Advocate Impact: Linda Tepfenhart
April CASA Advocate Spotlight
Written By: Linda's Advocate Supervisor
This is a story that started with three bother back in December 2013. The brothers ages 7, 4 and 2 were taken into CPS custody as a result of both domestic violence and substance abuse. Both parents were using and selling drugs. When the children were removed, there were also concerns about the living conditions of the home. Linda Tepfenhart has been the CASA advocate on this case since 2013. She has diligently advocated for the boys and was able to get the two youngest adopted in 2015. Unfortunately, Ronald the oldest child, had some special needs that prevented him from being adopted with his siblings. Ronald has been in foster care for the last 5 years. He is currently placed in a group home setting with the hope of one day being adopted. Linda has been a fierce advocate for Ronald for the last 5 years. She has been the only constant adult in his life through his journey in foster care. Linda has been by his side through at least 10 placements and 7 different CPS caseworkers. Linda has kept diligent records of his medical issues which has been vital with every change in placement and caseworker. Linda advocated for Ronald to receive specialized therapy to get to the root of his issues and to try to start the healing process from all the trauma he has experienced. Linda has also stressed the importance of Ronald maintaining sibling contact which has been tricky since his brothers have been adopted. Linda’s court reports are detailed and comprehensive and she has been persistently advocating for Ronald to find his forever home. She has been by Ronald’s side through multiple hospitalizations and placement changes that we were hoping would’ve been his adoptive home. Linda has requested medication reviews and specialist appointments to ensure that all his medical needs are being met.
Linda has been a fierce advocate for Ronald for the last 5 years. She has been the only constant adult in his life through his journey in foster care.
Recently Linda learned that she will have to move out of San Antonio and was very distraught about how this would impact Ronald. Throughout her advocacy Linda has always suggested that Ronald could benefit from a male mentor. It was decided that perhaps her move would be the perfect opportunity to have a male CASA take over so that Ronald would still have a voice in court, but he could also benefit from a male mentor. This case is a story of hope because it highlights the dedication that Linda has and the hope she brings for a positive future for Ronald. She has already gone above and beyond by advocating for Ronald for the last 5 years, and she has also ensured that Ronald will continue to have a voice in court once she moves. Child Protective Services has also approved Linda to continue to have contact with Ronald even after the new advocate steps in. They recognize the impact she has had and how she will continue to be a positive influence on his life. Linda has truly embodied the mission of CASA by being the one constant in Ronald’s life and he knows that she will always be a source of support for him.
In December 2024, CPS received a referral reporting that Demitri and Maria were living under a bridge along with their three children, Santiago, Mary, and Jose. The Department sought removal of the siblings due to numerous concerns including substance use by all members of the family unit, unsanitary living conditions, malnourishment, and other safety risks. It was later discovered that the children had a significant gap in their education and medical care, and that the two oldest children had juvenile justice involvement. The parents also had an extensive history with CPS. A few months after removal, CASA Advocates, Alejandro Trevino and Lauren Wise, were appointed to the case, quickly becoming a consistent and trusted presence in the lives of the Santiago (16), Mary (15), and Jose (13). During their first meeting, the siblings expressed a deep desire to stay together and eventually reunite with their parents, emphasizing that they had always been together as a family. Unfortunately, shortly after that initial encounter, Santiago and Mary were placed in a Residential Treatment Center (RTC) located hours away from Jose. Multiple placement changes followed, creating ongoing instability that further complicated their healing process. From the beginning, the CASA Advocates have worked tirelessly to ensure that the children’s services remain uninterrupted despite the frequent transitions. They continue to collaborate with CPS, the children’s attorney ad litem, and various placements to ensure the siblings’ voices are heard and their best interests prioritized. Alejandro and Lauren attend every staffing, court hearing, service plan meeting, and Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) meeting while always advocating for stability, connection, and permanency. Understanding the critical importance of sibling relationships, the advocates made it their mission to preserve the children’s bond. They arranged for regular sibling contact, both virtually and in-person, overcoming logistical challenges caused by distance and restrictive placement protocols. At one point, Alejandro and Lauren personally facilitated a sibling visit, traveling a total of 638 miles to ensure the children could spend the time together. It was a powerful act of care, giving the siblings a moment of normalcy and joy in an otherwise turbulent time. For nearly the entirety of the case, the children have been separated from one another and far from their hometown. In the face of prolonged separation, instability, and emotional distress, Alejandro and Lauren’s efforts have played a key role in preserving the siblings’ emotional connection and sense of family. Because of their unwavering commitment, the siblings are now living in the same city again and are showing improvement in their academics and health. While the future remains uncertain and family reunification is still unclear, the advocates continue to hold hope that the siblings can at least be reunited with one another and return to San Antonio. This story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of tremendous challenges, the love between siblings and the dedication of caring advocates can foster hope, healing, and the promise of a brighter future.
Deborah Hom
