CASA volunteers are community members working collaboratively to support and advocate for children and families involved in the child welfare system.
Below are just a few examples of actual Family Court cases in counties where the CASA volunteer advocate made a real difference in the life of a child. These are just a small example of how CASA volunteers in New York State are part of a community working to change a child’s story.
*Due to the importance of confidentiality, the names have been changed to protect the children’s identities in the examples listed below.
FINDING THE RIGHT SUPPORT
Using her extensive experience and connections, a CASA volunteer was able to help find her CASA child a therapist. The child had been languishing for months on a Family Service League waitlist. Once the CASA volunteer was assigned and understood what was needed, she jumped right in to try to find her CASA child a culturally-appropriate therapist and reframe therapy as a life skills opportunity, which made it much more appealing to her teen.
In another example, a CASA volunteer who had spent time with her CASA child to build an amazing rapport, understood her needs and began immediately advocating for a 504 plan in school for anxiety. Through meeting with everyone involved with her child, she discovered it had already been recommended by many other professionals. The high school was resistant to a 504 plan, but the CASA volunteer continued to advocate for it. Finallly, her persistence paid off. This child now has a 504 plan in place.
Subsequent to that, the CASA volunteer has connected the dots with her other medical issues, including advocating for an MRI that was not scheduled, but the doctor told CASA was badly needed. CASA helped get the wheels in motion to make it happen.
PERMANENCY AND STABILITY
Over the course of her time in care, “Maria” experienced five placement changes. Through every move and every setback, her CASA remained a constant, trusted presence, advocating for her best interests and ensuring her voice was not lost in the system. The lack of permanency and repeated disruptions began to take an emotional toll, and Maria started exhibiting significant behavioral challenges that reflected the trauma and instability she had endured.
Eventually, Maria was placed with a newly licensed foster family who had just completed their training. They had originally hoped to foster an infant, so welcoming an older child with complex emotional needs was a major adjustment. The placement was fragile, and there were multiple moments when it was questioned whether it could be sustained. At times, there was serious concern that the foster parents might request her removal from their home.
Despite the turmoil, Maria’s relationship with her CASA remained strong and powerful. Her CASA continued to provide encouragement, reassurance, and hope, while also supporting the foster parents through communication and advocacy. Several family interventions were held, some with the foster parents alone and others including Maria, all aimed at building understanding, strengthening communication, and stabilizing the placement.
The turning point came when the foster parents were asked to make a critical decision: commit to adoption or allow Maria to be moved once again. After receiving a distraught phone call from Maria, her CASA immediately met with her and the foster parents in their home. During this meeting, with the support and encouragement of her CASA, Maria found her voice in a way she never had before. A child who typically struggled to express even a single sentence spoke for over 30 minutes, sharing her fears, her pain, and what she needed to feel safe and truly part of a family. She was heard without interruption, and for the first time, the foster parents were able to fully understand her heart and her needs.
This moment transformed the trajectory of Maria’s life. The foster parents gained clarity, empathy, and connection, and what had once been an uncertain placement became the foundation for permanency and belonging.
As a direct result of CASA’s unwavering advocacy, consistent presence, and commitment to ensuring Maria’s voice was heard, the foster parents chose to adopt her. On December 18, 2025, after 1,092 days in foster care, Maria officially left the system and entered her forever family.
EDUCATION ADVOCACY
CASA was assigned to “Lisa”, a 14-year-old girl who was removed from her home due to parental neglect. She was placed in the care of an older adult sister who lived a few hours away, and she started 8th grade at the end of September in the new district. After settling in for a few weeks, CASA contacted the school to check on Lisa’s attendance, grades, and IEP. CASA learned that the school had Lisa registered as a regular education student and had no record of her IEP. CASA alerted them that Lisa did indeed have an IEP and followed through to make sure they made those accommodations in her schedule. The school then quickly set up the IEP re-evaluation/transfer meeting, which CASA attended.
CASA was assigned 2-year-old twins. These twins had special needs due to autism. Over the span of 3 years, CASA has assisted with getting adaptive equipment such as an adaptive wagon for walks, adaptive clothing, and a special communication device for one of the twins. CASA also advocated for a special pediatric dentist. The CASA (a retired teacher) played an important role in getting the children’s education on track in their school of residence in regard to their IEP’s. In particular, consistent communication programs between school and home. Once adopted, the foster mom was assisted with OVS applications, which were approved. The one twin will benefit from adaptive/play therapy not covered by traditional insurance.