From the heart - olivia's story

​Launching our new blog series “From the Heart,” each month one of our staff will offer insights on their experiences advocating for children experiencing foster care. 

OLIVIA's story

 Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) performs a crucial role in the life of a child in foster care.  Their sole responsibility is to speak on behalf of the child – to grasp the complex and evolving details of a case and then advocate for the path of permanency in the child’s best interest. Each CASA volunteer spends long hours under difficult circumstances to understand strengths and weaknesses of those who comprise the web of people impacting the child. The CASA is part researcher, part social scientist who aims to perceive their own, and others’ biases that may cloud judgement influencing the welfare of the child.  Here is Olivia’s story, illustrating these intersecting elements leading to a heart-warming outcome…

Mary Jones
​CASA Volunteer

One CASA’s Challenge.  Over 3 years ago, Mary Jones, a CASA volunteer, was assigned to a 1-year-old “Olivia”, (name changed for privacy).  Olivia had been in foster care her whole young life.  Her mother had a substance use disorder as well as mental health conditions.  At the time of her birth, her father was not able to care for her but after a three year absence, he connected with Mary and shared that he felt ready to care for Olivia.  Due to his long absence, Mary understandably weary of his commitment to reunite with his daughter.  At the same time, Mary was aware that Olivia had been shuttled between seven foster homes throughout her young life and unsurprisingly, this uncertainty manifested in negative behavior.  Even with counseling, Olivia was struggling - so sad for a young child to be further traumatized by a life of upheaval.

Building on Strengths.  Mary inserted herself to speak up for Olivia’s best interests both behind the scenes with DFCS and in the courtroom.  Foster care was having a deleterious impact on Olivia and Mary knew that change was crucial.  What was the best for Olivia?  Through conversations and building trust, Mary came to understand an unexpected path for Olivia’s stability. Though the father lived out of state, Mary confirmed his ability and sincerity to support his daughter.  Mary became not only a strong advocate for Olivia, but also an encouraging and compassionate supporter of her father. By going the extra hundred miles, Mary secured necessary documentation that Olivia’s father was in the process of building a stable and loving home. People change.

A Joyful Outcome.  In August 2020, at her most recent court hearing, Mary detailed the consequences of Olivia’s life in foster placements.  She then outlined the father’s expressed desire to be part of Olivia’s life and his improving circumstances. Within this context, Mary advocated that reunification with her father was Olivia’s best path forward. Well, that day in court was a great victory for Olivia. The Judge granted reunification and when the father arrived the next day to pick her up, Olivia had the biggest smile on her face.  A smile that Mary had not seen in a long, long time. Olivia and her father continue to send photos to Mary. Our favorite picture is where Olivia hugs her brother for the first time. 
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The extraordinary dedication shown by Olivia’s CASA volunteer, Mary Jones, perfectly displays the heart of this volunteer work. But Mary is more than just a “volunteer”… she is a passionate and selfless professional who each day we honor for changing Olivia's story. ​

About the author - mandy roberts

Mandy Roberts is the Advocacy Program Manager for Savannah/Chatham CASA. Mandy has been with the organization since 2015. Prior to her role at CASA, she was a case manager at the Department of Family and Children Services. She has her Bachelors in Social Work from Middle Tennessee State University. When she isn't supporting her team and volunteers, she can be found walking with her fur baby, Braylee or enjoying a beach.