CASA of the Coastal Bend

Why CASA Volunteers are Crucial for Children in Foster Care

Nurturing Resiliency, One Family at a Time

By: SAMANTHA KOEPP-STEMPLINGER

e can have many parental

Wfigures in our lives, with different dynamics in each of those relationships. Regardless of the connotation we associate with those relationships, they all influence how we evolve. These can be life lasting relationships or people who are part of our lives for a period of time.

For youth in foster care, the relationships within their family of origin are unique to every child. The goal is not to replace those relationships but help to strengthen relationships that are in the best interest of the child. At the same time, building a network of long-term support to nurture the child during a time of crisis and extends into building their future.

There can be a lot of inconsistency during a child’s time in foster care, which is why CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) are crucial. These volunteers are by the child’s side throughout the entirety of their time in foster care. They make sure needs are met, a strong support network is established and the child knows they are loved. CASA volunteers often become a parental influence during this time as a source of nurturing and guidance, not only helping youth but also their families navigate through the child welfare system. Libby Martin’s extensive history of working in the education system plus time spent volunteering with an emergency shelter familiarized her with various family dynamics, vulnerable youth and the child welfare system. So it is not a surprise that after 20 years in education as a teacher, campus intervention specialist and assistant principal, upon beginning her next chapter in life she chose to become a CASA Volunteer in March 2020.

She knew that her background in education would be an asset, especially her experience with the special education referral and evaluation process. When reviewing cases to select as her first case to be appointed as a CASA, her CASA Supervisor showed her a case with 2 young children, one with

CASA Volunteer Libby Martin extensive special needs. Libby knew it was the case for her.

Both children had severe developmental and medical needs that were not being met, causing them to be placed in foster care. Both parents loved and wanted the best for their children but they themselves struggled with significant issues.

Over the past year, the father had made significant progress in demonstrating his ability to care for his children. At the most recent court hearing, all the parties involved in the case felt the father was not yet ready for full custody of the children- everyone except Libby. She was able to provide specific instances in which he had not only created a stable home for the children, but he was also actively involved in meeting their developmental and medical needs. After Libby’s testimony, the Judge ordered for the children to be placed with their father on a return and monitor basis.

Libby is still involved in the case until it closes. Throughout the case Libby was a source of support for the father, as it was in the best interest of the children. She helped guide him in enrolling one of the children in school, applying for transportation to school for the child with special needs and helping to acquire beds through Foster Angels of South Texas.

Because of Libby’s experience but even more importantly her ability to compassionately empower, a family has been reconnected and strengthened.

There are many ways in which someone can be a maternal or paternal figure and they are all significant, no matter in what capacity or for what length of time.