Kids’ Voice was appointed as the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) for three siblings—6-year-old twins Gabrielle and Isabella, and their one-year-old brother Juan. The children faced an uncertain future after their parents were incarcerated for drug trafficking and subsequently deported.
During their mother’s incarceration, Gabrielle and Isabella were cared for by an Aunt and Uncle, while Juan was with a family cousin. The Aunt and Uncle, though loving, struggled financially to support the additional children along with their own. Concerned about their limited resources, they considered sending Gabrielle and Isabella back to Mexico with their mother upon her release, despite the challenging circumstances.
Juan, who was born shortly before his mother’s imprisonment, had only known the family cousin as his caregiver. With the mother set to be deported to Mexico without stable housing or employment, and her prior involvement with drug trafficking linked to the father, there were serious concerns about the children’s well-being if they were to reunite with her.
Kids’ Voice advocated for the siblings to remain in the United States, prioritizing their stability and safety. Our dedicated GAL was instrumental in finding suitable, permanent placements for the children. Juan continued to thrive with the family cousin, while Gabrielle and Isabella moved in with their Aunt, who had secured a new home with ample space for them.
To ensure ongoing connection, the GAL facilitated regular communication between the children and their mother through phone and written correspondence. Fluent in Spanish, the GAL was able to bridge communication gaps and keep the family connected.
Gabrielle, Isabella, and Juan are now in nurturing environments that support their growth and well-being, surrounded by caregivers who provide them with the stability and love they need to flourish.
*Identifying details of this true story have been changed or omitted to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.
