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 April 2023, Child Protective Services received a referral reporting that two sisters, ages 15 and 16, were being held at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center following a family altercation. Mother informed the department that she did not have a place for the girls to be released, and they were subsequently placed in an emergency shelter. Mother was asked if she would attend the court hearing and stated that she would not. Although both sisters were released to Mother from the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center, Mother refused to pick them up. There were no relatives or family friends willing to provide placement for the girls, and Mother stated that she wanted to voluntarily sign over her parental rights. Stephanie was assigned as the CASA Staff Advocate in May 2025. By this time, both sisters had experienced multiple placements. The older sister was 18 years old, enrolled in College Docket, and preparing to graduate from high school. The younger sister was 17 years old and residing at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center. Although the sisters were on different paths, they remained emotionally connected and struggled with maintaining contact due to their circumstances. CASA attended the older sister’s high school graduation and the graduation celebration that followed. CASA assisted her with completing all required paperwork and testing necessary for college enrollment. Additionally, CASA supported her in moving into her first apartment, helping her get settled and navigate the challenges of early adulthood. While the younger sister was residing at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center, CASA met with her shortly after assignment and introduced herself. The younger sister was later transferred to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). CASA continued to maintain contact despite challenges related to TJJD policies and procedures. CASA established a positive and consistent point of contact, worked to understand TJJD visitation processes, gathered relevant information, maintained communication with the youth, and actively worked to schedule sibling visitation. CASA has remained a consistent and reliable support system for the older sister as she transitions into adulthood. The youth frequently contacts CASA for guidance and assistance with everyday questions, and CASA continues to provide support. The older sister is currently passing all of her college courses, earning straight A’s, and is actively seeking employment. For the younger sister, CASA remains in close communication with TJJD case managers. CASA provides ongoing support through in-person visits every three months and monthly video calls. CASA is also gathering clothing, legal documentation, and preparing a comprehensive resource packet to support the younger sister upon her release. Through every challenge this case brings, Stephanie will stand beside these sisters, offering unwavering support and encouragement as they discover their strength and reach their full potential.
Joy Varner
