What made you decide to become a CASA? I moved to the DFW area in late February of this year, my kids are grown and I was looking for a way to contribute to the community. When I was a young child, my parents had several foster children and I have always been interested in fostering but not able to make that level of commitment, so this seemed like a good alternative.
What is your professional/ volunteer background? I am a Project Manager in the IT field, providing services for the federal govt. I have done a lot of volunteering at animal shelters and have led some youth groups through church.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a CASA? Ensure that you have dedicated time in your schedule for the required activities and enjoy meeting some really great people!
What has been the most challenging part of being a CASA? The current COVID situation has been a challenge, as we are unable to connect in person.
What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA? Seeing how many different people and organizations are working to ensure the safety and well-being of the kids.
Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kid or on your case? About a month ago, the collaborative team of caseworkers and advocates was able to meet with the biological parent and set up a plan for permanently getting my CASA back in the home, which was a really good feeling since the foster has been in other treatment facilities or foster homes for several years and very much wants to return home.
Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself or the CASA experience? I am just very thankful that organizations such as this, with such dedicated staff and volunteers are able to make an impact and help in some way to make the kids lives better during such difficult times.
How have you been able to connect with your CASA kids during this time of quarantine? How are you advocating for them during this time? How has it impacted the children on your case? As my CASA is a bit older, we speak regularly on the phone. I am regularly in contact with his foster parent and caseworker, via phone and email, as well speaking with the biological parent via phone. I have been trying to help ensure that my child has all the resources he needs for virtual schooling, such as getting a loaner laptop for him to use so that he had a dedicated computer to attend classes and do homework. The COVID situation has definitely been a challenge for the child, as it has limited his ability to socialize with peers and has impacted his family visits on a few occasions as well.
Child Advocacy Specialist, Chelsey Statham said, “Lynda became an advocate in June and has not missed a beat. She was assigned an almost 2 year old case with a teen boy and has been able to maintain regular (almost weekly) contact with him in the midst of not being able to meet face to face. He spent about a week in a psychiatric hospital and she called to check in with him daily. Lynda has also developed a relationship with his mom and is working alongside the caseworker to set her up for success. The part I’ve been most impressed with is that this child is struggling with his sexual identity and she went out on her own and found a book for him. She got it approved by mom, worker, ad litem, and foster father, to send to the child to help him through his feelings. She goes above and beyond the minimum expectations!”