Advocate Impact: Pat Bowlin
January CASA Advocate Spotlight
Written By: Pat's Advocate Supervisor
Pat Bowlin has been an Advocate with CASA for almost four years. She graduated from advocate training in May 2015, and eagerly signed onto her first case. Pat saw her first case through permanency while I was not yet her Supervisor, as I began working for this CASA program in Oct. 2016. I had heard from the previous supervisor that Pat was an excellent Advocate, so I called her up and asked if she was ready to take on a new case. Pat had taken some time off and stated she was ready to start speaking on behalf of children again. She chose two cases and is currently advocating for seven children altogether. The case I would like to highlight is a case with four children, two boys and two girls, ranging in ages from 3 to 13. The case started almost two years ago and is still open today!
Once Pat was sure the placements were a good fit for the children and they would be protective of them, even from unsupervised contact with their mother, she advocated for permanent placement with the adult siblings.
The children on this case came into CPS custody as a result of neglect, drug use and mental health concerns for the mother. The family has a long history with CPS and the children’s father is currently incarcerated. The children were first placed with their grandparents but after only a few weeks, the grandparents stated they could no longer care for them. The oldest child on the case was then placed at an RTC where he received trauma-based therapy to address issues of sexual abuse as a perpetrator. After trying to work with mom to get her the help she needed, she continued to test positive for illegal substances and was not addressing her mental illness. Mom was not consistent with visiting the children and this was affecting them negatively. She mentioned she had two older children who are now adults that might be able to take the children. After contacting them, they decided they would like to care for their younger siblings long-term. The girls were placed with one of the older siblings and the boys with the other. Pat visited often, providing guidance while ensuring the children were in a safe and loving environment. She checked in with mom occasionally to see how she was progressing as well. Ultimately, mom became pregnant again, and agreed that the best place for the children would be with their siblings. Once Pat was sure the placements were a good fit for the children and they would be protective of them, even from unsupervised contact with their mother, she advocated for permanent placement with the adult siblings. She was in agreement with all parties to have the older siblings become licensed to foster, so they could receive financial assistance and better provide for the children.
While it has taken one of the caretakers longer to become licensed due to personal issues, Pat constantly encourages her to not give up. Pat’s kind and loving nature has allowed her to establish a bond with the family. They know she genuinely cares and is concerned for their safety and well-being. Pat has been a strong support to this family; making life-changing impacts on this case. She takes the children on outings and assists at times with sibling visits, ensuring the children maintain a family connection.
Not only does Pat communicate with the children’s teachers, therapists, and the caseworker to ensure she is made aware of any issues or concerns, she also celebrates the progress the children make. Pat is continually looking for resources in the community to help the families out. Furthermore, anytime she has a question or concern, Pat will call me or the caseworker to try to resolve an issue or find the best solution to the situation. She is not afraid to speak up in court on the children’s behalf and has strongly voiced her opinion to all parties on the case over what she believes to be in the children’s best interest. In addition, Pat supports CASA’s vision and mission, inviting and recruiting friends and others in her community to learn more about CASA so they too can step up and speak on behalf of abused and neglected children.
Pat has been a strong support to this family; making life-changing impacts on this case. She takes the children on outings and assists at times with sibling visits, ensuring the children maintain a family connection.
Although the children in this case are not being reunited with their mother, they have achieved permanency with their adult siblings. It was decided through a court mediation that the adult siblings will have permanent custody of the children. Their mother was able to maintain possessory rights to her children and will be able to have contact with them under their caretaker’s supervision and protection. Pat has been a great blessing not only to this family, but to all the families she has advocated for. She has the perfect balance of compassion and courage. She is a mama bear when it comes to her CASA children. I am grateful for all she has done, not only for the children, but for me as her supervisor. Pat always keeps me informed of her cases, exceeds CASA’s minimum expectations as an Advocate, and attends trainings, meetings and cultivations regularly. Pat is a true example of an exemplary Advocate!
Harrison came into care in January 2021 due to abuse and neglect in the home. The department attempted to implement a few safety plans but to no avail. Ultimately, the parents were unable and unwilling to provide him with a safe and stable home environment, and Harrison was placed into foster care. In June 2025, Staff Advocate, Michelle, was assigned to the case, and he was living with his aunt in Laredo, TX. From day one, Michelle has been dedicated to getting to know Harrison, establishing rapport, and building trust. She would take the time to listen to him and get to know his likes and interests. When she first met him, he was timid and shy but as he gained confidence and became more comfortable, he started to open up to Michelle. He started advocating for himself, asking for a new charger for his laptop to do his schoolwork and started to disclose more important topics such as sensitive issues he was facing with his family. In October 2025, while Michelle was heading to Laredo to visit Harrison, he called her to let her know that he was no longer allowed back into his aunt’s home. There was a placement breakdown happening due to a verbal/physical altercation with his aunt and other family members, and his aunt gave notice to the department that day. Upon arrival at Laredo, Michelle immediately called Harrison’s case worker and attorney to let them know what had just transpired. Due to Harrison being 18 and not officially in extended care, Michelle was met with some pushbacks; however, she persevered and asked what his options were, if any, and how we could help him. Harrison’s team worked together and was able to get the extended care paperwork drafted and completed and Michelle was able to brainstorm with Harrison to find him a temporary home with a close friend until his caseworker could bring him back to San Antonio. Michelle took Harrison to his aunt’s so he could pack his belongings and stay with his friend temporarily. Michelle was so thankful that she could be there for him in his time of need. A few days later, Harrison was back in San Antonio. Harrison is currently thriving in his Supervised Independent Living (SIL) placement and is on track to graduate high school in May. He has plans to attend college for Cosmetology. He has had a tremendous change in his overall mood and is coming into his own as a confident young adult. When asked by Michelle how he feels being at his current placement, his response was “safe” and that’s all Michelle needed to hear to know she was making a positive impact.
Jennifer Lassahn
