The very first child 25 News Anchor Lindsay Liepman featured on "Forever Families" is a young boy named Casimiro. That was more than two years ago. Casi is doing well but he is still waiting for a forever family.
A smiling Casi sits next to his CASA Volunteer Janis Petronis after a recent visit. The soon to be 13-year-old is finally in a foster home after years in a Central Texas Residential Treatment Facility.
"He lived in residential care for 3 and a half years. We were fortunate to place him with a foster family, and he is just blossoming in that home," said Petronis.
The placement is strictly a foster family located in South Texas. Janis says he needs a permanent home.
"It's so important for him to be adopted. Children in the foster care system age out at the age of 18. Casi will be 13 years old on November 1, and we're getting close to that point. It would make a difference in his entire life. Not only is it going to impact him in the short term, but we're looking at lifelong," said Petronis.
Janis has been guiding Casi as a Court Appointed Special Advocate since 2014 and says his three siblings were adopted by family. But Casi's needs could not be met and he has been waiting ever since.
"His situation is not his fault. He hasn't brought any of this on himself. He thrives in the family atmosphere. My hope is there is a special family that would like for him to be part of their family. You will get more love in return that you can possibly give," said Petronis.
You can read his bio and see the original story Lindsay reported in 2017 at the The Heart Gallery of Central Texas.
Casi is featured in The Heart Gallery of Central Texas, a program of Partnerships for Children.
You can watch "Forever Families" every Wednesday at 6:30 pm on 25 News.
