Because CASA Was There: Carlos

Baby Carlos came into care at age 18 months badly beaten. The side of his face also was burned and he was expected to die in care because of swelling in his brain. Child Protective Services and local police were uncertain about who was responsible for the abuse, as Carlos had been with a babysitter the night he was hurt. The mother said she saw his injuries when she picked him up.

After 18 months in a coma, Carlos regained consciousness. Because his injuries were so profound, CPS felt that Carlos needed a more stable home than his mother could provide, along with resources and services he could receive in foster care. The courts were uncertain about the mother's ability to protect Carlos and provide a secure environment, so they ordered Child Protective Services to find a foster home for Carlos.

Carlos' CASA volunteer, Mark, knew that Carlos had a bleak future without a family. He would most likely end up in an institution due to his severe injuries and need for constant medical attention. Mark knew that it was important for Carlos' mother to demonstrate that she could safely provide for her son.

Carlos' injuries served as a wake-up call for his mother. As Carlos' advocate, Mark carefully monitored the mother's progress as she worked to get her life back together. She found a steady job, moved to a school district where her son could receive intensive occupational therapy and changed her lifestyle dramatically. Because of the progress made by Carlos' mother, Mark advocated for Carlos to return to her care. Carlos is now thriving in his safe home. He still has physical limitations because of the injuries he sustained as a baby, but he continues to make progress. Eight years after his original injuries, he is eating solid food, holding his head up and he communicating using a special word processing board. It is clear that he is in a safe and loving home.

*Children's names have been changed to protect their identity.