The first goal of foster care is to reunite a child with their biological parents when it is safe to do so. CASA Mary Ann helped make this possible for “James” and his mom, “Tina.” In October 2019, Mary Ann was matched with James, a young boy who was intellectually disabled, nonverbal, and later diagnosed with autism. She got right to work advocating for James’s needs, and he started receiving occupational and speech therapy. He began Kindergarten, and Mary Ann participated in creating his individualized education program (IEP.) All the while, Mary Ann kept an open line of communication with James’ mother, Tina. Mary Ann took time to get to know Tina and helped her understand James’ IEP as she worked to get her son back. Since being connected to the necessary services, James is thriving! He is engaging and communicating with others and making progress with speech skills. In March, James officially returned home to his mother’s care. Tina’s determination and CASA Mary Ann’s dedicati...