June is the month when we celebrate families reuniting after separation in the foster care system. We are so grateful to CASA Advocate Britney for dedicating her time to assist a teen during the sensitive time of reunification. And, we are so proud of her being honored at the 2026 Be the Difference Awards!
Since completing CASA CORE training and being sworn in as an Advocate in February 2024, Brittney has been matched with two children in the dependency court system. Through her advocacy, she has become a steady and trusted presence for the youth and families she serves. One of the youth Brittney supported was a middle school student who had been in the foster care system for several years and experienced multiple placements, including time in a short-term residential treatment facility (STRTP). When Brittney was matched with him, he had recently reunified with his father, who had worked hard to rebuild stability and regain custody of his son.
Because of the trauma the youth had experienced, he struggled with anger and behavioral challenges. At first, neither he nor his father was open to having Brittney involved in their lives, so building trust became the foundation of her advocacy. Brittney focused on consistency. She showed up regularly, spent time getting to know both the youth and his father, and created opportunities for connection through outings to the park or the movies and bonding over video games. She kept a regular schedule of outings and often invited one of the youth’s friends along so he would feel more comfortable participating. Brittney also helped with transportation so the youth could maintain visits with his mother, preserving important family connections during a difficult period of transition.
Over time, the family began to adjust and stabilize. Brittney remained a dependable source of support throughout the process, offering patience, structure, and encouragement without judgment. Her advocacy helped create space for trust to grow and for the family to move forward together. Even after the court case was closed, Britney stayed in touch to support the family as they settled and started to thrive. She continues to help facilitate visits between the youth and his mom.
Brittney’s approach reflects what CASA advocacy can look like at its best: consistent presence, practical support, and a commitment to meeting youth and families where they are.
