A Reunification of Firsts

By Molly Charlebois

From Virginia Beach to Kent County

When I began my work at CASA of Kent County, I came with experience from Virginia Beach CASA and a strong belief in the mission of advocating for children in the child welfare system. I watched children float in the dark ocean waters that are the judicial process and foster care. Some children were given a lighthouse—a CASA volunteer – someone to shed a little light through help and support. A CASA is meant to help guide the child back to a safe home, whether that’s through adoption, guardianship, or reunification. In the court system, reunification is the desired outcome. Still, despite this and my years in this field, I had never supervised a case that ended in reunification—until now.

The Case: A Baby in Crisis

Reunification is always the primary goal when it can be done safely. But it often feels like the most elusive outcome. That’s why this case involving a baby boy born in October 2023 has stayed with me.

He was five months old when he was removed from his parents’ care. He was severely underweight, hadn’t been taken to his doctor appointments, and was being fed only water and applesauce. When social workers advised his parents to take him to the ER, they didn’t—choosing instead to attempt to flee with the child. Thankfully, authorities intervened, and the baby was placed with his uncle and aunt, though even that came with its own tension, as the relationship between the relatives and the baby’s parents was fractured.

Building Trust and Piecing Together the Truth

Theresa*, a CASA volunteer I supervise, was appointed in May 2024 when the baby was just seven months old. From the start, the parents were cautious and skeptical—understandably so. Many parents involved in child welfare have learned not to trust professionals. But Theresa was patient, kind, and unwavering in her approach. She didn’t rush the relationship; she earned it.

At her very first hearing, the judge tasked CASA with clearing up the timeline: What happened from the child’s birth to his removal? What were the parents told at the hospital? Why weren’t follow-up appointments kept? Theresa dove in. She obtained hospital records, spoke to multiple doctors and daycare staff, and pieced together a clear and honest picture for the court.

Above and Beyond

Theresa didn’t stop there. She stayed in close contact with everyone involved—parents, caregiver relatives, in home visitors, caseworkers, and daycare providers. She documented everything, copied me on all correspondence, and showed up for every court hearing and meeting about the family’s case. She was a consistent, trusted presence. Over time, the parents opened up to her. They were still cautious, but they were honest. And I believe that’s because Theresa made them feel seen, not judged.

She was supportive, yes, but she was also objective. When she noticed unsafe conditions, she documented them. When progress was made, she celebrated it. She reminded the parents gently, but firmly, of the needs still unmet. The parents didn’t just complete their required services—they went above and beyond. Theresa connected them to parenting groups and gave them ideas for bonding activities. They repaired relationships, built a support system, and gained critical knowledge of child development, nutrition, and safe care.

A Family Transformed

Through it all, we watched this baby boy grow. His failure to thrive diagnosis was removed in January 2025. He was hitting milestones, gaining weight, and learning to trust. He’s a chunky little thing now. He’s walking, smiling, and laughing, and he recently became a big brother to a little sister his parents are now well-equipped to care for. He is back home with his parents. He’s safe. He’s thriving. And for the first time in my CASA career, I got to be part of a reunification that didn’t just feel like a checkbox—it felt like a triumph.

Why This One Matters

I share this story because it reminds me why we do this. Those dark ocean waters between removal and reunification are vast, and the journey is imperfect. But they are possible to overcome. Reunification, when it works, is one of the most hopeful, human outcomes we can witness. And volunteers like Theresa—steady, compassionate, diligent, bright—light the way.

*Name changed for confidentiality purposes.

This story is featured in the Summer 2025 edition of CASA Connect, CASA of Kent County’s quarterly newsletter. Click here to view a pdf version of this newsletter.