Heather's Story
At age 15 ½, Heather had already been living in a shelter for about four months and had twice attempted suicide, when a Family Court Judge appointed a CASA volunteer to advocate on her behalf. Heather had been placed with the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) after accusing her mother’s boyfriend of sexually abusing her. In response, her mother kicked her out of the house and wouldn’t allow her to speak with any extended family members, including her five siblings.
During the very first conversation with her CASA volunteer, Heather seemed sad and frightened, and in a voice just above a whisper, mentioned that she desperately needed help learning to read and write. She wanted to go to college and get a job, so she could help care for her five brothers and sisters. She looked up and said that her brothers and sisters were the most important things in her life and that she missed them very much.
After steady advocacy by the CASA volunteer, the Judge ordered her mother to bring her siblings for monthly visits with Heather. After 13 months in placement, Heather would finally get to see her siblings.
In preparation for that first visit, the CASA volunteer watched as Heather wrapped presents for them, smiling for the first time. The initial visit went well. However, while getting ready for the next visit, Heather learned that her mother had moved out of the country and taken all of her children with her – all except Heather. Abandoned and alone, everyone she loved was gone.
While helping Heather deal with this blow, the CASA volunteer worked with DYFS and the Courts to prepare her for life after placement – it was clear she would not be reunited with her mother or placed with a family. The CASA volunteer advocated for special educational testing, which enabled Heather to receive the help she needed; facilitated medical appointments; assisted with her transfer from a shelter to a group home and eventually to independent living; and solicited a donation to provide special SAT training and a computer to prepare her for college. More importantly, the CASA volunteer provided her with a consistent, caring presence. Over the course of 2 ½ years in placement, Heather had six caseworkers and had been abandoned by her family.
After months of advocating for a subsidized apartment for Heather, at the age of 21, she is finally in her own apartment, works full time, and is enrolled in college. Through a CASA volunteer’s efforts, Heather has the chance for a brighter future.
HEATHER AGED OUT OF THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM
Things Turn out Differently When You Speak up for a Child