As summer winds down and kids head back to school, many are settling into new routines, classrooms, and friendships. For children in foster care, those transitions can be even more challenging. This back-to-school season, you can help ensure foster youth in Silicon Valley have a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) by their side, someone to champion their education, well-being and future.
When Rebekah became a CASA last year, she knew she wanted to make a difference for a child in foster care. What she didn’t know was just how much joy she’d find in getting to know Timothy and Charlie, two energetic brothers, ages five and six.
A few years earlier, a friend had encouraged Rebekah to become a CASA. The idea stayed with her.
“It was always in the back of my head, and I felt this tug on my heart to at least look into it and pursue it,” she says. “I’m glad I did it. I just loved the idea of being able to support and advocate for a child in need.”
Over the past year, Rebekah has worked closely with Timothy and Charlie’s foster family, teachers, school counselors and social workers to help the boys succeed, not just at home but in the classroom.
When Charlie needed more educational support, Rebekah helped advocate for a move to a new school with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to better meet his needs and help him build confidence in the classroom.
“After he started at the new school, I reached out to the principal to request an IEP review meeting as soon as possible, and we were quickly able to schedule time with the appropriate school staff and Child Family Team to talk through our concerns and improve his IEP,” Rebekah says.
“By the end of the school year, he was doing so much better than when he first transitioned. Now he’s excited for the next school year.”Rebekah also continues to support Timothy’s growth by staying connected with his school and making sure his educational needs are met. Together, these efforts are helping both boys build a stronger foundation for the future.
Of course, learning doesn’t only happen at school. Rebekah also makes time for Timothy and Charlie to simply be kids. Whether it’s skating at the Annual Ice Party with the Santa Clara Valley Blackhawks Hockey Association or celebrating at the Child Advocates of Silicon Valley holiday party, the brothers have enjoyed trying new activities, making friends and creating happy memories together.
“You feel that responsibility of wanting to do your best and really not let the kids down,” she says. “But I think just showing up, being there, and spending time with them has made a big impact.”
This school year, you can help more children like Timothy and Charlie have someone advocating for their education, celebrating their progress and helping them build a brighter future.
Your donations help us recruit, train, and support over 450 CASA Volunteers like Rebekah, who support more than 500 local youth every year. With your support, our youth can enter into the school year confident and ready to succeed, with the resources and a caring adult who believes in and advocates for them.
*Aliases were used to protect the privacy of both children.