A child enters foster care
when it is not safe for them
to remain at home because
of parental neglect, abuse, or
abandonment, not because
of something the child did
wrong. Sadly, many youths in
foster care battle the effects of
the trauma they experienced
as children – from stunted
development to depression
and post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD).
After a brief period in care,
Rosalina and her siblings
began a cycle of returning to
sober parents and re-entering
foster care when mom or
dad could not maintain their
sobriety. In total, Rosalina
remembers returning to her
parents five times. While
in foster care, she moved
between at least 23 different
placements. Along with the
physical instability of new
homes, she was continuously
introduced to new caregivers,
teachers, social workers and
attorneys.
Rosalina Burton
Through all the chaos and uncertainty, Rosalina credits one person – Dawna, the CASA she
received through Voices for Children – with giving her the care, support and stability she needed
to find her voice and to thrive. As a CASA volunteer, Dawna committed to be a consistent,
positive adult presence in Rosalina’s life and to advocating for her best interests.
Over the course of five years, the two built an inseparable bond. Dawna was the one who
showed up every time Rosalina had to move to a new placement, the one who cheered in the
stands at softball games, and the one who stood beside Rosalina in court when her parents’
reunification services were terminated.
Rosalina shared with Giving Back Magazine, “Without
my CASA by my side, I don’t think I would have felt like
my voice mattered enough to say what I really needed
and wanted. With Dawn’s support, I was able to do
that.”
May is National Foster Care Month, a time when
organizations across the country raise awareness about
the challenges faced by children in foster care and
acknowledge the dedication of the individuals, families
and communities who support foster youth. Honor the
dedication of CASA volunteers, like Dawna, this month
by making a contribution to Voices for Children at
www.speakupnow.org.
Rosie at her graduation