It took four years for an adoptive family to be located and during that time Daniel was moved seven times between foster homes and hospitals.  Daniel was very angry and unwilling to trust anybody.  He reasoned that if his parents didn?t want him why would anyone else.  The turning point for Daniel came with the help of his CASA advocate.

CASA advocate Bob G was assigned to the case six months after it was opened.  Bob visited Daniel once a week for over three years and during this time they formed a strong bond.  When a potential adoptive family was located, Daniel was uncooperative and refused to be adopted.  Bob spent time getting to know the family and as Bob began to feel comfortable with them he was able to help Daniel see that he could trust them the same way he trusted Bob. 

By Christmas time the adoption will be finalized and Daniel will celebrate the holidays with something he has never had before, a family that wants him. 

Daniel?s story is a happy one, but sadly less than 50% of children in foster care from our community have an advocate.  Although CASA 20^th has strong support from government agencies, private foundations and special events, we depend upon ongoing community support to make up 10% of our annual budget. 

With your support CASA 20^th can help make sure every abused and neglected child in our community has an advocate to support and guide them.  Your contribution of $100 will provide training and support for a volunteer advocate to serve a child for 1 month.

Last year 175 children in our community were placed in foster care often due to abuse and neglect.  With your help each of them can have a CASA advocate by their side.