Kyla

by | May 9, 2023 | Stories, Uncategorized

Share this post

Kyla was fourteen years old when she came into foster care. Her mom was arrested for physically assaulting her partner. Kyla tried to stop the violence and ended up getting punched in the face. Due to several outstanding warrants and the most recent assault, Kyla’s mom faced serious criminal charges and went to prison. Kyla’s case was placed on the CASA priority list and was quickly picked up by newly sworn-in CASA, Serena.

When Serena first met Kyla, she was living in Billings with a family member. The two quickly hit it off, and Serena visited Kyla at her new home, and school regularly. Things changed quickly for the teen however, when her family member suddenly decided to move out of state, leaving Kyla once again without a place to call home. Due to a shortage of local foster homes, Kyla was moved to a group home in a different city in Montana. This was an incredibly difficult move for the fourteen-year-old. Serena continued to be her CASA, despite the distance, and she maintained contact with Kyla over text messages and skype, and even went to visit her, driving every few months to see her.

Serena has been Kyla’s CASA for over two years now. Recently, Kyla moved from her group home to live with a long-time family friend. At her last court hearing, Kyla wrote a letter to the judge and said, “I finally feel like I am home.” Her CASA is still a constant in her life and will remain a friend and mentor after the case closes. Kyla’s current placement is hoping to be her permanent guardian and home. Serena and Kyla have been working together as Kyla finishes high school and finds a job. Despite the challenges of the last several years, Kyla is doing well and has a bright future ahead of her.

This is a true story about a family in the Billings community and their volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate. When you support CASA of Yellowstone County, you support children like Kyla.


Share this post

Court Appointed Special Advocates are community volunteers who speak up for the best interests of children in foster care. Volunteer CASAs work for the best interests of kids by advocating for their safety and permanency.

CASA Stories

Milo’s CASA Story

When Milo was born, his cord blood tested positive for meth. Child and Family Services implemented...

Maya & Lainey

Law enforcement was called to Lainey and Maya’s rural home on the edge of Billings when their mom...

Natalie, Noah, & Nash

Natalie and Noah came into foster care for the second time after their mom relapsed into her...

Related Posts

Milo’s CASA Story

Milo’s CASA Story

When Milo was born, his cord blood tested positive for meth. Child and Family Services implemented a voluntary safety plan with Milo’s parents to try and keep him in parents’ care. However, soon after, the parents stopped checking in at the local housing shelter....

Advocate Spotlight: Susie Collum

Advocate Spotlight: Susie Collum

Susie Collum, a dedicated CASA advocate and Peer Coordinator, has had a fulfilling journey driven by her passion for working with children. Raised in Billings, she knew from an early age that she wanted to teach primary school children. After earning her teaching...

Advocate Spotlight: Debbie Richert

Advocate Spotlight: Debbie Richert

Debbie Richert's journey into the world of child advocacy spans an impressive 30-year career in early childhood, preschool, and K-12 educational programs. Throughout her extensive experience, she encountered CASA volunteers and witnessed firsthand the profound impact...

Take the First Step

Attend an Info Session