SAMPLE CASE SCENARIOS
(The following examples are from our case files, but we have changed details to preserve confidentiality.)
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Jimmy, Age 12 - Jimmy’s parents are divorced. He lives locally with his mother, and his father lives in Florida. Now that he is older, Jimmy wants to spend more time with his father, but fears his mother’s reaction. After a CASA investigation of the situation, the judge ordered the visit, but Jimmy has to wait a week before arrangements are finalized. He is terrified to stay with his mother as he knows she has a weapon and is convinced he is in danger. He begs his CASA to let him go to a foster home.
With a local children’s center, Jimmy would have a safe place to stay before his flight and a place to meet with his mother in a supervised setting until things calm down.
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Bonnie, Age 3 and Heather, Age 18 Months:
Responding to a call regarding alleged drug activities, authorities went to a home in Douglas County and found drugs, people doing drugs and two little girls. Child Protective Services was called and the girls were removed and taken to the shelter in Carson City. Over the next nine months, these little girls were moved seven times. They are currently in an adoptive home.
With a local children’s center, it would not have been necessary for these girls to have suffered through so many moves. They could have remained in their community until a local foster home and, ultimately, a permanent adoptive home could be found.
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Sharon, Age 10 and Kellie, Age 13:
These girls moved out of town with their mother after their parents’ divorce, but there was still the issue of court-ordered visitation with which to contend. During the divorce, the mother made allegations that the girls’ father had abused them. While there was no evidence to support these allegations, the girls were fearful about visiting their father, but are willing to do so if they don’t have to spend the night.
With a local children’s center, the girls can spend time with their father during the day and spend the night in a safe place until they no longer feel threatened.
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Laurie, Age 8:
This child has moved 8 times while in protective custody and there is a possibility she will be moved yet again. She has many emotional and psychological problems stemming, first from the abuse she suffered which caused her to be taken into care, and now from the stress of multiple placements. She has had 4 social workers, 3 counselors and has attended 4 schools.
With a local children’s center, this child could have remained in her community. Her complex problems were a large part of her moves, but, in the case of a failed placement, at least she would have returned to a familiar place and would not have to attend 4 different schools. The changes in counselors and social workers have been unavoidable, but this child has had one CASA who has been with her throughout her ordeal.
