As an organization dedicated to supporting children and families in crisis, we recognize that holidays can be a delicate and nuanced time for many. In this series, Purposeful Perspectives, we asked our staff members to select a season, month, or day that is meaningful to them to share with our CASA community. Thank you for joining us as we take a deeper look behind the celebrations that fill our lives.

August to Georgians means one thing, okay, maybe two things – relentless heat and back to school. I enjoy walking through the stores’ aisles and seeing all the crayons, folders, highlighters and other supplies, and I still love selecting new notebooks and pens for myself. In my own household, earlier this month, I sent off a middle schooler, grumbly about the looming return of homework and early mornings, and a happy-go-lucky elementary schooler, who just couldn’t wait to see all his friends.

But, for many of our children and youth experiencing foster care, back-to-school looks different. It might mean a new school and unfamiliar classmates or anxiety over the fear of being bullied. From the child welfare system’s perspective, we professionals tend to breathe a sigh of relief: we know it means that vulnerable children and youth will be able to get at least two full meals a day and be under the watchful eye of mandated reporters and other protective adults.

As CASA volunteers, school provides another insight into the children’s lives for whom we advocate. Speaking to the teachers and counselors, monitoring grades and records, we make sure IEPs and 504 plans are in place; kids can stay in their school of origin, records transfer, there is an advocate present for a tribunal when needed; tutoring is ordered with EPAC, and extracurricular activities are participated in and paid for.

It’s in these moments that our advocacy makes a tangible difference. We step into the gap, ensuring that education remains a stable and supportive element in a child’s life, despite the instability they may face elsewhere. The power of this advocacy is seen in every challenge met and every barrier overcome.

Last week, I was inspired by a CASA volunteer, who has been advocating relentlessly for an upper elementary school student to be transported to his former school, offsite of his group home, so that he is not in a classroom by himself. She has pleaded with group home staff and DFCS, testified in court, and worked alongside state-level advocates to help ensure he has a little bit of normalcy and is set up to succeed.

Her dedication is a testament to the impact that a committed CASA volunteer can have. It’s a reminder that our role often extends beyond the courtroom and into the very heart of a child’s daily life. These efforts, big and small, collectively shape brighter futures for the children we serve.

The start of a new school year can be exciting and a little chaotic for everyone, but as CASA volunteers, we can be mindful of how it feels to and impacts the children we serve, and we can lend support and our voices to make sure the transition back-to-school is as easy as it can be.