddy. Look! I’m kicking off my shoe too!” Jason smiled a little. He touched his tender heel and brought his fingers to his lips, then moved his hand back and forth as if pantomiming someone smoking a cigarette and bringing that cigarette to his heel. I realized Jason’s shoes were not too tight and his injuries were no accident.

One of the professionals confirmed that the “blisters” on Jason’s feet were consistent with the look of cigarette burns and his abuser had carefully masked the cruel acts in such a way that a child who was barely verbal would have difficulty explaining. As an expert in the field, she had seen such things before.

Because of the alert staff at the Center, Jason did not have to go home to his abuser and today he can run, jump and play in his comfy sneakers.

When you take part in the Kidsfest Superhero Race, you run or walk for a child like Jason who was not able to lace up his sneakers and enjoy being a regular kid because someone hurt him. Your small steps represent his healing, your great strides represent his emotional recovery and that exhilarating moment when you hit your perfect pace represents the joyful future children like Jason deserve.

Click here to register now!

Jane is 9 years old and lives in Conway. Her only Christmas wish this year is simple….she wants a home with a family who will love her and keep her safe.

By making a year end donation to the Children’s Advocacy Alliance you can help ensure that Jane, and the 178 other Faulkner County children in foster care, can wake up next Christmas morning in a safe and permanent home.

Cordell was taken into foster care at the age of 10. Still a little boy in many ways, but one who had already seen and suffered so much. The courts quickly determined that termination of parental rights was in the best interest of Cordell and his 7 younger siblings. Although Cordell was now safe, he was missing what every little boy needs most; a stable family that could support him and inspire him to believe he could be anything he wanted to be.

Sadly the years ticked by and Cordell was moved from one foster home to another. Most times each new foster home meant a new school and new friends. Cordell’s younger siblings began to be adopted and little by little Cordell began to lose any hope that he would ever have the forever family he so desperately wanted and needed.

Then in 2011Cordell, now 16 years old, was placed with the Everett family. David Everett, a high school football coach and Michelle Everett, a school teacher, were new foster parents and ready to be there for a child in need. They decided from the beginning to treat Cordell as one of the family. He did not have to prove himself, he did not have to earn their trust. He had it from the beginning and it was up to him to keep it. Although he tested the boundaries a few times Cordell soon realized that could be a place to call home.

As Cordell’s sense of security began to strengthen, a bright, charming and athletic boy began to emerge. Cordell, who had always been a C average student, really began to shine. He started getting mostly A’s on his report cards, became the star player on the school football and basketball teams, was elected to the student council, and is now picking Colleges. It is because of the stability, support, and guidance David and Michelle were able to share that Cordell is now visioning a future full of possibilities. That future includes adoption by the Everett’s but both they and Cordell feel that is simply a piece of paper. He is already a part of the Everett family and that will never change.

When 6-year-old Kayla came in for an interview at the Children’s Advocacy Center, multiple calls to the abuse hotline had already been placed on her behalf. The allegations involved neglect by her father. When the investigation began it was unclear if the neglect allegation was valid, or if it was raised because of a custody battle.

The Children’s Advocacy Alliance approaches all cases with the single agenda of what is best for the child. With this in mind an interview was set up.

When Kayla arrived at our Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) she was scared and frightened. She knew something was going on, but was not sure who she could trust. Without our Center, Kayla would have gone to the police station. Instead, she came to our Center where she was greeted by our Family Advocate who held her hand and led her to a cozy waiting room with couches, books, and a fish tank.

Once Kayla was comfortable, she was interviewed by our Forensic Interviewer while DHS workers watched on closed circuit television. The interview, specially designed to not feel like an interrogation, made Kayla feel comfortable by drawing with her and calmly talking with her about her family life at home. In this neutral, fact-finding interview, Kayla disclosed that when she’s at her father’s house there is no food, she is left alone for hours, and when he is home he is often drunk. DHS workers, observing the interview, decided it was not safe for Kayla to be returned to her father and a dependency/neglect case was opened.

Kayla was assigned a CASA advocate who became responsible for ensuring her best interests and that a safe, permanent home is found as quickly as possible. During the next year, as Kayla remained in foster care while her father worked to regain custody, her CASA advocate was a constant and consistent presence in her life. Her advocate called or visited Kayla once a week, attended all case review and court hearings, and kept in contact with Kayla’s father to ensure he was following through with his court-ordered AA meetings and parenting classes.

At the same time, our Family Advocate who was the first person to greet Kayla at our Center, had arranged counseling for Kayla, and kept up with Kayla’s case by keeping track of her father’s criminal case.

