As many know we have closed our home as foster parents after we adopted Joshua. This was not an easy decision for me or the boys, but Chad felt our family was complete. Our passion to serve children hasn't changed, but our ability to foster did. Our precious gift, Joshua, still requires a lot of care, attention, and services which consumes our daily life. To bring another child in our home that also has numerous needs would be unfair to Joshua and our other children, as well as the child needing so much love and attention. So, what is next for us?
There is a burning desire to stay involved in foster care, to protect children, to love children, and to be a voice for the most innocent lives on earth. After much consideration I have decided I know what is next for me, if it is God's will.
The next best thing to being a foster parent is to be a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). The role will entail a personal relationship with the foster child, to be their voice in court, and to walk this troubling journey with them. Often children in care will move to several foster homes, have numerous caseworkers, and troubled family history. This is were I come into the picture, CASA workers are often their only constant, the person they can truly relay on and trust.
As a volunteer CASA I will be assigned to one or two children and be on the case from start to finish. It is my responsibility to discuss what the child needs and wants are, meet with biological parents, foster family, neighbors, school, providers, friends, family members, church, or anyone else who can shed light on the child and situation. After the investigation is done I will submit recommendations to the judge and DCS on behalf of the child. It will also require me to monitor services for the child, verifying the parents are following a case plan, and most importantly advocating for a safe, permanent home for the child.
Helping children live a healthy, safe, happy life is most important, but to see them meet and exceed all expectations are goals for me. To provide this child an opportunity that they surely wouldn't have otherwise is motivation to succeed as a CASA.
My husband often reminds me that I can't save the world, then I remind him that I can change the world for at least some children.
My application is submitted, my heart is committed, so now the process begins.
No comments:
Post a Comment