April 2024 - My CASA kid turned 18 this year and will be graduating from high school this spring. The first time I met her, she hadn’t started 1st grade yet. She stood by the side of the sofa, the furniture between me and her. It was a classic protective stance, but her eyes met mine straight on as I explained to her that I was her Court Appointed Special Advocate. I told her that, as her CASA volunteer, it was my job to get to know her and the important people in her life and to make recommendations to the court based on what I learned about her needs and wishes. From that day on, I have been a constant presence in her life.

Over the years, I’ve attended every school meeting, foster care review, and court hearing. I’ve driven countless miles to transport her to visits, therapy, and extracurricular activities. I’ve been there to celebrate her achievements and to support her through challenges. When she struggled in school, I advocated for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that provided her with the resources she needed to succeed. When she wanted to join the soccer team but lacked the necessary equipment, I found a local organization that donated cleats and a uniform.

There have been moments of heartbreak, too. Watching her say goodbye to a foster family she loved was gut-wrenching. Seeing her grappling with the reality of her biological parents’ inability to care for her was equally difficult. But through it all, she’s shown incredible resilience. She’s taught me more about courage and determination than I ever imagined I could learn from an 18-year-old.

As her high school graduation approaches, I’ve been helping her navigate the next steps. We’ve toured colleges and trade schools, discussed financial aid options, and worked on job applications. She’s decided to pursue a career in nursing—a choice that reflects her innate compassion and desire to help others. I couldn’t be prouder of the young woman she has become.

Being a CASA volunteer is not always easy. It requires time, patience, and emotional investment. But moments like these—when I see the tangible impact of my advocacy—make it all worthwhile. I’ve had the privilege of watching my CASA kid grow from a shy, cautious child into a confident, capable young adult ready to take on the world. That’s a gift I will cherish forever.

~ Devonna