Katherine Dickinson’s heart has been with children in foster care for decades. Long before she had children of her own, she attended an information session at Orangewood Children’s Home, where she was hoping to volunteer holding and rocking babies. It was there she first learned about CASA more than 30 years ago.
Life was busy as Katherine worked as a geologist and raised two daughters with her husband. But ten years ago, after her family fostered a young boy, she thought, “I really need to sign up to become a CASA.”
Now, with grown children, a flexible job, and only a new puppy demanding her time at home, Katherine says this is the perfect season in her life to volunteer. Since being sworn in nine years ago, she has taken on several cases—many of which resolved quickly through reunification or permanent placement. Those experiences prepared her for the challenges of her most meaningful match.
When Katherine and *Gina were first matched, it was an easy fit. “She was only eight at the time and just the sweetest thing,” Katherine recalls. “She loved going to the park, climbing trees, and riding on my back. It was such an angelic time.”
But Gina’s childhood was already marked by deep trauma. Removed from her home as a baby due to abuse, she suffered further harm in foster care, including a traumatic brain injury. By age two, she had already lived in five foster homes. Adoption at age three seemed hopeful, but after a few years her adoptive parents could no longer care for her. Since then, Gina has cycled through group homes and emergency shelters, often surrounded by much older youth. Katherine noticed the changes—heavy makeup, angry behavior, and other signs of pain.
Through every move, Katherine remained a steady presence, visiting even when Gina was placed outside Orange County. When one “permanent” placement collapsed and Gina returned to foster care, the judge on her case specifically requested Katherine return as her CASA.
Katherine reports she was happy to be reassigned as an advocate for Gina, despite the challenges. She credits her CASA advocate supervisor Amy Crowley for her guidance as the two navigated the complexities of her youth’s case. Katherine says with a laugh, “I absolutely love Amy and I’ve asked her to promise to never retire. I can't say enough about her - she is wonderful.” Amy has also been a great resource as Katherine has learned the ropes of being an Educational Rights Holder (ERH) for Gina. As the designated ERH, Katherine has the legal authority to make educational decisions for Gina. This also gives her the right to advocate for the special education services Gina needed.
“As Gina’s ERH, I attend and sign off on her Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings,” says Katherine. “I’m also present at all of her school re-entry meetings following attendance disruptions. Beyond that, I stay involved in her school life—regularly communicating with her teacher and school therapist. I also ensure the school district complies with court orders, including placing her in programs that can meet her specific needs.”
As with many youth who get moved around to multiple placements and schools, regular attendance at school can be a challenge. Katherine says, “She did great in special ed in elementary school, but she misses too much school due to mental health issues. Yet Katherine remains committed to doing everything she can to ensure Gina has the best possible chance at a good education. Amy says, “Katherine is an incredible CASA. She has a kind, patient approach with her youth and looks for ways to make her feel special. Katherine stepped up to hold Ed Rights and she works tirelessly to make sure Gina’s special education needs are being met.”
Gina’s case is more complex than many and Katherine worries about her as she approaches puberty and her teen years, but the affection Katherine feels for her is quite clear. She gets emotional as she shares, “It’s really challenging. This child is just living such a challenging life right now. I just muddle through and pray for her. We’re not in a great place right now but I have hope because we’re so close.”
There are bright moments too—like the recent CASA Back to School Picnic. “It felt like the old her again,” Katherine says. “We had a long drive, stopped at Target, and just had a great day.” She believes Gina’s high emotional intelligence and increasing willingness to talk about her trauma are hopeful signs that, with the right intensive therapy, she can heal.
Katherine is deeply committed to staying in Gina’s life. “I tell her I’ll still be here when I’m 90,” she jokes. Amy agrees: “Katherine isn’t just a mentor or advocate—she’s a warm, caring person who’s a true gift to CASA.”
In addition to being a dedicated CASA volunteer, Katherine is also a fantastic recruiter. She says, “I sent my brother information about being a CASA during Covid. He went through training and is now an advocate - he’s a great volunteer because he speaks Spanish and is a guy!” Now her sister is looking into becoming a CASA. Katherine also took the youth director from her church to CASA’s “Chat with Pat” and that inspired her to go through CASA training as well.
To learn more about how you can help vulnerable youth in the foster care system waiting for a CASA match, please contact Norma Mendoza at CASA OC.
*Name changed to protect privacy