Child advocate and author, Joan Ulsher, inspires book club forum with story of strength and survival

The National CASA/GAL Network Author Book Series offers CASA/GAL volunteers and staff a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the challenges facing children and families in the child welfare and court systems. Through powerful literary works from authors affiliated with CASA/GAL organizations, we foster connection, shared learning, and a stronger sense of community within our network.

The second book in our Network Author Book Series was Misplaced Childhood: A True Story of Resiliency and Child Advocacy. Winner of 20 international and national awards in 2024, Misplaced Childhood by Joan Ulsher, a CASA volunteer with Child Advocates San Antonio, is a moving memoir of survival, resilience, and advocacy. Ulsher shares her inspiring journey of overcoming poverty, child abuse, and foster care, ultimately finding purpose through her military service, faith and advocacy.

Ulsher’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of lived experience in championing child advocacy.

On May 27, National CASA/GAL hosted Ulsher for an Author’s Forum. The Forum was a wonderful combination of information and inspiration. Misplaced Childhood chronicles her powerful journey to overcome her tragic past and use her lived experience to inspire others. Her transformational journey of survival and triumph ultimately leads her to become a fierce advocate for children through Child Advocates San Antonio. Like her book, the forum was approached with great transparency and empathy along with a good amount of sage advice for CASA/GAL volunteers and staff.

We greatly appreciate Joan Ulsher bringing her book to the CASA/GAL network and look forward to future Network Author Book Series’ offerings.