Kyle & Kendra

Kyle and Kendra and were just 10- and 11-years-old when they ran away from their extremely abusive grandfather and mentally ill mother. When the Department of Human Services became aware of the situation, they quickly removed Kyle and Kendra from their home. Emily, the CASA appointed to the case, got involved immediately. She realized how dire the situation was because of the severity of the abuse, and was amazed at how long it had gone on without being reported. Emily knew after meeting with the children for the first time that the home had to be investigated.

When the children’s home was inspected, it was discovered to be filthy. The children’s mother Lynda and grandfather James were both very angry people who proved everything Kyle and Kendra had said about the abuse. Emily was extremely disturbed by what she saw and knew that she needed to protect Kendra and Kyle throughout their trauma. James and Lynda were clearly abusive and she knew right away that the children were going to need a lot of care and attention.

The case would have lots of twists and turns for Emily as she learned new information about the nature of the abuse. She knew she had much work ahead of her to make sure that James and Lynda would never regain custody of Kyle and Kendra.

Less than a month later, Kendra confided in Emily that her grandfather James had sexually abused both her and her brother. Emily knew immediately she could never allow the children to return home to this situation.         Emily spent a lot of time with Kendra and Kyle, letting them know she was there for them as long as they needed her. Even though they trusted her enough to reveal the extent of the abuse, Emily knew that their past made it difficult to fully trust anyone, and she continued to foster their trust.

Emily worked hard to get the children all the services they needed, particularly counseling to help work through their past abuse. Emily checked in with Kendra and Kyle’s foster parents on a regular basis to ensure they were providing a good home for the children.

Their mother Lynda had homeschooled the children, and Emily knew that transitioning them into public school would be a difficult process. Neither child had motivation to succeed nor the belief they could do well. Emily worked hard to make sure both were in a foster home and school where they could be safe and learn. They had a long road ahead of them.

Emily continued to be a strong support in Kendra and Kyle’s lives as they entered their teens. She visited with them weekly and encouraged them to stay in school and reach for their goals. Emily supported Kendra when she decided to come forward and testify against her grandfather to have him put in jail for life. She was there for Kyle when he started smoking marijuana and was kicked out of his third foster home. Even though no one thought he could succeed, Emily helped him to stop doing drugs and finish high school. Emily was extremely moved by the strength and determination of these two teens as she watched them accomplish so much after everything they had been through.

Several years later, Emily remains a mentor to both Kendra and Kyle.  She still meets with them from time to time to catch up over coffee.  She is happy to report that Kendra is attending a four-year university on a full scholarship and believes that she can accomplish all her goals.  Kyle is attending community college while he saves money and learns new skills.

If Emily had not been a part of Kendra and Kyle’s lives, it is likely they would not have received many of the critical services they needed. They may not have made it through school, and might have run away after the system failed them over and over again. Having someone in their lives who cared about their future and happiness meant the world to Kendra and Kyle. Emily was forever impacted by her work as a CASA, and Kendra and Kyle’s lives will forever be better because of Emily’s support and guidance.