Friday, Mar 1, 2024
To the naked eye three-year-old Maddie* looks like your average toddler. She is happy, healthy, and full of life. But Maddie’s story is anything but average. Maddie entered the world surrounded by turmoil.
By the time she was six months old, she had been taken to the hospital suffering from a fractured arm, collarbone, and numerous injuries to her face. Seeing the significant abuse she had endured, the courts quickly intervened, taking Maddie away from her mother's care and placing her into the loving arms of her grandparents.
There were many challenges throughout Maddie’s case, but her CASA volunteer, Serrina, was there to support both Maddie and her grandparents through them all. Maddie’s family and CASA worked hard to get her mother to work towards her reunification goals with no success. Finally, after three years in foster care, Maddie was adopted by her grandparents.
Even though it took three years to reach permanency, Maddie never suffered beyond her initial abuse. Her grandparents were loving and faithful throughout the case and her CASA volunteer was consistent in her love and advocacy.
"We were so blessed with Serrina; the absolute best CASA volunteer,” said Maddie’s grandmother, Kathy. “She listened to me vent and cry and she tried with all her might to connect with our daughter. All three of us looked forward to Serrina’s visits! I am so thankful for CASA, and especially for Serrina. She definitely helped our family during a very difficult time. She has become a life long friend!”
Maddie’s life was not the only life changed by her journey. Serrina’s life was changed as well, “I was very fortunate to be the CASA for this case. Life long friendships and relationships were formed.”
Bridging the divide between foster care and adoption can be both challenging and rewarding. More CASA volunteers, like Serrina, are needed to advocate for children who enter the child welfare system; to help ensure they have the best opportunity to thrive. Will you help? Volunteer today!