The Impact of Trauma on Children in Foster Care and How CASA Supports Them
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
When a child enters foster care, it’s not just a change in where they live; it’s a signal that something serious and often traumatic has happened. Abuse, neglect, and removal from home can leave deep emotional scars, even if the child is too young to fully express what they’re feeling.
At CASA of Kosciusko County, we see the effects of trauma every day, and we work tirelessly to be a steady, supportive presence for children in crisis.
Understanding The Scope Of Childhood Trauma
Children who come into the foster care system have often experienced multiple forms of trauma. This can include physical abuse, emotional neglect, exposure to domestic violence, substance abuse in the home, or the sudden loss of a caregiver.
According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), approximately 78% of children in foster care have experienced at least one traumatic event, and many have experienced several.
Trauma affects the developing brain in significant ways. It can lead to difficulties with learning, emotional regulation, and forming healthy relationships. Some children show signs of anxiety or depression, while others may struggle with attention, impulse control, or trust.
Left unaddressed, trauma can shape a child’s future in ways that impact education, relationships, and even physical health.
How CASA Volunteers Make A Difference
That’s where CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, come in. A CASA volunteer is often the one consistent adult in a child’s life during their time in foster care.
While caseworkers, placements, and schools may change, CASA volunteers stay with the child from the beginning of the case until it’s resolved. This long-term support can be incredibly stabilizing for children who’ve experienced instability and loss.
CASA volunteers build trust by visiting regularly and listening without judgment. They get to know the child’s personality, needs, and challenges. That relationship allows them to speak up in court for what’s truly in the child’s best interest, not just what’s convenient or routine.
Advocating For Trauma-Informed Support
CASA volunteers don’t just advocate for where a child lives. They advocate for the services and support systems that help a child begin to heal. This might include therapy, educational accommodations, or consistent routines that provide a sense of safety.
Volunteers communicate with teachers, therapists, family members, and caregivers to build a full picture of the child’s experience.
They also help the court understand how trauma may be influencing the child’s behavior. A CASA report might explain that a child’s aggression is rooted in fear or that a withdrawn teen needs more than just academic help. These insights are critical for judges and other professionals making decisions about the child’s future.
The Long-Term Value Of Connection
Healing from trauma doesn’t happen overnight. But when a child knows they’re seen, heard, and valued, that connection becomes a powerful part of their recovery. CASA volunteers offer consistent care and advocacy during a time when everything else may feel uncertain.
A study from the National CASA/GAL Association found that children with a CASA volunteer are more likely to succeed in school and less likely to reenter the foster care system. When trauma is met with compassion, attention, and stability, healing becomes possible.
Help Us Give More Kids A Voice
At CASA of Kosciusko County, we believe that no child should face the foster care system alone. Trauma may be a part of their past, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to define their future.
If you’re ready to make a difference, we invite you to become a CASA volunteer or support our mission. Together, we can help children feel safe, supported, and hopeful again.
