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CASA advocates do not arrange medical visits or provide care advocates provide a steady, reliable presence in the lives of children
directly. Instead, we serve as the child’s voice, providing reports to the who often feel invisible within the system.
district court judge about the child’s physical, emotional and social You’ll be guided by experienced staff members who help you navi-
needs. In cases like mine, a physician’s expertise can be invaluable for gate the complexities of the foster care and legal systems. While chal-
explaining medical or developmental concerns to foster families and lenging at times, the process is incredibly rewarding — you become the
helping navigate complex medical systems — all without entering a anchor for a child during their most vulnerable moments.
patient-provider relationship.
Making a Difference
Why Medical Professionals Should Consider CASA Advocacy Advocating for a child is life-changing, not only for them but for
For medical professionals, spouses or family members seeking a way you as well. You’re not just supporting a child through a difficult time
to use their skills outside the clinic, CASA advocacy offers a unique — you’re helping them rediscover a sense of normalcy and hope for the
and rewarding opportunity. Physicians especially bring a unique skill future. For me, the experience has been profoundly rewarding, and I
set to CASA advocacy. Our ability to analyze and communicate com- firmly believe it was divine intervention that brought me to the right
plex information can make a significant impact on a child’s life. If child at the right time.
you’re feeling burned out or seeking a non-medical way to contribute, If you’re looking for a way to give back, especially as you transi-
CASA offers a fulfilling opportunity to help a vulnerable population tion out of or scale back from clinical practice, consider becoming
while broadening your perspective beyond medicine. a CASA advocate. Together, we can make a difference — one child
This role also works well for couples — many advocates serve at a time.
alongside their partners, strengthening bonds while supporting chil-
dren in need. You may email me at docgreen3@aol.com, sign up for an informa-
tion session about how to become a CASA Advocate at casa-satx.org,
The Role of a CASA Advocate or share this article with a colleague.
As an advocate, you commit to spending a few hours a month with
your assigned child(ren) for the duration of the court case. Through- John E. Green, III, MD, became a CASA Advocate in August 2023 after
out this time, you provide the one constant in a child’s life as they nav- a 44-year career in family medicine. Dr. Green is a life member of Bexar
igate the CPS system, which may involve multiple placements. CASA County Medical Society.

Becoming a Voice for Vulnerable Children:

Why physicians should consider CASA advocacy

By John E. Green, III, MD

Several months ago, San Antonio Medicine magazine featured an CASA sparked my interest, and after investigating further, I decided
article about the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program this was the perfect opportunity to make a difference. After complet-
and its interaction with physicians in Bexar County. CASA volunteers ing the initial training — two evenings a week for four weeks — I
play a critical role in advocating for children experiencing foster care, was sworn in at the Bexar County Courthouse. Three days later, I was
often becoming the only consistent support system these children have assigned to my first case: a 2½-year-old girl with significant medical
during a turbulent time. needs. Most of the children may not have the complexity of medical
CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge to independently advo- problems as my case but all have some medical issues.
cate for a child who has been removed from their home due to abuse This little girl had not seen a physician since her discharge from the
or neglect. Their advocacy spans medical, social, developmental and newborn nursery. Despite being born with jaw and tongue deformities
behavioral needs — ensuring that the child’s best interests are repre- and failing her newborn hearing test, she had no follow-up care. Tragi-
sented. For more details about the CASA program and the training cally, her case came to CPS due to parental drug use and domestic vio-
involved, visit casa-satx.org. lence. Her placement in daycare highlighted the urgency of beginning
her immunizations. As her advocate, I worked alongside foster parents
My Journey as a CASA Advocate and CPS to ensure she received the medical attention she desperately
When I retired from active clinical practice last year, I sought a needed. We then moved to correct her dental and oral problems and
meaningful way to give back to my community. A television ad for she had surgery at the UT San Antonio Pediatric Dental Service.

32 SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • December 2024 Visit us at www.bcms.org 33