YUMA, AZ - Susan Steenhard has been in Krystyna Munoz's life for the last six years.
A volunteer with Casa of Yuma, she is a court appointed special advocate and has been looking out for Krystyna since she was removed from her home and placed into foster care. Susans says, "Everyone is so interested in working with the Parent and the court system...the child kind of gets put aside and so at that point I can step in, that's my whole job"
Whether it's in court facing the judge or processing paperwork Susan's best interest is not just a case, but a child who is depending on her to be the voice and get the services she needs.
Krystyna says "When Susan knows something isn't right she'll speak up for me no matter if I want her to or not. In the end I appreciate what she's done because it's made my life a lot better. I'm in a home that I know I'm going to be stable in now."
However, it wasn't always a steady situation. Krystyna has been in the foster care system since she was 10 years old. Now, at age 16 and a Sophomore at Yuma High School Krystyna finally has a place to call home. She tells News 13, she hopes to graduate early and go on to college and eventually become a social worker helping teens face the challenges she's so familiar with.
She says, "I understand what their going through because I know a lot of people tell me oh I know what your going through, they don't. Having somebody like me step I think will really help them."
According to CASA of Yuma Officials, there are 79 unassigned cases here in Yuma County and of those 79 cases 154 children don't have an advocate.
To make a difference and speak out on behalf abused and or neglected children contact CASA of Yuma County at 928.314.1830 or visit http://www.CASAofYumacounty.org
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