When Malcolm* was born, he weighed 4 lbs., and tested positive for cocaine. Premature, underweight, and going through withdrawal, Malcom went right from the hospital to a foster home. He was assigned a CASA named Beverly, who visited Malcom at his new home with his foster parents. During Malcom’s first year Beverly watched him grow and overcome the struggles he was born with. She observed a loving family who expressed interest in potentially adopting Malcolm. Over time, extended family was found and Malcolm was moved to live with them.
A few months later, the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) received an anonymous phone call alleging neglect on the part of the relative foster parents. As a result, Malcolm was moved to a temporary foster home. Beverly visited Malcolm in the new home and returned to the court to advocate that he return to this original placement where he had thrived. In less than 3 years, Malcolm has lived in 3 homes and Beverly was the only consistent face.
Beverly was able to support the family's appeal to the judge that Malcolm be returned to them. Thanks in part to Beverly's observations and genuine concern for Malcolm's best interest, the family court judge agreed to return Malcolm, and he was adopted a year and a half later.
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