CASA Story: Laura & Caroline

Caroline sat in her high school counselor’s office with her hoodie pulled tightly around her face, as if it could protect her from the rest of the world. She’d experienced terrible things as a child and had been removed from her parents’ care and placed with her aunt.

Caroline wasn’t interested in meeting Laura, her CASA volunteer. Since entering foster care, she had encountered a parade of adults who were “there to help,” but Caroline still felt so alone.

During their first visit, Laura mostly sat quietly as Caroline disclosed wanting to hurt herself. Laura listened without judgment. As their conversation ended, she suggested having coffee to get to know each other better. Caroline thought, “maybe having a CASA means being a little less lonely.”

Laura and Caroline’s relationship grew stronger each week. They had coffee, took long walks, and went thrift store shopping. Laura helped Caroline feel a little lighter. Behind the scenes, Laura kept in touch with Caroline’s school, therapist, and caseworker to ensure Caroline’s needs were being met.

Concerned that Caroline was no longer safe at her aunt’s, Laura informed the judge; then Caroline moved to a new foster home in a new town. In this positive home environment, Caroline slowly began to heal. Despite approaching adulthood, Caroline still wanted a forever family. She wanted to be adopted by her foster parents – and they wanted her to be their daughter. Laura shared Caroline’s wishes with the judge, and her permanency goal changed to adoption.

When adoption day came, Laura brought decorations, cookies, flowers, and a special scrapbook to the courthouse to celebrate with Caroline and her family. Standing next to her parents, Caroline thanked her CASA, Laura, for giving her hope when she was in a dark place.  

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