Not so distant mirror.... The Benita Jacks horror story

The recent crisis makes one think how this tragic story could have gone with added support for the family - such as a CASA assigned to the children.

A CASA in a child's life can be a huge "asset", in the words of one CFSA worker.

Benita Jacks' child who was 16 and achieving in school could have had a CASA - a court appointed special advocate - and thus a much better outcome.

A CASA does the requisite leg work to ensure that ANY warning signs at all
- such as absence from school, gets checked out immediately.

CASAs know not only how to go to the door and knock but what plan B,C and D would be for getting in touch with the family.
One thing CASAs know well is that it takes perserverance to establish relationships and regular contacts with our children in crisis.
As a CASA, I know the biological parents, godparents, aunts, pastors and cousins are extremely good sources of information!
I would never just knock on the door and give up! I have gone to church in search of answers often - knowing that you must go where the family goes even on a Sunday. CASAs everyday go in search of answers and usually find them.

CASAs work everyday to ensure to best possible outcomes for these kids -- they deserve it.