>>Two Year old Joey’s Mom was a runaway teen who abandoned him.  Joey’s Dad, also a minor, had graduated from high school and had earned a full scholarship to college. Welfare workers gave Joey’s Dad two options: give up your baby and pursue college, or give up your college dreams and take care of your baby. The CASA found another option for child care for the father while in college. Today young Joey is living with his aunt and Dad is very involved in his care.

>>Tamara is two and has suffered brain damage as a “shaken baby” for which his Mom’s boyfriend is now incarcerated. She and her five year old brother, Jeremiah, have been in successive unsuccessful “foster to adopt” homes – families only wanted little Tamara. Thier social worker wanted the siblings to stay together. The CASA became a constant in the children’s lives through changes of placements and school transfers and helped the children to adjust to the new family that finally adopted them both.

 

 >>Jordan, Alisha and Heywood are 8 years, 10 years and 12 years. The three adore their Mom. Dad is not in their lives. Mom has many issues, including drugs, mental illness and a history of prostitution. All three children have ADHD and Explosive Behavior Disorder although they are very bright and do well in school. The three have moved through multiple placements with relatives and foster homes and the CASA has been the only constant factor in their lives for the last 4 years. The CASA has secured educational help for the children and has helped to facilitate a guardianship with a foster family who will provide a safe and permanent home.