It’s February and love is in the air!
From boxes of chocolates and bouquets of roses to heart-shaped cards and handwritten notes, Valentine’s Day is here and it’s time to show our loved ones what they mean to us.
But as with many holidays, Valentine’s Day can be a tough one for children and young people in foster care. Holiday class parties can be a reminder that you aren’t living with your parents. Valentine’s exchanges can feel isolating if you’ve just moved to a new school and haven’t made any friends yet. Living in your own apartment for the first time can feel lonely if no one sends a note reminding you that you are cared for and loved.
During this day of love, we are so thankful for our thoughtful, committed, and kind volunteers. They not only advocate for the children on their cases in the courtroom but also take the time to show love to their CASA kids, on Valentine’s Day and every other day.
- When Susan’s CASA youth moved into their first independent living apartment, Susan made sure to bring a Valentine’s gift to her regular monthly visit.
- When Jessi’s CASA youth was living in a shelter setting, Jessi scheduled a Valentine’s Day visit and brought a stuffed animal, candy, and a treat specific to her youth’s home country.
- Deborah visited with her CASA child and helped her decorate a box for her class’s Valentine’s Day party.
- Jan wrote and mailed Valentine’s cards to all three children on her case.
The role of a CASA can be a very personal one. Through monthly visits with children, and regular contact with family members, a CASA volunteer gets to know the people and facts involved in a way that may not be feasible for a caseworker or attorney who has a much higher caseload. Assigning a CASA to only one or two cases allows the CASA to invest more time and attention to the case and creates opportunities for them to support children and families in ways that are personal and meaningful – like remembering to celebrate them on Valentine’s Day.
This Valentine’s Day, if you are feeling the love for our CASA volunteers and the young people they serve we invite you to support them by: