Trial Transforms Lives of Neglected Children
tHe reCent case of two siblings, ages 18 months and 3 years, who were removed from their mother’s care demonstrates the difficult but important role of court-appointed special advocates (or CASAs). In this particular case, Seattle associate Modessa Jacobs worked with the CASA to obtain a life-changing ruling for the children. E a c h y e a r m o r e t h a n 70 0, 0 0 0 children nationwide are placed in foster care, usually after being taken from abusive or neglectful parents. Judges appoint CASAs, who are volunteers, to guide some of these children through juvenile court and the foster care process. The website of the National CASA Association notes that “For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives.” In our recent case, the two siblings had been removed from the home nearly two years prior because of their mother’s drug addiction and neglect. At that time, a King County (Wash.) juvenile court judge ordered the mother to complete 8
state-provided programs, including mandatory urinalysis and parenting classes, in order to regain custody of her children. In such cases, if the parent does not complete the services within six months, the state can file a petition with the court to sever the parental relationship permanently. The judge also assigned a CASA to represent the children. The state chose to file for termination of the mother’s parental rights because she did not complete the required programs. The court set a date for the trial at which her permanent parental rights would be determined. Through our ongoing relationship with the King County
CASA Program, Seattle associate Modessa Jacobs volunteered to help the CASA prepare for the trial.
“For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives.” As a labor and employment lawyer, Modessa drew on her experience preparing witnesses to coach the CASA. “He was very knowledgeable about the children and their lives,” says Modessa, “but he had some anxiety around testifying. You never know what the lawyer for the state