The foster care system is overloaded. CASA of Orange County is doing something about it. Kara talks with Regan Phillips, CEO of CASA OC, and longtime volunteer Nancy Eaton about the role of Court Appointed Special Advocates and why every child in the system deserves one. They break down the realities of foster care, what most people get wrong about reunification, and the difference a single adult can make. Nancy shares what she’s learned from mentoring teens through the system, and Regan explains how CASA is changing outcomes one child at a time.

Chapters

00:00 What is CASA and why it matters

02:15 Meet Regan and Nancy

04:30 The scope of the foster care crisis

06:45 How California became the biggest foster care state

09:00 What CASA volunteers actually do

11:30 Reunification myths and hard truths

14:00 Mentoring teens through trauma

16:30 Why graduation rates change with CASA

18:45 Boundaries and emotional resilience for volunteers

21:00 A real-life CASA story

23:15 Advocacy, dignity, and trust

26:00 What training looks like

28:30 Getting started as a CASA

30:15 Why women are leading this work

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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