Cameron

Cameron, a sweet, developmentally delayed child of one-and-a-half, was sitting in the front seat of his mother’s car when she was arrested for drunk driving. She was a recovering alcoholic and admitted that she needed help to continue her recovery. Cameron was immediately taken away from Jody, his mother, and placed in foster care. Because of his developmental delay, Cameron needed extra attention in a safe and caring home. Cameron also needed a CASA to make sure that he was safe and cared for while his mother went back into alcohol treatment services. Nick was appointed as Cameron’s CASA to advocate for the best possible placement for Cameron.

Jody needed to complete rehab, enroll in counseling, hold down a steady job and attend weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in order to regain custody of her son. She agreed to these conditions and worked hard towards regaining custody. Nick monitored Jody’s progress to be sure that she completed all that was required in order to have Cameron back in her home. Nick also visited regularly with Cameron to be sure he was doing well in his foster home.

Would Jody be able to remain sober? Would Cameron, who very much wanted to be back at home with his mother, be able to return home to Jody? The next few months held much in store...

After a year, things were looking brighter. Jody had completed rehab, had been regularly attending AA and counseling, and had held a steady job for the past six months. Both Nick and the Department of Human Services believed that she could be a stable parent, and advocated for her to regain custody of Cameron.

Cameron’s future had a positive outlook as he returned home to live with Jody.  The home environment was safe and clean. Jody attended all her weekly AA meetings and counseling sessions and continued to hold down a job.  With so much that Jody had to accomplish to regain full custody, Nick stayed closely involved and active in the case. He knew he had to monitor the situation carefully to be sure that Cameron remained safe and healthy.

Sadly, although Jody clearly loved Cameron, her dependency on alcohol became stronger than her will to remain sober.  Nick discovered that Jody was drinking again. When he went to visit Cameron, he found the home dirty and discovered that Cameron was being neglected.

Cameron was placed in a foster home that could care for his developmental delays and started at a new school that would cater to his special needs.  Nick stayed directly involved and kept in close contact with Cameron’s foster family and school. Nick saw Cameron begin to gain weight onto his petit frame, learn new words and life skills, and develop a strong relationship with his foster family. He quickly realized this was a positive, healthy place for Cameron to be.

After several months, Jody was still not stable enough to regain custody of Cameron, and she gave up her parental rights. Cameron’s foster family wanted to adopt Cameron. Nick knew that they would be a wonderful family for him, and he advocated for this to the judge.

Cameron was soon adopted by his foster family and is now healthy and happy.  He continues to improve in school and feels at home with his “forever” parents and brother.  Nick is happy to know that Cameron is loved, safe and learning all the time.  Cameron might still be in foster care if Nick had not been involved as his CASA, speaking up for his best interests and best possible future.