Advocate Impact: Benny Soto & JoAnn Herring
July Story of Hope
Written By: Benny and JoAnn's Advocate Supervisor
Christina (8), and Anna (7), were brought into care for neglectful supervision, physical abuse and allegations of sexual abuse by mom’s boyfriend. The girls were also found dirty and hungry. Even though the girls were only a year apart, Christina assumed the parental role and protected Anna in any way she could. When they were removed they were placed in an emergency shelter until a maternal aunt was located for placement. Around the 6 month mark of the case the maternal aunt was going back and forth with CPS on if she was going to be able to care for the girls’ long term. JoAnn and Benny assured them that no matter where they were placed their CASA’s would be with them every step of the way. The next month CPS got the call that the aunt could no longer care for them and for the caseworker to go pick up the girls up as soon as possible. At this point in the case there had already been 4 different caseworkers and it was not looking like permanency for these girls was an option. Finally, a foster to adopt placement was identified and the girls were placed almost immediately. CASA made a placement visit to see how the girls were adjusting and they both stated they could see that there was an instant bond between the four of them.
JoAnn and Benny assured them that no matter where they were placed their CASA’s would be with them every step of the way.
Everything seemed to be going great for a few months and the case was nearing the 10-month mark when another Great Aunt, whom the children had never met, came forward and wanted to be considered for placement. When the children got wind of the possibility of being moved again their anxiety went through the roof and they were constantly worried about being ripped out of yet another home and placed with strangers. They had also just gotten over the fact that their previous Aunt did not want them and could no longer care for them. To make matters worse, the case was transferred yet again to another caseworker. Benny and JoAnn remained the one constant on this case and were able to give a bit of background to the new caseworker.
The new caseworker did a preliminary home assessment on the Great Aunt but felt it would be in their best interest if the children stayed with their current foster parents. The CASA’s also expressed that these girls needed permanency as soon as possible and they did not feel it was in their best interest to drag this case on longer that it already had. In the end, the parents’ rights were terminated and the foster family was able to
successfully adopt the girls. Christina was assured that she would no longer have to take care of her sister and that she could just be a kid again.
This family along with Benny and JoAnn will be featured in this year’s
Gallery of Hope.
JoAnn and Benny have successfully completed two cases and are currently working two special requests cases, totaling 6 children all together.
Advocates like JoAnn and Benny are able to make a considerable difference in children's lives through the training and support they receive through CASA. Your gifts make it possible for more compassionate volunteers to be trained. Please consider making a gift
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In March 2025, Child Protective Services removed four young children, just 7, 4, 2, and 3 months old, from their mother’s care. This difficult step followed ongoing concerns about neglect, largely connected to the mother’s struggle with substance use, even during her most recent pregnancy. Although CPS offered support through Family Based Safety Services, the mother was unable to engage in the help provided. The children’s father was also unable to support them due to his own substance abuse and his incarceration in Bexar County Jail. Before removal, the children’s basic medical and educational needs were going unmet. They had been moved repeatedly between their mother and other relatives, leaving them without the stability, routine, and nurturing supervision every child deserves. When CASA Staff Advocate, JoAnn Herring, was assigned the case in April 2025, she immediately reached out to both kinship caregivers to understand the children’s needs and how to best support the families stepping in to care for them. JoAnn quickly learned that the paternal grandmother, who lovingly took in some of the children, was struggling financially and facing barriers due to limited English proficiency. To ensure she wasn’t facing these challenges alone, JoAnn submitted a CFE (Collaborative Family Engagement) referral and personally provided translation support so the grandmother could access services with dignity and understanding. Throughout the case, JoAnn has witnessed moments where cultural sensitivity was lacking, and personal biases influenced important decisions; often at the expense of what was best for the children. Despite these obstacles, she continues to advocate steadfastly and compassionately for the children to remain with the kinship caregivers who have opened their homes and hearts to provide safety, consistency, and love. Although the case is not yet over, Joann’s story demonstrates that CASA’s advocacy reaches beyond the children themselves, strengthening the village of care and support surrounding them, because CASA wants children to be safe, to thrive, and to have their overall well-being protected.
Johnathan Cobb
