The name of the child has been changed to protect their privacy.
Avery entered foster care at only four months old with severe physical injuries and malnutrition. She had a devastating spinal cord injury that left her unable to see, swallow, or move her body on her own. She required a feeding tube and extensive medical care that would be ongoing throughout her life.
CASA volunteer, Melissa Goodman-Nissley, was appointed to advocate for Avery. Melissa gave her a voice and made sure Avery’s safety, medical needs, and quality of life remained at the center of every decision.
Avery’s parents stayed involved throughout the case and attended her appointments, but had a hard time accepting the severity of her condition. Their words and decisions often suggested they could not put Avery’s medical needs and safety above their own expectations for Avery or provide the level of care she needed.
Those moments reinforced to Melissa how important it was for those caring for Avery to fully understand her limitations and be able to advocate for her needs based on medical guidance and a realistic understanding of her condition. Melissa became increasingly concerned that Avery’s parents would not be able to provide that level of care.
Melissa traveled farther than she had expected, took time to learn details about Avery’s complex medical needs, and made sure that Avery was seen not only as a child with profound disabilities, but also as a little girl who deserved comfort, dignity, and a secure future.
Eventually, Avery’s parents relinquished their parental rights and the search for a permanent home for Avery began, but finding the right home for Avery would be challenging. Her adoptive parents would need to understand feeding tubes, medical equipment, frequent appointments, and the lifelong commitment required to care for her.
After nearly two years in foster care, the right family was found. They understood Avery’s injuries would continue to shape her life. They did not expect her to become someone different. They were prepared to love and care for her exactly as she was.
Melissa was a huge part of Avery’s journey. She stood by Avery’s side and challenged decisions that did not protect her. She made sure her needs were never overlooked.
When so much of Avery’s future was uncertain, Melissa gave her something steady: a voice, a watchful advocate, and the assurance that someone was always in her corner. That is the power of a CASA volunteer.
CASA for Children complies with applicable Federal Civil Rights Laws and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, military service or lack of military service, religious affiliations or belief, or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
