What Happens When a Child Enter the System? A CASA's role in the first 90 Days

Caitlin Whitehead • September 2, 2025

In the System but Not Alone: CASA's Role in the First Days of Uncertainty


What Happens When a Child Enters the System?

A CASA’s Role in the First 90 Days


September 2025 | Prairie Plains CASA – Celebrating 30 Years of Advocacy


When a child is removed from their home due to abuse or neglect, the first 90 days in the child welfare system are often a whirlwind of disruption, uncertainty, and emotional upheaval. This period, when court hearings, placement changes, medical exams, and caseworker assessments are happening rapidly, is also the most critical window for advocacy.

At Prairie Plains CASA, we believe every child deserves a voice. For 30 years, our trained Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) have stepped into this fragile moment to say, “I am for the child.”


Day One: From Chaos to Courtroom

When a child enters the foster care system, it's rarely with notice. In a matter of hours, they may be taken from everything familiar, home, school, family, and placed with strangers. The court is notified, and within days, a hearing is held to determine temporary custody.

This is where Prairie Plains CASA comes in.

A judge appoints a CASA volunteer to the child’s case, tasking them with gathering information, visiting the child, talking to caregivers and professionals, and reporting back with recommendations that prioritize the child’s best interests.


Why the First 90 Days Matter

The first 90 days of a child’s time in the system often determine the trajectory of their case. Early decisions impact placement stability, school enrollment, mental health referrals, and access to family connections.

Without early advocacy, children may fall through the cracks—missing services, bouncing between placements, or remaining in limbo.

A CASA ensures that doesn’t happen. They bring consistency. They bring clarity. Most importantly, they bring hope.


Be the Voice That Changes a Child’s Story

As we celebrate 30 years of standing up for vulnerable children, we invite you to join us. The need for CASA volunteers has never been greater.

In the first 90 days, a CASA can make a life-changing difference. They ask the questions no one else is asking. They see what others overlook. They show up—even when the system is stretched thin.

If you’ve ever felt the call to do something, let this be the moment. You don’t have to change the whole world—just one child’s.

Because you can be the one who says: “I am for the child.”


📅 Upcoming Volunteer Training: Starting in October


💛 Support our work during the Big Give this November and help us provide advocacy, comfort, and care.


Trauma Informed Care Helps Children Thrive

The Power of Giving: How Your Donations Change Lives

By Caitlin Whitehead • October 30, 2025
November is a season of gratitude, and at Prairie Plains CASA, we’re thankful for you.

Myths vs. Facts: What People Get Wrong About CASA and Foster Care

By Caitlin Whitehead • October 3, 2025
Clearing up common misconceptions about CASA, foster care, and why community support during the Big Give makes a real difference.

Hope In Bloom: Trauma Informed Care helps children Thrive

By Caitlin Whitehead • March 24, 2025
Trauma Informed Care Helps Children Thrive

Gracies Story

By Caitlin Whitehead • March 24, 2025
Gracie’s journey to healing and hope with a CASA volunteer by her side. For some children, a smile, a laugh, or even a glimmer of happiness is difficult to come by. Eight-year-old Gracie* is one of those children—and no one would blame her after hearing the story of what she’s been through. From a very young age, Gracie was exposed to countless instances of domestic violence. Her parents’ relationship was tumultuous, further complicated by drug and alcohol abuse. At seven years old, the court determined that Gracie was not safe in her home and placed her into a foster home while her parents worked toward recovery from their addictions and aimed to rebuild their parenting and relationship skills. CASA volunteer Brenda* immediately began advocating for Gracie, and it quickly became clear that Gracie was a deeply stoic child—the type of child that Brenda had never encountered in over 10 years of volunteering with CASA of Santa Barbara County . It was a challenge: how could Brenda help this child experience the happiness and innocence every child deserves? How could she help Gracie simply be a child again? In an effort to bring some joy into Gracie’s life, Brenda gifted her a brand-new backpack and matching water bottle for back-to-school, thanks to generous donors of the CASA program. Gracie’s reaction was a quiet “thank you” before she moved on—no smile, no excitement. Then, Gracie was suspended from school for fighting. Determined to find a way to help, Brenda researched therapeutic options and discovered horse-riding classes, which are often used to help children process trauma. Brenda worked tirelessly to ensure all the necessary paperwork was completed, and Gracie’s first lesson was scheduled. And then, it happened—the moment Brenda had been waiting for. As Gracie interacted with the horses, a sense of awe overtook her. She treated the animals gently, with compassion and care. As she sat atop the horse with a giant smile on her face, it was evident that this was exactly what Gracie needed. For Brenda, seeing Gracie’s transformation was a testament to the power of persistence, love, and hope. It was the beginning of a new chapter in Gracie’s life, one where healing and resilience could take root. Gracie’s journey in foster care is far from over, but there is now hope. Her parents continue working toward reunification, though there are many challenges ahead. Gracie has new tools and an outlet to begin working through her past trauma. Brenda remains committed to advocating for Gracie’s safety and well-being every step of the way. For now, Brenda’s greatest joy is simply seeing Gracie smile—a small but significant sign that healing is possible and that brighter days lie ahead. *Names have been changed to protect privacy. Image is not of actual subjects .