Wednesday, Jul 31, 2024
Emma was born into the Child Welfare System. She tested positive for methamphetamines and cannabis at the hospital and suffered withdrawal symptoms that needed to be medically managed before she was placed in a safe, loving foster home.
Emma’s mother began the long and challenging journey of substance abuse treatment while her father’s whereabouts remained unknown. Emma's mother made minimal progress during the first eight months of the case, frequently encountering significant setbacks. The court was confronted with the difficult decision of whether to proceed with terminating parental rights or to grant additional time. It was during this time that CASA volunteer, Debra, was appointed. Debra was instrumental in providing consistency for Emma and the foster family - who had remained the same throughout the case - despite the involvement of multiple case workers.
Through careful investigation, Debra was able to confirm a lack of progress by the mother, who ultimately made the difficult and selfless decision to relinquish her parental rights. Emma’s father had also been located. Debra gathered information about his employment, lack of progress on his plan, and lack of child visits, and made reports to the court all while continuing her regular visits to Emma at her foster home.
After 2.5 years in foster care, Emma was finally able to be adopted by the only family she had ever known. At the adoption hearing Emma proudly gave Debra a high five in celebration. Emma's foster mother described Debra as a "blessing to our family."
More volunteers, like Debra, are needed to advocate for abused and neglected children in our community. You can help. Volunteer today.