Meet Lauren
Lauren had four caseworkers, three foster homes and two stays in a residential facility in six years after the state removed her from her mother’s custody.
Over time, the 16-year-old found there was one person she could always rely on: her guardian ad litem, Voices child advocacy attorney, Ariane Moore. “I feel like she's got a special bond with me, because she’s the only person that’s been around for a long time,” Lauren says.
Ariane and Lauren were originally paired in January 2006, three years after Lauren came into care. Like 40% of the children served by Voices for Children, Lauren does not have a CASA advocate – she is represented solely by a Voices child advocacy attorney.
Lauren found that in Ariane she had an ally. “She can know what I did, and know that it was bad, but she starts asking me my side,” Lauren said. “No matter what, she always talks soft.”
After six years in foster care, Lauren found a home with her 24-year-old brother, who has become her legal guardian. She now spends more time with several of her other brothers and sisters, as well as aunts, uncles and cousins she hasn’t seen for years.
“Because that was her goal, to be reconnected to family, it’s nice that we could make that happen,” Ariane says. “It’s such a simple request, when you think about it.”
Lauren looks forward to other goals: getting her driver’s license, finding a summer job, graduating high school and moving on to college.
But she won’t forget Ariane, whom she considers a true friend.
“Because she’s always there for me, every time I call,” Lauren says. “And she takes the time out to talk to me.”
