Nearly four years ago, Advocate Kat first met Mia*, who was five at the time, and her younger brother, Pete*, who was one. What began as a commitment to spend time with two young siblings grew into a lasting relationship that would carry them through new homes, different schools, and their eventual adoptions.
At first, Mia and Pete lived together in a foster home out of county. Despite the long drive, Kat made time to visit regularly, getting to know the children over pizza and joining in birthday celebrations. Over time, she became a familiar, trusted person both children knew they could count on.
That steady presence became especially important when Mia moved to a different foster family back in Santa Cruz County. Pete stayed with the family who would later adopt him, and the siblings struggled with the separation.
Kat helped Mia through this difficult transition by spending time with her and finding opportunities for joy while she adjusted to life apart from her brother. They rode bikes, went roller skating, read, and made art. Together, they explored art museums, spent afternoons at the beach, and visited the Boardwalk, where Mia rode the Giant Dipper for the very first time. These shared adventures gave their relationship room to grow. They also gave Mia time to have fun, discover new interests, and enjoy the full attention of a caring adult.
All the while, Kat advocated for Mia and Pete to stay connected and drove Mia for monthly visits. Their time together could be emotional, particularly for Pete. Yet those precious visits gave the children a way to remain part of each other’s lives while so much around them was changing.
Reflecting on those years, Kat emphasized the importance of staying with a case when “you don’t know how the outcome is going to go.” There had been, she said, “a lot of ups and downs. And it ended so well.”
Pete was adopted first, and this August, Mia was adopted, too, with Kat there to celebrate. Though they were still apart, after nearly four years, both children had found permanent homes. Both were happy, even as they continued to miss each other.
As her formal CASA role comes to an end, Kat hopes to stay in Mia’s life, and Mia’s adoptive parents welcome continued contact. Kat looks forward to more beach trips and Boardwalk rides with Mia, continuing a relationship that has meant so much to them both. Mia and Pete will also continue visiting each other, maintaining the connection Kat worked so hard to support.
Thank you so much, Kat, for nearly four years of patient care and heartfelt commitment to Mia and Pete. Through every long drive, shared adventure, and difficult change, you helped them maintain one of the most important things in their lives, their connection to each other.
*Fictitious names
