Every child in the child protection system has a story—but too often, their voices are lost amid court dates, case files, and difficult transitions. That’s where CASA of New Hampshire steps in.
CASA volunteers are more than just observers in the process—they’re trusted adults who speak up, check in, and advocate for a child’s best interests at every turn. While each child’s case is unique, the impact of a CASA often follows a familiar pattern: clarity, consistency, and compassion when it matters most.
🏠 Helping Siblings Stay Together
After entering state care due to neglect, three siblings were placed in separate foster homes. Each child responded to the trauma in different ways—one withdrew in school, another acted out. The CASA volunteer met regularly with all three and noticed something critical: despite their challenges, the children found comfort and stability during shared visits.
By gathering input from teachers, therapists, and caregivers, the CASA was able to advocate for increased time together and, ultimately, a placement that reunited the siblings in the same home. That decision transformed their experience in care—and kept their bond intact.
🧒 Supporting Reunification Through Stability
One young boy had been moved through three foster homes in less than a year. His CASA volunteer was the only adult who remained a steady presence. While other professionals changed, the CASA kept showing up—attending every meeting, calling every week, and helping the child understand what was happening.
Over time, with the right support in place, the child’s mother was able to complete her treatment plan. The CASA worked closely with both the child and his mother to make sure the transition back home was safe and supported. When the judge made the decision to reunify, the CASA’s input played a key role—and so did their consistency.
👩⚖️ Making the Child’s Voice Heard
In another case, a teenager was nearing 18 and facing uncertainty about what adulthood would look like after aging out of care. She wanted to finish high school and remain in her foster placement until graduation, but there was pressure to move on sooner.
Her CASA helped her write a personal statement for the court and gathered documentation from her school and social worker. As a result, the judge granted her request, giving her time and space to finish high school on her own terms—and with the support she needed.
“No one ever asked me what I wanted until my CASA did,” the teen later said.
💙 The Difference One Advocate Can Make
CASA volunteers don’t make decisions—but their presence ensures that decisions are made with the child’s voice in the room. They see what others might miss. They connect the dots. They make sure every child is treated not just as a case—but as a person with potential.
Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll share how CASA volunteers are trained and supported throughout their journey.
To learn more about CASA NH, visit casanh.org