by Sara Blake
Having personally experienced the foster care system and adoption, this month’s featured CASA volunteer, June, brings a special perspective to her advocacy. In many ways, she believes it helps her relate to and empathize more easily with families. Simultaneously though, June believes that “my experience is my experience. Volunteering has been eye-opening because it reminds me that my story isn’t everyone else’s.”
After five and a half years in foster care, 13-year-old June and all three of her siblings were adopted and moved to Austin. She credits her adoptive parents with helping her and her siblings regain a sense of childhood.
June, her twin sisters, and her brother were first placed in foster care in 2003 due to abuse and neglect. June remembers having a CASA volunteer for part of their time in care. “I remember going to the park with my CASA volunteer,” she recalls. “Sometimes our biological father would miss visits at the CPS office, but our CASA never did.” After five and a half years in foster care, 13-year-old June and all three of her siblings were adopted and moved to Austin. She credits her adoptive parents with helping her and her siblings regain a sense of childhood.
As a young adult and in college, June felt no desire to talk about the past, especially her time in foster care. Her adoptive dad, however, felt a calling for churches, in particular, to hear about the important work required to improve conditions in the foster care system. He found a Texas State study from the 1980s showing that less than 3% of former youth in foster care graduated with a college degree. Worse, 51% were homeless by the time they turned 21. In 2018, the University of Texas did a new version of the study. The numbers were the same. Says June, “That hit me hard.”
June and all three of her siblings have graduated college. “It was a struggle at times, and I definitely utilized counseling,” June shares, “but we all did it.” June went on to receive a dual Masters in Healthcare and Business Administration. Understanding the magnitude of that accomplishment in light of the foster care study data, June was inspired to share her story.
June began speaking publicly about her experiences to schools and other groups. Unfortunately, around this time, COVID happened, and many of June’s speaking engagements were canceled. Undeterred, June knew she wanted to continue giving back in some way. “I was aware that lockdowns and school closures meant fewer eyes on kids, and I knew from experience the danger of that. So I decided to apply to be a CASA volunteer.”
After completing her volunteer training, June was assigned to a sibling group. “It was challenging trying to get to the kids and make them feel comfortable with masks on. I learned to always bring activities with me and just play with them, instead of interrogating them with questions. I also learned I am really bad at puzzles,” June laughs. “The oldest really helped me connect with the younger siblings and helped reassure them that it was okay to relax and open up to me. I really admired their relationship.” The case ended in reunification and June was able to see the kids settle back into life with their dad. “It was amazing seeing how far the kids had come, as well as their dad. They were acting like kids again. It was beautiful to see,” June says with a smile.
Her subsequent cases have been a bit tougher. One case involved a visit to a shelter which brought back really tough memories of her own time in one. “That was a hard moment and I was really grateful to have my own support system in my life,” June shares.
June recently asked to be put on Spanish-speaking cases from now on, knowing that a shared language and culture will be a strong connection point. She is also a CASA Ambassador and has already encouraged others in her life to volunteer with CASA.
Another standout moment for June was during a court hearing when the first question the judge asked was where the child was currently placed. “No one knew the answer except me. I spoke up and explained where the youth was and that I had already visited them. After the hearing though, I was emotional. I kept thinking, “If I wasn’t here, and if I didn’t have CASA’s training, the judge would have known nothing about this youth’s life right now including how they were doing in school.” June also realized how important it is to personify the kids for the judge, who may or may not have a chance to meet each child. “Each child is a living, breathing person. Get them off the page and share about their milestones and funny moments. Really let the judges know who they are.”
June recently asked to be put on Spanish-speaking cases from now on, knowing that a shared language and culture will be a strong connection point. She is also a CASA Ambassador and has already encouraged others in her life to volunteer with CASA.
“My biggest advice is not letting fear make your decisions for you. We all wonder “what if I mess up? What if I’m bad at this? I myself wondered if my own history would hinder me instead of help me. And I do think awareness of your own struggles and past is important. But ultimately, I think even worrying about these things shows how much a person cares, and that makes for a great volunteer!”
“The single most common factor for children who develop resilience is at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive parent, caregiver, or other adult.” “It only takes one adult to change a child’s life for the better. I want to be that for a child. Don’t you?”
June also advises having a healthy support system in your personal life before you start; and, if you become a volunteer, to get to know other advocates so you can support each other. “Start with the people in your training class, and go to volunteer meetups,” June encourages.
Lastly, June says to not let the time commitment deter you. “The time truly flies by because you know it’s making such a difference,” says June. “We all make time for what’s important to us. Remember that the time we spend with a child is changing their life in ways we don’t even know yet.” June quotes the Harvard study on child resilience: “The single most common factor for children who develop resilience is at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive parent, caregiver, or other adult.” “It only takes one adult to change a child’s life for the better. I want to be that for a child. Don’t you?”
Featured Volunteer Story
