Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024
Newborn Rainey and 10-year-old Wayne came to the court system through tragic circumstances, a motorcycle accident involving both parents that took the life of their mother. Unfortunately, alcohol was involved and 10-year-old Wayne was a witness to the accident. Because of the circumstances, the court intervened and the children were placed in foster care with their maternal grandmother.
One year later, with emotions high and little progress being reported on behalf of father Mark, CASA volunteer Debbie was appointed. Debbie had to navigate the difficult waters of a grandparent grieving her daughter while doing her best to care for her grandchildren. Debbie could tell right away that Mark’s progress was being overlooked in the court process. Mark was in the process of completing everything asked of him no one was assessing his progress.
Upon seeing Mark’s advancements, Debbie immediately began advocating for the children to spend more time with him. Supervised visits turned into unsupervised- hour visits into day visits - day visits into overnight. As Mark maintained his home and his court-ordered services Debbie continued to advocate for his children to spend more time with him. Debbie’s optimism and belief in Mark spread throughout the courtroom and soon trial reunification was ordered for Mark with his children.
After 90 days of continued monitoring, the courtroom applauded when the case closed with the children placed with their father. Mark credits Debbie for being the catalyst for the change in direction of the case allowing this hopeful father to be reunited with his children.
Bridging the divide between foster care and reunification can be both challenging and rewarding. More CASA volunteers, like Debbie, are needed to advocate for children who enter the child welfare system; to help ensure they have the best opportunity to thrive. You can help by signing up to become a CASA volunteer today.