No Child Should Feel Lost

Last weekend, I was talking with my son Jabari about Peter Pan after we began researching rides at Disneyland. During our conversation, I realized something that surprised me. Although Peter Pan is such a well known story, I had never actually read the book with him.

That realization led us into a deeper conversation. I decided to pause and research the premise of the story again to refresh my own memory so that I could share it with him more intentionally. What started as a simple search about a Disney ride turned into a meaningful moment of learning, curiosity, and connection between mother and son.

As I revisited the story of Peter Pan, something else stood out to me. The story includes a group of children known as the Lost Boys. They are described as children who have no families and who must navigate life together in Neverland. While the story is whimsical and imaginative, the underlying idea is powerful. These are children who are searching for belonging, stability, and care.

When Wendy arrives in Neverland, she naturally begins to nurture and care for the Lost Boys. She listens to them, comforts them, and provides guidance. In many ways, she becomes a steady presence in their lives.

Reading about this reminded me of the children served through the foster care system. In real life, many children enter care because of abuse, neglect, or circumstances beyond their control. They may experience uncertainty, transitions, and difficult moments along the way. What many of them need most is a consistent adult who will listen, advocate, and help ensure their needs are not overlooked.

That is exactly where CASA volunteers make a difference.

Court Appointed Special Advocates serve as a voice for children in the court system. CASA volunteers gather information, build relationships with the child and the people involved in their life, and advocate for what is in the child’s best interest. They help ensure that decisions made in court are centered around the child’s safety, stability, and long term well being.

In many ways, CASA volunteers help ensure that children do not feel lost in the system.

Stories like Peter Pan remind us that every child deserves guidance, support, and a place where they feel seen and valued. While Neverland is a fictional world, the need for advocacy and care for children is very real.

At Atlanta CASA, volunteers step forward to stand beside children during some of the most important moments in their lives. Through advocacy, presence, and commitment, they help ensure that every child has someone looking out for their future.

And sometimes, a simple conversation with your child about a classic story can serve as a powerful reminder of why that work matters.