CASA Story: The James Siblings and Jess

The James siblings have never known a stable home. Their father has been incarcerated since they were young, and their mother has long struggled with substance use. Things hit a breaking point when Alex, the middle James sibling, was arrested for shoplifting during a period where the children were left home alone for several days. It was the second time the James children were removed from their mother’s care. This time, they went to live with their aunt and uncle. Not long after, their mother relinquished her parental rights, leaving Drew, Alex, and Lisa to navigate the complexities of adolescence while carrying the weight of their trauma.

Each child dealt with the situation in their own way, but it soon became clear that their case was overwhelming for the foster care system. Recognizing a need for more personalized attention, the judge appointed a CASA volunteer. When Jess stepped in to advocate for the siblings, emotions were raw. Drew, a high school sophomore, had failed his classes the previous year and was trying to catch up in summer school with the hopes of one day going to college. Alex was struggling to follow the conditions of his parole, and his shoplifting case led to his temporary placement in a residential facility for troubled teens. Meanwhile, Lisa, the youngest, was battling low self-esteem and academic challenges.

Jess immediately went to work, learning the children’s history and identifying their needs. She ensured they continued receiving vital mental health services and found new ways for them to heal. Jess advocated for trauma-informed parenting classes for the children’s aunt and uncle and even helped Drew access equine therapy. Throughout her time on the case, Jess has fought for the siblings to enjoy the everyday joys of childhood – like baseball, art classes, and summer camp – despite the challenges they face.

The trauma Drew, Alex, and Lisa have experienced is significant, and healing is an ongoing journey. However, thanks to Jess’s advocacy, they are finding stability and building resilience. The James children are beginning to envision a brighter future as they settle into their permanent guardianship placement with their aunt and uncle.

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