Tony Life for 9-year-old Tony was filled with uncertainty. With a mother in and out of jail, Tony never knew which relative or friend he’d be living with next. He never knew what it was like to be loved. When Children’s Services was called, Tony was moved to a foster home; however, life didn’t magically improve for him.
Tony was emotionally and mentally scarred from his upbringing. A shy, gentle boy who loved to read and write poetry, Tony now required psychiatric hospitalization. He was unable to bond with others and was placed in behavior-modified classes. Caseworkers and teachers wished the best for young Tony, but they didn’t hope for much.
Tony was assigned a ProKids CASA named Celina when he entered foster care. Celina believed the one anchor that could give Tony a sense of normalcy was education. Celina worked closely with his teachers and therapists to ensure Tony got the services he needed. When Celina felt Tony was ready to handle a regular classroom, she advocated for him both in and out of court, even though others were doubtful that Tony could succeed. Eventually, Celina convinced the school and his caseworkers to let him try.
Tony excelled. In his first quarter, he earned four A’s and two B’s. Tony went on to receive straight A’s. He was awarded the Achievement of Excellence for outstanding academic achievement. Today, Tony knows he’s smart, and he knows he can do whatever he puts his mind to. Celina knew this all along. 
Sharri Six-year-old Sharri didn’t grow up surrounded by a loving family; she grew up among violent gang members. While most children were learning their ABCs, Sharri went with her mother on drug deals. She was a neglected and bewildered little girl.
When Children’s Services became involved, Sharri was removed from her home and placed with an aunt who lived out of town. At that time, a ProKids CASA named Peg was assigned to the case. Peg could see right away that this lost little child was begging for some stability.
Sharri suffered from mental and emotional disorders that required extensive treatment. Peg talked with the aunt about moving to Hamilton County where Sharri could receive the therapy and treatment she needed. Then, Peg helped the aunt find agencies to assist with the move. Peg advocated in and out of court to ensure Sharri received the therapy she needed.
Because Sharri had never been to school, Peg advocated for Sharri to attend a special school where she could work at her academic level, not her age level. Today, Sharri is just like any 7 year old you might know. She’s catching up in school and making friends. She feels safe and loved in her home.
Jenni In a few months, 18-year-old Jenni will “age out” of the system. She’ll leave her paid-for apartment, her weekly stipend, and her caseworkers. Jenni’s mother is often homeless, and is usually out of a job. Unlike most young adults going into the world, Jenni will have no one to catch her if she falls.
The odds are stacked against foster children who turn 18 and don’t have family support. Many will experience homelessness. Many won’t be able to hold down a job. Most will struggle financially.
Luckily for Jenni, she has something most kids who “age out” don’t have: a ProKids CASA. Darlene is helping ensure that Jenni will beat the odds. Fortunately, Jenni graduated from high school. Darlene was instrumental in lining up outside agencies to help Jenni handle caring for her infant while attending school. Darlene also located a service to solve a transportation problem to help Jenni stay in school.
Darlene helped Jenni find a job and enroll in college. She’s also helping Jenni find an apartment, secure transportation, get her driver’s license, apply for financial aid, and locate a computer for college, and everything else a teen moving out usually turns to a parent for help with.
Thanks to her ProKids CASA, Jenni stands an excellent chance of leaving the system for good. Perhaps her children will never enter it.
Raol Raol never knew the comfort of a favorite blanket or the security of a loving home. Born to a teen mom who wasn’t ready for the responsibilities of motherhood, Raol was dragged along as his mom ran the streets.
Life in a foster home wasn’t much of an improvement. When Sherry, a CASA volunteer, was assigned the case and went to see Raol, she was appalled. The house was filthy. Raol had been placed in a room with a gate and left alone. No one played with him or chose to communicate with him. Sherry immediately intervened and Raol was moved to a new foster home.
When it became obvious that Raol’s mother would not make the changes necessary to provide for him, Sherry helped make sure the right adoptive home was found. She was very thorough in advocating for an adoptive parent who could handle Raol’s special needs. Sherry also helped set up the services Raol needed in order to succeed. Today, Raol is a happy, healthy boy living with a family who loves him.
The images used on this page are intended for representation purposes only. They are not actual images of ProKids children.
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