Monday, Jun 9, 2025
Newborn Rainey and 10-year-old Wayne came to the court system through tragic circumstances, a motorcycle accident involving both parents that took the life of their mother. Unfortunately, alcohol was involved and 10-year-old Wayne was a witness to the accident. Because of the circumstances, the court intervened and the children were placed in foster care with their maternal grandparent.
One year later, with emotions high, and little progress being reported on behalf of father Mark, CASA volunteer Debbie was appointed. Debbie had to navigate the difficult waters of a grandparent grieving her daughter while doing her best to care for her grandchildren. Debbie could see right away that Mark’s progress was being overlooked in the court process. Mark was in the midst of completing everything asked of him, but no one was assessing his progress.
Upon seeing Mark’s advancements, Debbie immediately began advocating for the children to spend more time with him. Supervised visits turned into unsupervised—hour visits into day visits—day visits into overnight. As Mark maintained his home and his court ordered services Debbie continued to advocate for his children to spend more time with him. Debbie’s optimism and belief in Mark spread throughout the courtroom and soon trial reunification was ordered for Mark with his children.
After 90 days of continued monitoring, the courtroom applauded when the case closed with the children placed with their father. Mark credits Debbie for being the catalyst for the change in direction of the case allowing this hopeful father to be reunited with his children.
Update: Since the year after this case has closed with reunification, Debbie has remained in touch with this family. She has attended birthday parties, received photos, and heard all of the major life updates. Rainey and Wayne are thriving with their dad and continue to be happy and healthy through reunification.