Elliott is consistent, kind, patient and engages easily with his youth, which is not always easy with teenagers. Elliott keeps in constant contact with the group home, the Department of Social Services and any other supportive services the youth has in place.
Elliott easily relates to his youth and understand the needs of a young man on the verge of transitioning into adulthood, Elliott is patient, calm and quick to highlight the strengths of his youth during a time when he was doubting himself.
Elliot has attended school meetings and initiated meetings when he felt the youth’s needs were not being met. In addition, he reaches out to and communicates with the school counselor to improve his grades. Elliott has spent time helping the youth with homework and they completed a resume together. Elliott also has been in constant communication with the Department of Social Services and the group homes to get the youth a dentist to have his wisdom teeth. That’s just one example of going above and beyond.
Elliott is very approachable and unimposing and has connected well with the youth. Elliott has expressed interest in meeting the youth’s family and helping to bridge severed connections.
Elliott is strength based and always focuses on the youth’s entrepreneurial skills as he prepares for his future. He has helped the youth prepare for his future by providing him with a continued and consistent support system that will continue long after he is no longer a CASA advocate for the youth.
Congratulations to our 2018 Advocate of the Year, Elliott Balch
