Turning 18 and graduating high school is an exciting time, but for youth in the foster care system, it can also be incredibly daunting. Nationwide, over 15,000 young people age out of foster care each year. Without a stable support system, these young adults face a steep uphill battle, making them statistically more likely to experience homelessness, unemployment, and a lack of academic achievement.
But this June, Erie County is celebrating a massive victory. Meet Caleb, a resilient high school graduate who is 100% ready to start exploring what his future holds.
A Messy Road to Success
Caleb’s journey wasn’t easy. Entering the foster care system at just 13 years old, his case was complicated and filled with a harsh reality. To add to the challenge, Caleb manages type 2 diabetes, a medical condition requiring strict consistency, which is notoriously hard to find within the foster care system.
When cases are this complex, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is vital to step in, look out for the child's best interests, and ensure their medical and emotional needs aren't overlooked. Unfortunately, due to a shortage of local staff and volunteers, Caleb’s assignment was delayed by six months, leaving him to navigate the system entirely alone during that critical time before finally receiving his dedicated CASA worker.
When Erie County CASA Executive Director Terri Stephan was able to step in as his volunteer, everything changed. A CASA volunteer is strictly there for the child, fighting for their best interests when the court system gets overwhelming. Caleb remembers how Terri encouraged him to speak up, helped him understand his rights, and navigated the complicated legal waters alongside him.
Bridging the Gap to Adulthood
As Caleb approached 18, he faced a critical choice. Statistics show that for every year a youth stays in extended foster care past 18, their chance of graduating high school jumps by 8%, and their risk of homelessness drops by 19%.
Terri worked with Caleb as a true partner to plan his future. She connected him with various programs that would ensure he had access to the medical and independent living resources he needs to manage his health and his life as an adult. Today, Caleb is happily maintaining his job at Walmart while keeping his eyes on learning a trade. He is eager to explore stable, hands-on career paths, looking into specialized fields like plumbing, welding, and electrical work. He might not know his exact destination yet, but with a growing interest in how things work and a desire for financial independence, he now has the tools to succeed and the confidence to explore all the career options adulthood can offer him.
The Urgent Need for Volunteers
Caleb is proof that a CASA volunteer changes the entire trajectory of a child’s life. Unfortunately, there are simply not enough voices to go around. Right now, the Erie County CASA Program is trying to advocate for 92 abused and neglected children with only 18 active volunteers. We need neighbors like you to help rewrite these stories. Becoming a volunteer requires a screening process, 30 hours of pre-service training, and two courtroom observations. Training is offered twice a year and is flexibly scheduled around the needs of the attendees.
You don’t need a background in law or social work, just a heart for kids like Caleb who deserve someone in their corner. This July, as we celebrate exploration, consider helping a local child explore a brighter future. Contact Erie County CASA today to volunteer.