In this episode of the 1334 Podcast, I sit down with Charlene, Executive Director of Dougherty County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), to unpack what foster care actually looks like from the inside—and why having one consistent, trauma-informed adult can change a child’s entire future. We talk about the reality of foster care in Georgia, the staggering number of kids who move through the system every year, and how CASA volunteers step into an adult-centric court system to advocate purely for the best interest of the child. Charlene also shares her deeply personal story—how her sister’s experience in foster care shaped her life, her calling, and her leadership today. This conversation goes beyond statistics. It’s about trauma, normalcy, breaking generational cycles, and what happens when someone finally shows up and stays. If you’ve ever wondered how foster care works, why advocacy matters, or how everyday people can make a real difference—this episode is for you.
What CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) actually does in the foster care system
Why CASA volunteers are sworn in by a juvenile court judge
How unbiased advocacy changes court outcomes for children
The difference between “bad behavior” and unaddressed trauma
Charlene’s personal journey from CASA volunteer to Executive Director
A powerful full-circle story of a foster youth who became a national advocate
Why “normalcy” is one of the most overlooked needs in foster care
How foster care impacts education, identity, and long-term outcomes
The role consistent adult support plays in breaking generational cycles
How people can get involved—even if working directly with kids isn’t their thing