By Emily Witt
As if being in the child welfare system weren’t difficult enough, children with disabilities are disproportionately represented in that system. In 2019, a study found that 33% of children involved in the child welfare system have special health care and educational needs—almost 3 times more than the general population.
The trauma experienced by the kids we serve at CASA can also have a profound effect on their need for alternative learning resources—early adverse experiences, such as neglect and abuse, can result in cognitive and social developmental delays for kids.
The trauma experienced by the kids we serve at CASA can also have a profound effect on their need for alternative learning resources—early adverse experiences, such as neglect and abuse, can result in cognitive and social developmental delays for kids. So, at CASA, we’re always trying to improve in our efforts to understand the needs of and advocate effectively for the best interest of, children we serve who may have physical, learning, or other differences requiring specialized interventions.
Aside from meeting immediate needs, like ensuring a child has an appropriate place to live or is receiving resources for mental and emotional wellbeing, among a CASA volunteer’s first duties on a new case are to get to know a child on a personal level, and to start to understand their individual learning needs, challenges, and educational history. This can look different for every child, but for many of the kids we serve, they may have attended multiple schools, without the time for staff to recognize learning or developmental disabilities. CASA volunteers meet with teachers and other school staff to learn more about a child’s needs, or even advocate that the child receives diverse kinds of support in the classroom.
Marcie found her professional work to be extremely gratifying, as so much of her job was connecting with students on an individual level, identifying their strengths, and bolstering their confidence—acts not dissimilar to a CASA volunteer’s role.
CASA Volunteer Marcie Julian-Goltz taught at Austin ISD for 23 years, with eight years of her tenure spent in Special Education. Marcie gave us some insight into effective advocacy for children with particular functional needs.
Marcie found her professional work to be extremely gratifying, as so much of her job was connecting with students on an individual level, identifying their strengths, and bolstering their confidence—acts not dissimilar to a CASA volunteer’s role.
She also found that many people expected children who needed extra support in school to “look” a certain way, and therefore, adults might be surprised when a student becomes reactive to sudden shifts in environment or routine.
"My students were very bright, and just often needed a different way to learn information. Children with special needs thrive when there are clear expectations and guidelines."
“There’s a lot of patience involved in working with children from this population,” says Marcie. “My students were very bright, and just often needed a different way to learn information. Children with special needs thrive when there are clear expectations and guidelines. Sometimes, placements or parents can have a hard time understanding the importance of that structure at home.”
Considering that so many of the children we serve may be living in new environments, it’s especially important for a CASA volunteer to recognize the root of these behaviors, not just the symptoms. Our volunteers can be wonderful resources by relaying this kind of information to placements and offering support.
For children with physical disabilities, it’s just as imperative for CASA volunteers to advocate that they have the tools needed to thrive.
For children with physical disabilities, it’s just as imperative for CASA volunteers to advocate that they have the tools needed to thrive in school, placements, residential treatment centers, and any other place that may be part of their daily lives. This might look like requesting ramps in a space for a child with a wheelchair or securing a tablet for a kid who requires one to communicate.
As a CASA volunteer, Marcie’s background has helped her see where a child may be experiencing developmental delays or may need alternative resources to feel comfortable in a placement.
“For instance, if a child with ADHD is having trouble fidgeting, it’s not helpful to tell them to just stop. Instead, we can give them a ball, or another [object] that may help them expel that energy.”
Many children we serve may have unidentified disabilities, and a CASA volunteer can sometimes be the first person to recognize this.
While Marcie came into her volunteer role as an expert in special education, this is not a requirement to be a CASA volunteer! She does suggest, however, that when you take on the role, you also learn about developmental milestones for children, as well as the basics for working with kids who have special needs.
Many children we serve may have unidentified disabilities, and a CASA volunteer can sometimes be the first person to recognize this.
"It’s imperative the CASA volunteer has an ongoing conversation with teachers. That’s usually the first person who knows the most about a child’s situation, but you can also be a resource for the teacher to learn about a child."
“Just do a little research,” says Marcie. “If the child is school age, it’s imperative the CASA volunteer has an ongoing conversation with their teachers. That’s usually the first person who knows the most about a child’s situation, but you can also be a resource for the teacher to learn about a child. You don’t have to be a specialist, but if you have no idea how a child with autism may express uncomfortableness and frustration, for instance, you can learn more about it. If parents are available, they can also be experts in identifying what behaviors a child might display, and what supports might be needed.”
Children in the child protection system are all vulnerable and in need of safe and reliable allies and advocates. That is particularly true for children with unique functional needs. It isn’t necessary to have a professional background like Marcie’s. An open mind, a willingness to learn, and the patience to make a positive difference in a child’s life are the first fundamental requirements for CASA’s powerful advocacy.
Join us in advocating for every child who needs CASA! Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer here, or apply directly today.
Advocacy Awareness 2022
