Advocate Spotlight: James Barrett
October Advocate Interview
1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
I have been an advocate for going on three years now. I decided to join C.A.S.A. in August of 2016. I have been involved with you before volunteering with the Big Brother program while stationed with the Army in El Paso, Texas. However, because I myself was in the foster care system while growing up I knew that I wanted to serve foster kids and volunteer in other ways. I cannot recall the first time I hear of C.A.S.A. but it was probably in my first semester of training to become a social worker right before I retired from the Army. I mentioned it to my wife and she told me that her mom had actually done it before in El Paso, Texas. I figured no better time than now and how much better could I have become if I had a C.A.S.A. when I was going through the system.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
The most rewarding aspect of being an advocate would be seeing the progress a young child makes. The progress could be simple to us but to them it is huge. I have had the opportunity to see children leave a treatment facility for the first time in two years to simply go bowling, young children go to great adoptive homes, and sibling groups get reunited. Sometimes a child may regress and then progress. To me this is the most rewarding part of being a C.A.S.A. is see how wonderfully children can bounce back from the negatives in our world with a caring adult that promises to stick by them.
3. If you could offer words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
The best advice I can give is to always be there for the children. Sometimes what is best for the children is not what they want to hear. If they know you are there for them, they will take to you. Sometimes depending on age and circumstances this may take some time. Be willing to put in the time and effort it takes to “win over” the child. Remember who this child is, what they like, who they like, and what they want to be when they grow up. Little things like a child’s favorite color and favorite super hero will go a long way to helping securing a child’s trust.
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
