CASA Spotlight: Cori Grant
Her mother has suggested that given her demanding medical career, Dr. Cori Grant might find a more relaxing volunteer activity than avidly advocating for children in foster care.
“But I really love being a CASA,” she said. “I want to ensure that the child’s voice is heard and that their needs remain a priority.”
A pediatric hospitalist who earned her medical degree and served her residency in St. Louis, Cori provides pediatric care for children across the spectrum—from colds to cardiac arrests. At CASA of St. Louis, she uses many of those skills to actively listen and de-escalate situations.
CASA Case Advocacy Supervisor Danielle Sitze says that Cori’s calm demeanor and empathy also make her an exceptional advocate for children. Prior to coming to CASA two years ago, Danielle worked with teen outreach for two different agencies and as a case manager. In her current role, Danielle assists CASA volunteers by guiding and supporting them as they navigate through a system that involves gathering information, working with a family support team, and making informed recommendations about what is in the child’s best interest.
Danielle met Cori more than a year ago and has been partnering with her through two difficult cases. “Despite a crazy work schedule, she has established a bond with the children. She works hard to build a connection with each of them and with the case workers, relatives or other contacts and staffs in the residential homes where they live. Cori takes initiative and seeks guidance. She is tenacious in pushing for problem resolution and is totally dedicated to giving these children opportunities to thrive. Words cannot describe how great she is!”
In early 2020, Cori took on advocacy for a young boy, and in October 2020, she added a teenage girl to her case load. Both children have experienced significant trauma. The girl has been in and out of foster care multiple times.
“In my medical career, I regularly work with children who have behavioral challenges as a result of abuse and neglect.” said Cori, who first learned about CASA during her residency when she spent a day in family court. During that visit, she met a CASA and thought at the time that she would like to volunteer. “But I was too busy working long hours as a resident physician to consider CASA then,” she recalled.
After completing CASA training in late 2019, Cori was assigned first to the young boy, who was both physically and verbally aggressive. He had attempted to run away from his foster home and had experienced multiple placements and psychiatric hospital admissions.
Before Cori got involved, the child had also been isolated. “He had no family contacting him on a regular basis, even on Thanksgiving and Christmas. I was only able to meet him in person once in March before in-person visitation was restricted due to COVID-19,” Cori said.
“It was challenging to develop a relationship when our contact was only virtual. Then in early October, I called him on his birthday and sent him a gift. After that, he asked if I could call him more frequently. Now we have once-a-week calls, plus a monthly Zoom session. He really is a sweet, charming, intelligent kid. We are working hard to find family connections to increase his contacts and explore placement opportunities.”
Cori assumed CASA responsibilities for the teenager later in 2020. “I am still getting to know her, and her situation is even more challenging,” she said. “I do video calls with her monthly and she has called me several times.” On a recent call, the teen was very upset and threatening to harm herself. She wanted to be taken to the hospital and asked Cori to intervene. “This was challenging because her request extended beyond the boundaries of my role as a CASA. It was 6 p.m. on a Friday night, and fortunately I was able to reach Danielle, who was wonderful. We got in touch with a staff member at the home, and the on-call psychologist got involved.”
With a demanding schedule, why does Cori find CASA rewarding? “It is an opportunity to interact with foster kids on a personal level and serve as their voice. They are subject to a lot of change. Their placements change, their case manager might change. A CASA can provide a consistent presence in their lives.”