How a Winthrop mother found a new calling with Boston CASA
Special to the Transcript
When Susan Griffiths, of Winthrop, signed up to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), she had just sent her youngest child off to college. Six years later, she has spent five of them advocating for the same young woman, who she now calls her fifth kid.
Boston CASA recruits and trains community members to serve as advocates for children and youth. Volunteers are appointed by judges to represent the best interests of young people in court and serve as a reliable, trusted adult throughout their time in the child welfare system. The organization currently serves more than 300 children annually through more than 250 trained advocates in Suffolk and Middlesex counties, yet only 15% of eligible foster youth in the area have a CASA.
A mother of four and new grandmother, 61-year-old Griffiths had spent her career in the corporate world before stepping back to raise her children. She heard about Boston CASA through her cousin, who was already a volunteer advocate. One thing she learned in training stuck with her immediately: for many children in the child welfare system, a CASA volunteer is the only non-paid adult consistently in their lives.
“Being a CASA is not often pretty or easy, but it’s meaningful and real, for both of us,” said Griffiths. “You can’t change their past, but you can affect their present and help shape their future.”
She was matched with her current youth in June 2021, when the young woman was 14. Their early meetings were cautious. The teen had experienced significant instability, multiple placements, frequent transitions, and the kind of distrust that builds when a youth has cycled through too many systems. Gradually, they started going out together. They celebrated birthdays together. The teen started calling Griffiths to talk, ask advice and share whatever was on her mind.
A turning point came during their first outing, for the young woman’s 15th birthday. Griffiths brought presents, put a small crown on her head, and took her to lunch and for ice cream. The young woman told Griffiths she had never felt truly celebrated on her birthday before. It was the first of five they would celebrate together.
Over the following years, Griffiths became embedded in nearly every corner of the young woman’s life, navigating the education system and connecting with the caseworkers, clinicians, teachers and medical professionals who formed what Griffiths describes as a team of good, caring people. When the young woman was just one course shy of graduating high school, Griffiths helped foster the connection made with Boston Public Schools, who worked with the teen on her own schedule. One day last fall, Griffiths got a call that she would be graduating the next day. She showed up with flowers and immense pride.
The young woman, now 19, is navigating early adulthood, a transition that for youth who have aged out of the child welfare system is particularly difficult. Griffiths remains a steady presence, meeting with her every few weeks and speaking on the phone or FaceTime often.
“These are just kids, and they all want the same thing,” Griffiths said. “No matter what situation they’re in, they need someone to care about them, cheer them on, and not give up on them.”
Boston CASA is actively recruiting volunteers to meet the growing need for advocates across Greater Boston. No legal experience is required, only a commitment to show up for a young person who needs an adult in their corner.
Research shows that just one consistent adult can change a child’s trajectory. For more information, visit: www.bostoncasa.org.
Boston CASA recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties for children removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect, most of whom end up in foster care. Unlike mentors, CASAs work within the child welfare system, advocating directly in court and alongside DCF to ensure children in foster care receive the support, stability, and services they need. Research shows that just one consistent adult can change a child’s trajectory. Help us be that difference. Volunteer, donate, or support our mission at www.bostoncasa.org. #ChangeAChildsStory