When we think about the impacts of human trafficking, we don’t always consider the children who are caught in its reach. That was the reality for Shae and her mother. Shae was just a toddler when she was removed from her mother’s care. Her mom, who was young herself, had become entangled in dangerous, violent relationships with people who exploited her substance addiction to continue trafficking her. She’d already lost several children to state custody before Shae was born. Because Shae’s mom could not protect Shae from her violent birth father, Child Protective Services (CPS) intervened and removed Shae. CPS also attempted to help Shae’s mom connect with safety resources.
Shae was first placed with her grandmother, but the placement had to end after it was discovered that the grandmother had a history of her own children being removed from her care. When Shae entered a new foster home, she was also appointed a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate. Shae’s CASA not only made consistent home visits and advocated for Shae’s needs in the courtroom, but also supported Shae’s young mother, who was struggling with basic needs like housing, stability, and safe relationships. Reflecting on her advocacy, Shae’s CASA shared, “One day, I just sat down with Mom and talked through resources she could connect with. I even helped her call her attorney right then, because she had no idea who her attorney was for her child’s case.”
Soon after Shae moved into her third foster home, her mom gave birth to another baby. Shae’s new baby brother, Rocco, was the only sibling Shae had ever known, and fortunately, her new foster home agreed to take Rocco in as well. While the outcome of Shae and Rocco’s case is not yet determined, their CASA is determined to make sure they have a childhood and a team of caring adults around them who will support and nurture them. Their CASA remains passionately focused on what is in their best interest and hopes that one day, their mom will get the help and services she needs to be a safe person in their lives.
This is a true story of children living right here in Yellowstone County. By supporting CASA of Yellowstone County, you provide vulnerable children and youth with the consistency and care of a trusted Advocate.
