One Constant

by | May 20, 2022 | CASA Blog, CASA Updates

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When I signed on the dotted line, little did I know that ” I pledge to serve as the “one constant” for the child, assisting with all transitions until the child receives permanency” would lead me to still advocating for his wishes and well-being six years later.

What has not been consistent during his years in foster care:

  • He has changed schools 6 times.
  • His judge has changed.
  • His attorney has changed.
  • His social worker has changed, although his current social worker has been on his case for 4 years.
  • His placement has changed 5 times.
  • His therapists have changed multiple times.
  • His “dad” has changed.
  • His birth mom is far from consistent.

As his Court Appointed Special Advocate, I have been proud to serve as his “one constant.”

  • I have followed him to new placements making sure he is safe and his needs are met.  I also make sure they know he loves everything strawberry including his toothpaste.
  • I have submitted monthly reports and hearing reports to the court and professionals advocating for his permanence, safety, and well-being.
  • I am that returning face that shows up a minimum of once a month but usually more.  Usually, he talks, many times over the years he hasn’t.
  • I have attended school programs.  Many times I was the only familiar face to him in the crowd.
  • I have sat through many doctor’s visits.  Just this last week he asked me to sit right next to him as they had to draw blood.
  • I have delivered his personal belongings to various placements when he requested certain items.
  • I have hung on to his MindCraft game and his extra pair of eye glasses so he is certain they will not get lost.
  • He is constantly on my mind.
  • I have consistently participated in court hearings and meetings with other professionals linked to his case.
  • I faithfully deliver his favorite snacks – mini pies, pixie sticks, cheese crackers, anything strawberry, and sushi.
  • With the aid of his social worker, we have constantly searched for a permanent, safe home for him.  Seneca letters (letters generated by a nationwide database used to search for family members willing to provide a stable, loving home for the youth) have been sent out twice.  The recent second attempt has yielded a possible placement.
  • I have sat through in-home therapy sessions, individual therapy sessions, family therapy sessions, and treatment plan review sessions — monitoring progress in hopes of reunifying him with his birth mother.

We have had success along the way usually followed by major setbacks.  I have consistently seen the ravaging effects of chemical dependency coupled with mental illness.  It is heart-wrenching, yet my hope lies in the fact that I am his “one constant.”  He has faced a life full of trauma and pain.  He deserves far more, such as: a permanent safe haven, love, second chances, and consistency.  Maybe, just maybe, over the years, my constant concern is making a difference.  After my most recent visit, he asked if he could give me a hug.  It only took six years.  I would do it all again.

This is only my story.  There are multiple others and no two are alike.  If you are interested in advocating for a foster youth in our community please contact our Yellowstone County CASA office at 406-259-1233.  Or email emily@yellowstonecasa.org.

Corinna Byler was sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate in 2015 and currently serves as a volunteer Peer Coordinator.


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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.

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