When it seems like there are no viable family placement options available for a child, CASA uses research, persistence, and relationship-building to keep families connected.
When CASA was appointed to three children who had been removed from their home due to their parents’ substance use, it initially seemed like no appropriate family placements were available. Other parties involved with the case had trouble connecting with the parents, who both spoke only Spanish, and kept hitting dead ends when it came to other family options. But the CASA volunteer spoke Spanish and worked hard to get to know and build connections with both parents.
Eventually, the volunteer developed a great rapport with the father, who had completed all court-mandated programs and showed a strong dedication to his sobriety. CASA advocated for all three children to be placed with him, including the oldest child who was not his biological daughter, but whom he considered and cared for as his own. All three children are now in a permanent home with their father and remain connected to all their family.
For two young siblings who were scared and alone at a shelter, CASA provided the lifeline they needed to reconnect them with family at a critical time. When CASA was assigned to the case, their mother had not provided CPS with any information on potential relatives with whom they could be placed. Their CASA volunteer knew that building a relationship with the mother was key to keeping the kids connected to their family. It wasn’t easy to connect, but our volunteer kept trying. Finally, the mother agreed to meet with CASA and provided a list of family members.
Within hours, CASA’s family finding team was in contact with multiple relatives and ended up finding an older cousin who agreed to be the placement for the children. Because of CASA’s persistence, the children now have a safe and loving home and will remain connected with their family.
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