For Foster Youth, By Foster Youth: 4 Things to Know

By: Angelina Rodriguez , Lived Experience Specialist

I began my work with Child Advocates of Silicon Valley almost two years ago but was tied to the agency many years before that. Though I never had the opportunity to experience the support and joy of having a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), my younger brother and many of my peers did. As someone who was in the dependency system, now working to amplify the voices of others with shared experiences, I often reflect on the amazing work we do. Sometimes advocating for a youth may look different than you imagine. Advocacy isn’t always easy or doing fun things. Yet, every day, our Advocates SHOW UP, STAND UP and LIFT UP foster youth! As we continue to center Lived Experience at our agency, and in honor of wrapping up Foster Care Awareness Month, I thought I’d share some insights with our current (and future!) Court Appointed Special Advocates!

Here are four things you should know about working with foster youth:?

1. Agency in Every Action

Children, youth and young adults in dependency, and their families, lose much of their agency when removed from their homes. Part of our job is to give them agency and teach them collaboration through positive childhood and life experiences. Whether it's advocating to include them in setting goals and objectives for their own care or allowing them to choose which one of our amazing events to attend, their voice should be at the center of every decision.

2. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

As a Court Appointed Special Advocate, you are committing to building a trusted relationship with your advocate child and becoming a part of their team. By leading with cultural humility, challenging bias and approaching with an intersectional lens, we allow ourselves to truly SHOW UP and collaborate with our children, youth and young adults.

3. Their Path, Their Power

When we empower children, youth and young adults to make their own decisions, as Advocates, we contribute to building their confidence and self-esteem. When individuals are trusted with responsibility, they learn to trust themselves and their capabilities. For foster youth especially, self-determination is crucial because it brings a sense of autonomy, responsibility and empowerment.

4. Consistency Matters

Lastly, I want to remind you all the importance of consistency. Oftentimes, that can make all the difference in the life of a child, youth or non-minor dependent (NMD) whom you are advocating for. It might not always feel like it is making the biggest impact, but in a period of drastic change and uncertainty, a CASA, who is that constant calm in a stormy time, is quite important. Keep SHOWING UP!

Thank you to all our volunteers who give their all to advocate for our children, youth, young adults and their families. You make all the difference!

Here are just a few of the ways you can SHOW UP for foster youth:?

1. Take the first step to advocating for foster youth. Attend an informational session to learn more about becoming a CASA Volunteer.
2. Support our CASA Program and invest in our foster youth with a financial contribution. You can also check with your company to see if they match employee donations.
3. Become a Corporate Champion by sponsoring an activity or one of our fundraising events. Email us at [email protected] to learn how your company can be a part of the solution for foster kids.
4. Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.