Advocate Spotlight: James Jones
September 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 since March 2019. I retired from the San Antonio Police Department last year, and wanted to find a way to give back to my community. I had been aware of CASA for a few years and decided to look deeper into its mission and goals. After some research and inquiries, I decided this would be such a great way to give back. And what better way to give back to my community than to help children?
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
Since I was retired, I talked CASA into giving me an additional case, which brought my number of CASA kids up to nine. For me, the rewards come from the relationships with my CASA kids. It hasn't been easy at times. Depending on the situation and the reasons for their removal from their home, it can take some time to gain their trust and for them to realize you're on their side. And once that happens, it's such a great feeling. They begin to open up to you, share with you (about things both good and bad), and allow you into their world and their hearts. And the first time they give you a hug is just awesome.
There are so many rewards to being an Advocate. But knowing you are making a difference in a child's life is indescribable.
3. If you could offer words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
I think I would tell incoming Advocates that they will be filling a huge void for these kids, and to realize that these kids' lives probably haven't been all sunshine and roses. All you can do is to be there for them. You are their voice... their true advocate.
And I guess I'd encourage all Advocates, both incoming and veterans, to not give up. Some of the kids have put up a huge wall and won't let anyone in. I have one like that. But I wasn't going to give up on him. And then one day, he let me in. And it's been so great ever since! As tough and frustrating as it can be, we all just have to keep trying... and, besides, that's all anyone can ask.
In March 2025, Child Protective Services removed four young children, just 7, 4, 2, and 3 months old, from their mother’s care. This difficult step followed ongoing concerns about neglect, largely connected to the mother’s struggle with substance use, even during her most recent pregnancy. Although CPS offered support through Family Based Safety Services, the mother was unable to engage in the help provided. The children’s father was also unable to support them due to his own substance abuse and his incarceration in Bexar County Jail. Before removal, the children’s basic medical and educational needs were going unmet. They had been moved repeatedly between their mother and other relatives, leaving them without the stability, routine, and nurturing supervision every child deserves. When CASA Staff Advocate, JoAnn Herring, was assigned the case in April 2025, she immediately reached out to both kinship caregivers to understand the children’s needs and how to best support the families stepping in to care for them. JoAnn quickly learned that the paternal grandmother, who lovingly took in some of the children, was struggling financially and facing barriers due to limited English proficiency. To ensure she wasn’t facing these challenges alone, JoAnn submitted a CFE (Collaborative Family Engagement) referral and personally provided translation support so the grandmother could access services with dignity and understanding. Throughout the case, JoAnn has witnessed moments where cultural sensitivity was lacking, and personal biases influenced important decisions; often at the expense of what was best for the children. Despite these obstacles, she continues to advocate steadfastly and compassionately for the children to remain with the kinship caregivers who have opened their homes and hearts to provide safety, consistency, and love. Although the case is not yet over, Joann’s story demonstrates that CASA’s advocacy reaches beyond the children themselves, strengthening the village of care and support surrounding them, because CASA wants children to be safe, to thrive, and to have their overall well-being protected.
Johnathan Cobb
