E.J.'s Story

E.J. first entered the foster care system 5 years ago at 10 years old, and the uncertainty of his circumstances weighed heavily on him. Not having a stable support system and family in his life during such a formative time left him feeling vulnerable and scared. Thanks to the help of a Court Appointed Special Advocate, through PARACHUTE: Butler County CASA’s Advocacy Program, A Voice for Abused Children, in partnership with Butler County United Way, E.J. was able to find a stable adult who was always on his side. E.J.’s CASA visited him multiple times a month over the course of the last 4.5 years. During this time, E.J.’s CASA advocated for him in court, school, and within the community. E.J. was able to spend a total of over 600 hours with his CASA throughout his time in the system, and began to feel safe, valued, worthy, and loved again. Now, at 15.5 years old, E.J. is finally being adopted.

E.J. had this to say to his CASA about the upcoming adoption.

“I'm excited, it's been a thing I've been looking forward to now for a super long time. Honestly it feels unreal now that it's even happening, it's just been the norm for me being a foster kid. But now I'll finally be actually a normal kid again not having to deal with the system anymore and to be secured fully into a family. I've been very, very blessed by God and the people around me including you.”

Through this program, 1,005 Home Visits were made to CASA children in the last year. Parachute: Butler County CASA reports 99% of children were reported safe from harm with no recurrence or neglect in the last year. Out of the nearly 100 cases closed this period, 86% of them ended with the child being placed in safe and permanent homes.