How a Child’s Words Shaped the Parenting Plan

This was only my second case as a CASA, but I knew right away it was different. My first case involved a mother who couldn’t protect her children from a dangerous boyfriend. It was heartbreaking and messy, and it taught me how critical our work is when a child’s safety is at stake. With Riley’s case, I could see from the start that both parents loved him and really wanted the best for him.

Love, however, doesn’t always mean a child is safe or secure.

I met with Liz and Lucas separately, listening to their stories and their fears. Liz was exhausted but determined to protect Riley. Lucas was angry and heartbroken, trying to be a good father while battling his own frustrations and substance addiction issues.  I also talked to Liz’s mom, who had strong opinions about what her daughter should do, and with Lucas’s dad, who struggled to understand how his own behavior shaped Lucas’s choices. Each conversation revealed more.

I spoke with the social worker at the drop-in mental health clinic who has supported Liz since she was diagnosed with postpartum depression after Riley’s birth. I visited Riley’s preschool and talked to his teacher about how he was doing in the classroom. And of course, I spoke with Riley himself. He’s a bright, curious five-year-old who told me he loves his mom, his dad, dogs, and peanut butter ice cream most in the world.

Riley also told me he’s scared of his Dad’s truck. He said he doesn’t want to ride in it anymore. He told me the truck does crazy things. I asked him how he felt when the truck was crazy. He said, “It’s scary. I hate the truck.” I asked him if he ever felt scared of his Dad. He said, “Only in the truck…. And sometimes when he yells at Mom.”

Riley’s words went into my report.

After gathering all this information, I prepared my report for the court and worked with my supervisor on our recommendations.  We recommended that Liz have full custody and that Lucas have supervised visitation while he works on treatment and stability of his own. It wasn’t an easy recommendation to make—both parents love their son—but our job is to keep Riley’s best interests at the center of every decision.

I was really surprised when Lucas agreed to settle the case. I thought we would go to trial.  I’m really hoping things work out for him, and that he can be a safe dad. But I know this is the best solution for Riley.

Make a difference for children like Riley by giving them someone to listen and advocate for them in court.