6 problems with the foster care system — and what you can do to help [mashable.com]

Thanks for mentioning CASA, Laura - here is a link to more information: Court Appointed Special Advocate CASA

They did not list a very important one:  Become a CASA!!  (Court Appointed Special Advocate).  I am a CASA and it is an incredibly rewarding thing to be and a way to turn the ship of trauma around, in real time.

There is a process of becoming equipped and trained...  learning what you need to know to be a CASA; the proper role of a CASA... about 10 weekly meetings of training (during which time you also get fingerprinted & background-checked) and then sworn in as an officer of the court.  Then you are matched with a case.   

Older youths have a choice in whether or not to have a CASA, and this means any teen who wants a CASA is 'on board' with it.  I was matched with a teen and she has been an absolute delight to know.  She is now in college and I am still her CASA.

A CASA meets weekly with their youth, getting to know them and establishing a rapport and a trusting, supportive relationship, growing to understand their situation, resources, challenges.  A good CASA zeroes in on the youth's wishes, hopes and needs, and then advocates on behalf of the child through "the system".  (Sometimes you are advocating to the youth themselves, to consider their own best interests, when they might lose sight of them.)  The CASA brings an adult perspective to help the child problem-solve, make changes that yield results, gain skills, speak up for themselves, etc.

The idea is that CASA sticks with the child over their entire time in care, and hopefully remains a friend long after--  and their only agenda is that child's thriving.  If you can practice unconditional love and critical thinking, and  have tenacity, you can be a great CASA, and change a child's life.