CASA volunteer Laura’s Story

A Special Connection

CASA volunteer Laura

A Special Connection Nineteen-year-old Trevor has been in foster care for 10 years. He was removed from home amid allegations of medical and educational neglect and parental drug use; records show his family had a history with child services out of state as well. Trevor is medically fragile, diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, autism, and has impaired speech and language.

Laura was assigned to work with Trevor nearly four years ago and immediately began to cultivate a much-needed connection for Trevor, who had limited family contact and no visits. When Laura moved on to a Impact Report 2023-2024 9 professional opportunity at Rutgers, she had zero intention of leaving Trevor, and remains in his corner. “I took it seriously when I promised to stay with a case until its completion,” says Laura. “I don’t like quitting things or letting people down.”

Other than his group home buddies, Laura is the most consistent person in Trevor’s life. “He’s usually happy to see me and greets me at the door. He loves to play basketball so sometimes we shoot hoops — although I’m terrible! Other times he shows me his room or a new toy. He’s very friendly and engaging. We don’t really have conversations because that just isn’t possible for him,” she shares.

Among the points of Laura’s advocacy, one remains front of mind. When she first visited Trevor, she was shocked to see his bedroom. “I used to volunteer at an animal shelter and his sheets looked like the old, shredded ones we’d give to dogs. It was completely unacceptable. Staff told me he was destructive to the bedding, but I didn’t believe it, or care honestly. They had to do better. The room was barren. No pictures, no toys. I made a fuss; CASA provided new bedding and I insisted the group home do better. Now I always check his room, but how long was he sleeping on shredded sheets with no pillow and no way to advocate for himself?”

Laura works to ensure birthdays and holidays are special. Last Christmas, she had quite the challenge! “Although Trevor has many disabilities, he just wants to be a normal teen and wear things he sees peers wear. During visits he was asking for a necklace. Like a dummy, I kept bringing him cheap Mardi Gras bead necklaces. Then it dawned on me: I picked out a faux gold chain with a basketball pendant and CASA got it for him. He absolutely loved it! I was happy to create a bit of normalcy. It took me a couple of months to figure it out, but better late than never!”

Laura’s biggest desire for Trevor is that he ”have the best life he can.” That includes, she hopes, a renewed presence of family. “He has several brothers, sisters, and a mother who he just began seeing again. But for a long time he didn’t see anyone except one brother, also in foster care. As a mom, I think of what I’d want for my child if I couldn’t be there. Being a CASA volunteer is not about mothering Trevor but watching out for his best interest and doing what I can to make life better. I’m doing for someone else’s child what I hope someone would do for mine.”

There are children like Trevor in foster care today that need a CASA volunteer. That need someone like you. Learn more at a Volunteer Information Session.