Advocate Impact: Russell Oldmixon
February CASA Advocate Spotlight
Written By: Russel's Advocate Supervisor
Russell Oldmixon took his oath in February 2018 and immediately began his work with two children. The children had been placed in two separate placements and within two weeks, Russell had already contacted the caregivers and children. Russell has been very proactive in working with the children and all parties in the case. His Saturdays consist of attending parent/child visits and sibling visits. He is very attentive to family dynamics and how the children respond to each other and to their mother.
Russell has also made sure the children have adequate clothing by taking them to SA Threads. He consults with the children’s therapists on a regular basis and is very persistent in getting a response back from each therapist on the progress of each child. He has been able to relate some very important information regarding behaviors he himself has witnessed or has been informed of. When appropriate, he has advocated for CASA to assist in alternative forms of therapy such as Tae Kwon Do for one of the children. In addition, he advocated for the oldest child’s therapy to resume after a change in placement and was successful in getting it restarted. During the summer, he transported the oldest child to and from Boys & Girls Club to make sure she was getting appropriate socialization with peers her age.
(Russell) consults with the children’s therapists on a regular basis and is very persistent in getting a response back from each therapist on the progress of each child.
In meeting with children on a weekly basis, he makes it a point to take them on educational outings, such as to the library where they participated in the summer reading program. One of the most important outings would be to the zoo; neither child had ever been, so he took each and spent the day one-on-one. He brought the youngest to CASA’s Fall Festival and assisted in making their Halloween costumes. He made sure the oldest attended UTSA College Day, and often takes both for ice cream.
Russell also maintains weekly communication with the children’s teachers and school counselors. He made it a point to visit with the oldest child’s counselor when her placement changed because he was concerned that she might struggle with the change. When her placement changed, he assisted and made sure the transition was as smooth as possible. When he visits, he takes flash cards and other educational games with him. Russell keeps the Ad Litem updated on the children, sharing both positive fun experiences they've had along with his concerns. He has established a great relationship with all involved in the case. Russell has gone above and beyond his role as a CASA, he has dedicated his time to these children and truly “has their back” (as he says).
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
