Finding Stability: A Kinship Care Story

Jessica had thought about becoming a CASA many times. She knew the commitment would be meaningful, but she wasn't sure how she could fit volunteering into a life that already included a full-time job and a family of her own.

Then, a situation within her extended family gave her a reason to reconsider. “It made me revisit the opportunity to be a source of support during one of the most difficult and traumatic experiences a young person could go through,” Jessica said. “I felt it was absolutely worth the time.”

In the spring of 2026 Jessica was sworn in as a CASA. To her role, she brought experience in college admissions access and youth education advocacy, which made working with older youth in foster care particularly meaningful to her. She hoped to help teenagers who were beginning to think about what comes after high school and how to navigate the transition into adulthood.

Her first CASA case would introduce her to *Ava, a 16-year-old navigating foster care after experiencing significant loss and uncertainty.

Ava entered foster care about a year ago after her father passed away and her mother, who remains incarcerated in another state, was unable to serve as her legal guardian. She spent about a month in a traditional foster home before running away. After she was located several months later, she was temporarily placed in a group home in rural Missouri while Children’s Division worked to find a more permanent placement.

During her time at the residential facility, Ava developed a close relationship with the director. After several months without another placement option, the director, who is also a licensed foster parent, decided to take Ava into her home. Today, Ava remains there and is doing well.

For Jessica, the difference in Ava after moving into an in-home placement was noticeable. When she first learned about Ava's case, notes described struggles with anger and fights at school. Jessica met Ava shortly after the move and saw a teenager who seemed more settled and comfortable. “It was clear that the move made a huge difference in Ava's mental wellbeing,” Jessica said. “She loves having her own room/space, and feels more in control of her emotions.”

Building a relationship with Ava became one of Jessica's first priorities. Because Ava's placement is roughly two hours from St. Louis, she had been separated from both her family and many of her personal belongings when she entered residential care.

Before their first in-person meeting, Jessica arranged to collect Ava's belongings from an aunt who lives locally and brought them with her. “I believe this gesture showed Ava that I was invested in her well-being and willing to go out of my way to bring her comfort and familiarity,” Jessica said. That first gesture was one of many ways Jessica has worked to show Ava that she is someone who will keep showing up.

Since being assigned to the case, Jessica has advocated for services including therapy and an educational advocate. She has also gathered donated items that Ava wanted and needed for her hair care and looked for resources and opportunities that support Ava's individual needs and interests.

For Jessica, advocacy is about understanding the young person behind the case and making sure their individual needs do not get overlooked. “Being a CASA for a teen is about being a constant in their lives, in terms of showing up, communicating, providing encouragement, advice when they need it, and support for the things they are interested in,” Jessica said.

That consistency is especially important for teenagers navigating foster care while also beginning to think about adulthood. Jessica sees her role as someone who can help Ava understand both what is happening in her case and what comes next. “Especially as a teenager, you're looking for advice and avenues on ‘how things work’ in her own case and in the world in general, and I can provide that kind of guidance and advocacy,” Jessica said.

Through her work with Ava, Jessica has also gained a clearer understanding of why having a dedicated advocate matters. “In my short time as a CASA, I've quickly seen the gaps in the foster care system because of workload and other factors,” she said. “My role is to have a singular focus on Ava's needs, her case, and her general well-being, ensuring that she doesn't get lost in the shuffle.”

Kinship Care Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize the importance of relationships and stability for children and teens in foster care. Ava's story is a reminder that stability can grow from a trusted relationship and an adult who is willing to step forward when a young person needs a home.

Alongside that stability, Ava has a CASA who is getting to know her, listening to her, advocating for her needs and helping her navigate what comes next. For Jessica, becoming a CASA has reinforced the importance of consistency. “It's clear to me now that being a CASA for a teen is about being a constant in their lives.”

*Name changed to preserve privacy