What is a CASA? {Atiya's Story}

Atiya Waters wears many hats within The Salvation Army Children's Services: Licensed foster parent. Respite care provider. Adoptive mom. Orphan Care Ministry leader. Resource Family Specialist. In fact, you might think that her work with our program would keep her too busy for just about anything else - but you would be wrong. In addition to all of the other beautiful ways she supports vulnerable children, Atiya also serves as a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Philadelphia.

What exactly does a CASA do? Read Atiya's story below to find out!

I decided to become a Philadelphia CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) in 2019 after retiring from my corporate job. It was something I wanted to do for several years but could not make the time commitment. My first assignment was two-year-old twin girls who had recently come into foster care due to neglect. I visited the girls at least monthly (sometimes via Zoom due to COVID) and other times in person. I watched these girls transform from two non-verbal, aggressive children with a multitude of health-related issues, to vibrant, talkative, little divas who loved showing me their room, clothes, shoes, books, and toys.

I looked forward to our visits and to seeing the loving relationships they had with their foster parents. As a CASA, I was responsible for tracking their medical appointments to ensure that they were obtaining the required medical attention, attend visits with siblings (they were two of nine children) and biological parents to observe interactions, and discuss/resolve issues raised by the foster parents. The twins were in care for two years and six months. During this time, the biological parents decided to voluntarily terminate their parental rights. I was so thrilled to be a part of their adoption day and I still maintain contact with these girls and their adoptive parents a few times a year. It brings me such joy to see them happy, safe, and secure with their new family.

I have been assigned two subsequent cases: one with two sisters aged three and five who were also adopted by their single foster mother and my last case was a little boy aged five who was placed with his biological father. My role as a CASA is to be the eyes and ears of the court and to provide reports for court hearings on how the children are progressing and ensuring that their needs are met.

CASA's are volunteers who are sworn officers of the court who advocate for the health, safety, stability and well-being of abused and neglected children. CASA's are not active in every county. There are 21 programs in 32 of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania. For Philadelphia County, a CASA must be at least 21 years of age and must complete the following before appointment by the court:

• A comprehensive screening to ensure objectivity, competence and commitment
• Make a two-year commitment to your case
• 30 hours of in-person, pre-service training

Being a CASA is important, fulfilling work and another way to support children in foster care. After a brief hiatus, I look forward to my next assignment!

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