On September 4, 2024, Alaysha was assigned to 15-year-old “Lauryn”. Lauryn entered foster care in August 2024 on the report of physical abuse. Lauryn was previously in foster care from 2010-2011 but achieved permanency through reunification. Lauryn reentered foster care in August 2024. She is bright, outgoing, and has a big heart.
Newly appointed as a CASA, Alaysha hit the ground running by connecting with Lauryn, the foster parents, and the DCFS Caseworker. During Alaysha’s first week on the case, she attended the initial FTM (Family Team Meeting) to gather information and meet with the parties involved in the case. Alaysha contacted Lauryn for her first face-to-face visit and discovered that she was having trouble getting to school on time due to not having an alarm clock. Immediately, Alaysha contacted her Advocate Supervisor to see what resources were available to get Lauryn an alarm clock. Alaysha did not waste any time scheduling her second face-to-face visit with Lauryn and presented her with a sparkly pink alarm clock. Alaysha reported that Lauryn was so excited to receive her new clock and would not have any problems getting to school on time.
As Alaysha continued to build rapport with Lauryn, she discovered that Lauryn was anxious and feeling depressed, but services were not in place for counseling. Alaysha connected with the DCFS caseworker to follow up on the referral for counseling and offered to assist with getting services in place. Within five business days, Lauryn was scheduled for her first counseling session. Although Alaysha is still at the starting point of advocating in the best interest of Lauryn, she has advocated for and achieved a lot in the first few months.
Alaysha is the definition of going above and beyond. She is very thorough and always inputting her contact notes into Optima on time. Alaysha is always willing to search for resources or to lend a helping hand. Thank you, Alaysha, for being the guiding force for Lauryn. I am very thrilled to collaborate with you and very thankful for your remarkable commitment to the well-being of Lauryn.
Rachelle M. Smith
Proud Advocate Supervisor