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.
A Message from Child Advocates San Antonio on National CASA/GAL Funding Termination On April 24, 2025, the National CASA/GAL Association announced that its federal funding through the U.S. Department of Justice has been terminated. As a result, National CASA is suspending subaward disbursements, training programs, and technical assistance. The organization is actively appealing the decision and assessing what services it can continue to provide during this transition. Info from National CASA can be found here. We understand that this announcement may raise concerns in the community, and we want to provide reassurance and clarity regarding how this news affects Child Advocates San Antonio. First and foremost: There is no impact to our organization or our services. We are fully operational and remain committed to serving the children and families in our community with the same excellence, integrity, compassion, and commitment we have always shown. Here are key facts we want our supporters and the public to know: Our funding remains secure. Child Advocates San Antonio has a diverse and stable funding base that includes a healthy mix of public and private funding. No one funding stream exceeds 50% of our budget. You can access our recent financials HERE. Our stability comes from strong state support and our dedicated Bexar County community, which keeps Child Advocates San Antonio resilient and focused on serving children. We do not receive subawards from National CASA. The suspension of subaward disbursements has no bearing on our funding or ability to operate. Our training programs continue without interruption. Our comprehensive and high-quality Advocate training programs are fully intact. We do not require technical assistance from National CASA. Our team is experienced, well-resourced, and prepared to continue all programming. No cuts, no hiring freezes, no changes to our operations. We remain fully staffed and actively engaged in our mission to advocate for children in foster care. Our commitment to advocating for children in foster care is unwavering, and our services continue as usual. We want to be clear: Child Advocates San Antonio is strong, stable, and here to stay. CASA programs in Texas are strong, independent, and fully committed to children in foster care. While we’re aware of the situation with National CASA/GAL, it doesn’t impact the critical advocacy happening here. Our commitment is clear: we will stand with the children we serve—until they are safe, their voices are heard, and their futures are secure. Our focus, as always, is on advocating for the best interests of children and ensuring they have a voice in court. Public support at all levels, including individuals, ensures we remain strong, regardless of national developments. No matter what, our mission stays the same – every child deserves to be safe, cared for, and have their voice heard. CASA’s mission is as important as ever— children in foster care need advocates who will stand by them. Start your Advocate Journey today!
Brittany Coppage
