Dianne first met Mason when he was barely over one year old… and the bond was immediate. Having been a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer for a couple of years before she met him, it’s safe to say Dianne was a seasoned advocate, and she saw something special about this boy. During their many visits over a year and a half, Dianne saw the potential for Mason to thrive, and wanted to make that vision a reality.
Mason entered foster care due to unexplained injuries, reportedly from his own clumsiness. Dianne was diligent, she made sure she did everything right, with only Mason’s best interest in mind. “While we always prioritize keeping a child with their biological family, I continued to assess all options in case going home was not an option,” Dianne said.
“After carefully reviewing Mason’s file and understanding the challenges he faced in his first two years, I wanted to identify a loving and supportive family where he could thrive.” Through multiple family interviews, observations, and court hearings, she concluded adoption outside the family would be best for Mason, and the judge agreed.
Driven by personal experience, Dianne insisted on finding Mason’s loving solution. “Being adopted myself and having adopted my two children, I understand the importance of a child growing up feeling no different and just as loved as a biological child,” Dianne said. “I wanted to see that this was a family who would do everything they could to make him feel cherished.”
Turns out, Mason was blessed with a loving foster/adoptive family and had already begun building a relationship with them for months. “During my visits to his foster home, I was deeply touched by the care he received and the strong bond he formed with his foster parents,” Dianne said. “It became clear to me that this was the best possible environment for Mason, both now and in the future.”
Today, at home with his new adoptive mommy and daddy, Mason’s trauma is in the past. On his adoption day, it was apparent that the now three-year-old’s life is overflowing with love, joyful play and so much laughter. Through her hard work, love and devotion—Dianne’s vision has become a reality, empowering Mason with a new safe and stable life where he can thrive.
You, too, can change the life of a child. Please visit lonestarcasa.org for more information about how you can make a difference.
*Child’s name has been changed.
