Meet Sophia Sophia was removed from her home just before starting preschool. Her teachers noticed she was not learning as quickly as her classmates, and would most likely need extra help to be kindergarten ready. She is now living with her grandparents. She turns five next week.
A volunteer stepped up to advocate for Sophia. With the help of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA Volunteer), Sophia was able to thrive. Her volunteer talked to Sophia’s teachers, social workers, parents, and grandparents in order to write a full report to the judge on Sophia’s behalf. Her volunteer was successful in advocating for individualized therapy to work on Sophia’s speech and motor skills. Sophia trusted her CASA volunteer.
In addition to working with the various adults in Sophia’s life, the volunteer got to know Sophia. Every week, the volunteer would take Sophia on a different adventure, and allowed her to just be a kid. She learned that her favorite color is pink, she loves Dr. Seuss books, is afraid of the heights, and wants to be a doctor when she grows up. During the length of Sophia’s case, she had 7 social workers, 3 therapists, and 2 different lawyers but she only had one Court Appointed Special Advocate.
Towards the end of the case, the volunteer asked Sophia what she wanted. Sophia replied that she would like to be able to call her grandmother, “mommy”. She also asked the volunteer if they could still be friends after she was adopted. Sophia is now in first grade, she was adopted into a safe home with her grandparents, and her CASA volunteer is still a friend to her and visits from time to time.
433 children, just like Sophia, are still waiting for someone to advocate for them.
Can you give 12-15 hours a month to make a difference in the life of a child? With your help, every child in need can find a safe, permanent and nurturing home.