My Voice: Seeing Children Through Their Emotions Inspired by Inside Out

Pixar’s Inside Out offers a powerful window into the emotional world of a child. Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust and Anger live inside the mind of eleven year old Riley, each emotion helping her navigate a major life transition. While the movie is animated and lighthearted at times, it captures something very real. Children experience complex emotions even when they cannot fully express them.

At Atlanta CASA, we see this reality every day. Children in foster care are often navigating circumstances far more overwhelming than Riley’s move across the country. They may feel scared, angry or disconnected and may not always have someone to help them understand what they are feeling. This is where CASA volunteers step in. Our advocates provide a consistent and caring presence, listen to children’s concerns and help ensure that their voices are heard in the court system and beyond.

My Voice means more than simply speaking up. It is about creating space for children to express themselves safely and authentically. CASA volunteers are trained to observe, listen and advocate in ways that honor the full range of a child’s experiences. Just as Inside Out reminds us that every emotion has a purpose, our work at Atlanta CASA affirms that every child’s story matters. By recognizing and validating those feelings, we help children move toward healing, stability and hope.

When we amplify a child’s voice, we also amplify their potential. Just as Riley learns to integrate her emotions and build new memories, children who have a CASA by their side can begin to rewrite their story in a way that helps them feel seen, heard and supported.