Helping Children Feel Seen & Understood: CASA Volunteer Sarah Durand

For Sarah Durand, serving as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate holds special meaning. "As a survivor of child abuse who experienced the system firsthand, I have a special place in my heart for children facing similar struggles."

Sarah has focused much of her career on working to change public policy to improve foster care and child protective services. Serving as a CASA provides her with the opportunity to directly help families, one child at a time. "I love when I can connect with a child on his or her level who is trying to make sense of their life and circumstances."

She finds one of the most rewarding things about being a CASA is watching the emotional guards come down when children realize someone can really see and understand them.

"I had a teenager who felt they didn't do enough to protect younger siblings. They were carrying so much shame. I was able to connect and help them see they are also a child and need not carry the blame. I watched that burden lift (even if it was just a little bit) when they embraced me and cried in my arms with the release of that guilt. It's always a special moment when you can see and feel you have made a difference."

She added, "Sometimes, as CASA volunteers, we are the only stable thing in the lives of our children. They move from home to home and school to school while losing friends, family, and fictive kin along the way. We can be that one stable thing."

How can you provide stability for a child?

Are you interested in being a trusted adult to help a child or sibling group navigate through the challenges of the foster care and family court system? Learn more at www.casarr.org/volunteer.

Looking for other ways to support CASA and the children we serve?

Adopt a child's holiday wish list and make their season a little brighter. Sign up now.

CASA's work is made possible through the generous support of our community. Your charitable contribution provides children with a voice and a caring adult to look out for their best interests during a challenging time. Donate today.