After a year, the judge decided that because Kayla’s father had followed through with his parenting classes and AA meetings she could return to his care. With the diligent cooperation from both the CAC and CASA, Kayla left foster care and was reunited with her father.

The Children’s Advocacy Center provided a neutral and safe environment that allowed DHS and our staff to work together to provide what was best for Kayla. CASA was able to swiftly get an advocate on the case to ensure Kayla’s happiness and well-being.

Sarah and Brandon’s Story

Five years ago, Sarah and Brandon were brought into the foster care system because of severe abuse and neglect. For the first four years they were in separate foster homes. Brandon had some behavioral problems that needed to be addressed. Over the years these children have had a failed adoption and one interested adoptive family that decided against adoption before getting to know the children. Brandon was very adamant about not wanting to be adopted. Sarah, on the other hand, desperately wanted to be adopted and blamed Brandon for their previous failed adoption. She did not want to be adopted with her brother. The CASA advocate assigned to the case understood the children’s feelings, but was also sure in her conviction, that if the children could be placed together and have the chance to live normally as brother and sister, their relationship would heal. The CASA advocate was not comfortable with the easy solution of separate adoptions as it would mean as the children grew into adulthood and wanted to have a relationship a separate adoption would make that impossible.

The therapists and caseworkers involved were all feeling disheartened, but with consistent pressure from the CASA advocate the children were finally placed into a therapeutic foster home together. With the children now living together, a new CASA Advocate was appointed to the case and turned her attention to finding a family willing to adopt the children.

Tom and Cindy Johnson had just moved into the area two years ago and were looking to adopt. At an adoption informational meeting, they saw a picture of Sarah and Brandon, heard their story and were immediately interested in knowing more about both children. They were a perfect match for Sarah and Brandon, having already dealt with children with behavioral issues. Over the past year the Johnson’s have been very proactive in working with the CASA advocate and the children to ensure the transition and adoption would be successful. The first step was gaining the trust of both children, not an easy task given. The Johnson’s began meeting the children on a weekly basis and took the time to make a scrapbook for Sarah and Brandon, detailing what their new home would be like. Cindy wrote a letter to both of them outlining what their family was like. She promised to both children that while they are not perfect, they will provide a loving home, “Love on days that are easy and love on days that are hard.” Their family promises to provide structure and guidance, something that Sarah and Brandon desperately need. Through therapy and time together, Sarah has opened up to the idea of being adopted with her brother. They are now both looking forward to being adopted.

Sarah and Brandon’s story shows that despite failures, advocates can be a source of hope for children that feel lost. When a family match just wasn’t there, this advocate stuck it out and kept looking for a forever family for Sarah and Brandon. With persistence and a heart for children, she found them a forever family that has made lasting promises and has acted with quickness.

Join us tomorrow for a day of Volleyball Fun!

Don Owens Sport Center – 7:30am.

http://hopeandjustice.org/events/volleyball-fun-fest/

Imagine being a single father to a 12-year-old son. Now imagine being a single father to a 12-year-old son with an intellectual disability. Fathers are challenged everyday to be the best role models possible, but as Richard* has encountered with Seth*, some days are harder than others.

After leaving Seth with a caretaker, Seth’s father reported that he saw bruises and changes in his behavior. Concerned that Seth was being physically abused, Richard alerted the Child Abuse Hotline which triggered an investigation bringing Seth to the Children’s Advocacy Alliance to be interviewed. When they arrived, Seth was unable to really comprehend what was happening at the time, however the welcoming environment of the Children’s Advocacy Alliance helped ease Seth’s anxiety.

While Seth and his father were in the waiting room with the CAA Family Advocate, it was very apparent the calming impact Richard had on Seth. While the paperwork was completed Richard kept reassuring Seth that everything would be fine. When it came time for Seth to go with the forensic interviewer he was frightened and did not want to leave. Seth turned to his father and simply said, “I’m scared. Hold me.” Richard, despite Seth’s large frame, reached out and did the best he could to embrace his son. With the comfort and empowerment from his father’s loving arms, Seth was able to leave with the interviewer. Richard and Seth worked together with the Children’s Advocacy Alliance team to ensure Seth’s health and safety.

Seth’s father has been a constant in his life and was not going to step down and be intimidated by the investigation. Richard has been proactive and has not afraid to come to the Children’s Advocacy Alliance to ask questions. He simply wants to provide the best care possible for his son. No disability is going to stop Richard from looking out for his son. It will be a rough road for the pair, but Richard knows they will get through it together.