Severe Physical Abuse . An Isolated Mother . A Family In Crisis .
When 5-month-old twins Chloe and Catie and big brother Cole were taken to the hospital , doctors saw bruises , cuts , and scrapes . Chloe was rushed into ICU , and once stabilized , doctors discovered she experienced severe head trauma , brain damage , and permanent vision loss . Detectives determined mom Crystal ’ s boyfriend hurt their children while she was at work . Estranged from her family , Crystal found herself alone when she and her children needed support more than ever .
That ’ s when Court Appointed Special Advocates ( CASA ) volunteers John and Jenifer stepped in . Together with CPS , John and Jenifer reached out to Crystal ’ s family members to find support for the children . Initially some family members thought that due to Crystal ’ s young age and lack of support , the children would be better off staying with their foster family than going back to their mom . But John and Jenifer saw what many didn ’ t : a mother who could turn her life around for her children if only she had the right support . With CASA ’ s help , the few family members who supported Crystal in the beginning grew to 11 a few months later . With family support and CASA who believed she could do it , Crystal went above and beyond in completing CPS required services . She went to parenting classes and asked “ what else can I take ?” Crystal not only completed classes and counseling , she got her own apartment , full time job , and embraced her family ’ s support for her and her three young children .
CASA was the catalyst in connecting the mom to family and keeping family members engaged during the long court case . Now that Crystal is a single-mom of three children , one with special needs , the support of her family continues to provide the best possible life for her and her children .
P . S . When CASA spoke with her last , Crystal talked about bedtimes , packing lunches , and laying out clothes for Chloe , Catie , and Cole . After chaos and fear , your support means they are all enjoying a routine as a reunited family .