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For Andrea*, life on the street began at the age of 15. Abandoned by her mother and left to drift between the street and homes of friends, Andrea learned at a young age that the only person she could depend on was herself. Months passed, and Andrea's situation deteriorated. She was often hungry and had no safe place to sleep. Her clothes were ragged and dirty and her moods shifted from periods of depression to periods of anxiety. After about 8 months of homelessness, Andrea's plight came to the attention of the local CPS agency. Andrea was placed in a Foster home and assigned a CASA. Andrea's experience in Foster Care was far from positive for her.

Although Andrea had a roof over her head she felt more alone than ever because of difficulties at the foster home. Andrea found no comfort in the company of her CASA because she did not trust adults. Soon after her placement into foster care, Andrea ran away. She was on the streets for 3 months before being picked up by the authorities. This time Andrea landed in Juvenile Hall because of behaviors she had exhibited while on the run. As fate would have it, Andrea's former CASA was visiting another child in the Hall. Andrea saw her and asked to have her former CASA reappointed. The CASA accepted the appointment and visited Andrea in the Hall.

At Andrea's court hearing, the CASA recommended that Andrea be placed in a transitional living apartment (for teens ages 16-19) where she would be allowed to live semi independently with adult support in place. The recommendation was accepted and still today Andrea is living in that transitional housing apartment. She accepts guidance and support from her CASA and her transitional social worker. She is learning to trust. Andrea is on track to graduate from high school, has a job and has chosen to continue on to college to get an Art degree. Although Andrea has many challenges ahead to face, she is no longer running away, she is running toward the trusted adults who can help her attain the life she wants and deserves.

*Name has been changed.