So EVERY Child May Have a Voice Local Man Volunteers As Court Appointed Advocate For Children In Foster Care

 When local resident Josh Rivas first learned about Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for the Foster Care system, one story demonstrated the very real impact advocates could make on a child’s life.  Josh heard about a boy who was born addicted to drugs because of the mother’s substance abuse.  As a result, this infant couldn’t move his arms or legs; he was a classified quadriplegic before he even knew his own name.  By the time the boy’s first court appearance came up at age 4 – to determine whether or not he was ready for adoption – he had found an advocate.  Speaking on the child’s behalf, the advocate described the boy’s marked progress in physical therapy and his desire for a family.
“With that one voice, a child was able to be adopted into a loving home,” Josh said.  “That’s the power of CASA.”
Though Josh has worked with 24 non-profits throughout his life, CASA has captured his heart, time and attention.  Josh’s path to CASA started when he began mentoring homeless children.
“I remember the first time I told a homeless child he had value and potential,” Josh recalled.  “He started bawling and said, ‘In my entire life, no one has ever told me I had value or potential.’”
After that interaction, Josh decided he would do what he could to show disadvantaged children their worth and help them find their future.  For Josh, the best way to do that was CASA of Los Angeles, an organization that trains, assigns and oversees volunteer court advocates for children in the Foster Care system.
Though there are more than 750 Santa Clarita children in Foster Care, fewer than 100 Santa Clarita families take in a foster child, leaving hundreds of children to be sent into Los Angeles and surrounding areas for care, Josh said.  In addition to the need for foster homes, these children also need court advocates to speak on their behalf and look out for their best interests.
“As an advocate, I have the legal right of a guardian,” Josh said.  “My role is to help the court determine where the child should be placed, whether it be with the parent, foster family, adoptive family, etc.  The judges count on us to know the kid’s personality, what they want, what’s best for them.  We spend time with the child, so the judge really listens to the CASA.”
After an extensive training period, Josh graduated the CASA program and accepted his first position as an advocate; his child is 14 years old, and Josh will stay on his case until the child turns 18.  In addition to courtroom testimony and recommendations, Josh helps the court obtain the information and assessments needed to best make a determination, including home evaluations, doctor visits, healthcare plans, tutoring plans and more.  After seeing the child’s situation and spending so much time together, the challenge is remaining objective.
“We have to be unbiased.  The hardest part is setting boundaries,” Josh said.  “You want to buy them everything they need, but that won’t help them in the long run.  You have to teach them the skills they need to build healthy, successful lives.”
One of the most important lessons Josh can impart is the realization of their own self-worth.
“I’ve learned to tell every kid I meet they have value and potential because it may be the first time they’ve heard that.  Asking them about what they want and helping them set goals for their future shows them I think they have value,” Josh said.  “The other day, my kid told me I’m the only consistent person he’s had in his life – his only role model.  Showing up for them lets them know they are important and appreciated each and every time.”

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