One Consistent Adult Can Change a Child’s Story
Updated: Sep 28
For six years, Leon has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA. Before becoming a CASA, he spent decades as an elementary school teacher and guidance counselor, where he saw firsthand how much children need safe, dependable adults in their lives.
When Leon first met “Jackson,” Jackson was eight years old and living with extended family after experiencing significant change. During their early visits, conversation did not come easily.
So Leon brought a pack of UNO cards.
Soon there were dice games, time outside, and afternoons tossing a ball back and forth. With less pressure to sit and talk face-to-face, Jackson slowly began to open up.
Over time, those small moments became something much bigger: trust.
Leon began to better understand what Jackson was experiencing, what mattered to him, and what he needed from the adults making decisions about his life. He could listen, encourage him, and help make sure Jackson’s voice was part of those decisions.
Many of the games they played relied more on luck than skill, and Jackson’s luck was often better than Leon’s.
“It was fun to see him feel like a winner,” Leon shared.
Four years later, Leon is still there.
That consistency matters.
Children involved in the court system may experience changes in homes, schools, caseworkers, caregivers, and routines. A CASA can be one steady person who continues to show up — someone focused on helping that child be safe, healthy, seen, and heard.
“So many things come up in games,” Leon explained. “As simple as throwing a ball back and forth might seem, it gives you an ability to adapt to where the child needs you to meet them, build their confidence, and let the world relax around them for a bit.”
That ability to meet a child where they are is at the heart of CASA advocacy.
CASA volunteers are trained community members appointed by the court to advocate for the best interests of children involved in abuse and neglect cases. They spend time getting to know the child, gather information from the people and systems around them, and help ensure the child’s needs and voice are represented.
CAPS & Maple City is working to grow our community of CASA volunteers so that every child who needs an advocate can have one without delay. With over 100 children on the waitlist for an advocate, your time and heart is needed. Volunteers come from all kinds of backgrounds. What matters most is a willingness to learn, listen, and keep showing up.
