My First Case

by Gleena Rees

I first met Amanda when she was six years old. She was already in her second foster home. She was very shy. She would hide under tables and not talk.

In her second home, she was in a great place. She was a very active girl. In this home, she was learning manners and how to relate to people. Her hand and arms and legs moved all the time, but she was also beginning to have some control. She had a hard time in school as she did not know how to relate to other children, but she was making progress.

She was in this home over a year before she was moved to foster home that was to be a forever home. There were older children in the home, and she and the mom could not bond. So after about a year she was moved to yet another foster home.

There, she made great progress learning many personal skills. She really liked the family. But once again she was moved. This time it was not a good fit. Thanks to social worker and CASA she was moved to another home. Amanda liked being there, as they were a very active family, and so was she!

After many moves she has now found her forever family. She was adopted in April 17th 2015. She has two brothers and a loving new home.

This was my first case as a CASA, and I learned many things along the way. I had great program specialist and some good social workers who made this much more workable. I have enjoyed watching Amanda change over the years in to a nice and happy young girl.

About the CASA
Glenna was a steady presence in Amanda’s life and she visited her frequently. Glenna became an extended part of Amanda’s life and she was greeted by Amanda on adoption day with smiles and hugs. Amanda is just one example of the impact Glenna has made in lives of our children.

-Sheryl Thierry, CASA Program Specialist