Success Story

Three children were assigned to Fairfax CASA almost six years ago due to substance use in the family. The children were ages seven, five, and two months old when they were removed from their home and placed in foster care. The seven and five-year-old had never been to school or been in any type of classroom environment. None of the children had ever seen a doctor or dentist. Their medical and dental needs were quickly addressed, but their educational needs took a bit longer. While the oldest child immediately began catching up in school, it quickly became apparent that the middle child was not making up for lost time as easily and struggled to move past a kindergarten reading level, despite being moved on to first and second grade.

The CASA on the case tirelessly advocated for several years until this child finally received an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The CASA kept advocating for the child’s educational services through four schools, two states, and ten IEP meetings. The youngest child displayed several developmental, behavioral, and later, educational issues, as well.  Once again, the CASA advocated on behalf of the youngest, working closely with the Department of Family Services (DFS) and the foster parents to ensure the child had the proper assessments, evaluations, and medication management. Today, the youngest child is in kindergarten and the CASA is advocating for his IEP, which is in the final stages of completion. The children’s aunt stepped forward and took all three children into her home.  The CASA has been there as a resource and as someone to listen, as the aunt navigated the adoption process and when the children’s behaviors and numerous services presented challenges. These siblings are being adopted by their aunt, and they are all so happy together in one big family. After six years, the case is finalizing with a very happy ending.