This July, we want to honor and thank the fantastic Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer, Robin Lipscomb, who is continuously patient, persistent and passionate about the well-being of foster youth. Get to know her beyond her advocacy.
July Advocate Spotlight: Robin Lipscomb, CASA Volunteer
Years of service with Child Advocates of Silicon Valley: 4 Years
Number of children served: 6 total
Residing in south county, Robin Lipscomb is a full-time grandmother who spends her days with her grandchildren. When she is not on grandma duty, Robin enjoys being a CASA Volunteer and spending quality time with her foster youth.
Robin first heard of Child Advocates when attending a philanthropic dinner event in Morgan Hill. Child Advocates of Silicon Valley was at the event, highlighting and honoring a CASA Volunteer. Intrigued and eager to learn more, Robin approached our very own CASA Specialist, Dorothy Ross, at the event, wanting to know more about the CASA Program and how she could be involved. Four years later, Robin is now a CASA Volunteer, and Dorothy happens to be her CASA Supervisor!
Robin typically selects to work with children who are placed in south county as it allows her to see the foster youth more often. Robin usually has difficulty choosing just one case, as all the foster youth on the waitlist deserve a CASA. At one point, Robin went from advocating for one foster child to advocating for all three siblings!
“I have a tough time selecting a case because I want to be a CASA Volunteer for all of them. My CASA Supervisor, Dorothy, helps me narrow down and choose a case.” – Robin Lipscomb.
As a CASA, Robin enjoys visiting her foster youth and taking them to the library and park to spend quality time together. She also takes the time to connect with both the foster youth’s caregiver(s) and the bio parents. Robin’s day-to-day CASA schedule consists of meeting with the child to find out their needs, how she can advocate for them, and building a relationship with them, even if it’s just a 30-minute visit. Robin also tries her best to attend court hearings and the Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings as much as possible for her foster youth.
“Any time there’s a meeting involving the foster youth, I try to attend. The more information I can get on my foster child, the better understanding I have of what my child’s needs are.” – Robin Lipscomb
Currently, Robin is advocating for a foster youth with special needs. Supporting a foster youth with special needs is new to Robin, but she is determined to SHOW UP for them. Robin occasionally attends her foster youth’s therapy sessions and researches different ways to communicate and connect with her youth. She does all she can to be a better CASA for her foster youth.
“The better you know them, the better you know their needs. You have to be committed to spending time and getting to know your foster youth.” – Robin Lipscomb.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, an estimated 3.3% of California-based children ages 0-17 have one or more severe difficulties in hearing, vision, cognitive ability, ambulatory ability, self-care or independent living. Children with developmental disabilities in foster care typically have special education, vocational, employment, mental health and permanency needs.
CASA Volunteers, like Robin, help monitor and support the achievement of developmental milestones for our foster youth. CASA Volunteers also serve as witnesses to advocate for their foster youth’s overall well-being and ensure their needs are being addressed and met.
Child Advocates currently partners with Jasper Ridge Farm, Animal Assisted Happiness, The Inclusion Collaborative and Pathways to Well-Being to offer free programming and services for our children. Our CASA Volunteers can connect with these organizations to further support our foster youth regarding their mental well-being, behavioral health needs, special needs and developmental needs.
Upon reflecting, Robin is glad that she seized the opportunity to become a CASA Volunteer and impact the lives of foster children.
“As a CASA, you really are making a difference and I see it. It is so rewarding, and this is something anyone can do. You really are making a huge impact in a child’s life.” – Robin Lipscomb
Fun Facts About Robin:
Favorite Music: Robin’s favorite music genre is anything from the ’60s. Her favorite musicians are The Beatles and Elton John.
Favorite Cuisine: Robin’s favorite cuisine is anything and everything Mexican.
Favorite Hobbies: Robin’s favorite hobbies involve gardening and tending to her flowers, all things related to the San Jose Sharks, reading, walking and doing grandma duties.
“I don’t think age should stop anybody from becoming an Advocate. There are so many needs and anybody that has a heart for children can help support foster youth.” – Robin Lipscomb
Support Foster Youth
This month, we ask you to SHOW UP and support the work we do alongside Robin to help LIFT UP our foster youth. Here are the many ways you can help:
- If you or anyone you know would be interested in becoming an Advocate for foster you, Sign up now!
- Invest in our foster youth by making a financial donation to support our CASA Program and the children we serve. View if your company offers a company match on Double the Donation.
- Become a Corporate Champion by sponsoring our fundraising events or one of the many activities we host for the children we serve. Email us at development@childadvocatessv.org to learn how your company can be a part of the solution for foster kids.
- You can shop for specific items that our foster kids need, such as toys, school supplies, clothing, toiletries and more, by visiting our Amazon Charity List.
- You can also buy and wear your very own Child Advocates merchandise.