Susan Webb’s bucket list consists of all kinds of adventures – traveling to Africa, visiting the Galapagos Islands, biking along rivers in Europe, and becoming a CASA Volunteer.
“I reached this point where I was retired and had all this time,” explained Susan. “My friend was always volunteering, and I was jealous of that. I wanted to give back and do something unique.”
In 2022, Susan became a Dependency and Neglect CASA Volunteer. She was assigned to a 15-year-old girl living in foster care. Their bond was strong from the beginning.
“The youth always wanted to do something, and she always wanted to stay out longer,” said Susan. “She never seemed to want to go home.”
As the youth moved from one placement to another, Susan used her voice to speak up in the courtroom. Her advocacy stood out from the other professionals, as she had major concerns about the youth’s current living situation.
“My concerns seemed to differ from everyone else’s,” said Susan. “Except for the Judge – she really wanted to hear what I had to say. She took my concerns to heart.”
Ultimately, Susan’s instincts proved to be accurate. The placement was not safe for the youth. Thanks to her brave record within the courtroom, Susan was able to protect the youth from harm.
Now, the youth lives with a foster family who want to adopt her. And unlike before, when the youth and Susan are out for visits, she lets Susan know that she feels ready to go home.
“She didn’t have a nurturing home before, but she has it now,” said Susan. “She feels like she has hit the jackpot.”
As for Susan, she will continue showing up for the youth on a regular basis. She facilitates sibling visits, she takes the youth out to eat, and she continues to speak up in court.
“I’m there to be her voice,” said Susan. “She has an attorney and a caseworker, but each person has a large caseload. I am there to focus exclusively on her.”
Susan can successfully cross becoming a CASA Volunteer off her bucket list. Who knows where this adventure may take her next!
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