Advocate Spotlight: Peggy Peterson
November 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 6 years. I retired from North East ISD after more than 30 years as an educator and soon realized that something was missing in my life. Keeping my eyes open for ways to become involved in San Antonio I kept encountering the CASA banner hanging over varied streets. Honestly, it seemed to be stalking me! I checked out the website, but something held me back. Then one day as I was facilitating a parent education session, I met a woman who was raising her grandchild. As we chatted, she told me of her long time association with CASA. That was it! I drove
over to CASA that day and followed up with my application. I cherish the opportunity to be associated with this amazing program and to be a small part of the big work being done everyday for the children of San Antonio.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
The KIDS! Having the opportunity to know, love, and be present in the lives of some very special children is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate. Each child and case is unique. To be the voice of the child not only in court, but also in many aspects of their life is a daunting task, but it is a role that can fill your heart with love!
3. If you could offer words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
Never give up! Find an opportunity in every stumble! Build positive relationships with your supervisor because they are wise mentors, with all adults involved in the case to ensure good communication, and especially with your children. I have a rule to never say a case is easy or coming quickly to an end because surely there will be a bump in the road. It’s important to take those bumps in stride, to regroup and plan next steps with all the helpers you have acquired along the way. Most importantly, always keep your CASA child at the center of all decisions and actions. This journey, while frustrating at times, can be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.
In December 2024, CPS received a referral reporting that Demitri and Maria were living under a bridge along with their three children, Santiago, Mary, and Jose. The Department sought removal of the siblings due to numerous concerns including substance use by all members of the family unit, unsanitary living conditions, malnourishment, and other safety risks. It was later discovered that the children had a significant gap in their education and medical care, and that the two oldest children had juvenile justice involvement. The parents also had an extensive history with CPS. A few months after removal, CASA Advocates, Alejandro Trevino and Lauren Wise, were appointed to the case, quickly becoming a consistent and trusted presence in the lives of the Santiago (16), Mary (15), and Jose (13). During their first meeting, the siblings expressed a deep desire to stay together and eventually reunite with their parents, emphasizing that they had always been together as a family. Unfortunately, shortly after that initial encounter, Santiago and Mary were placed in a Residential Treatment Center (RTC) located hours away from Jose. Multiple placement changes followed, creating ongoing instability that further complicated their healing process. From the beginning, the CASA Advocates have worked tirelessly to ensure that the children’s services remain uninterrupted despite the frequent transitions. They continue to collaborate with CPS, the children’s attorney ad litem, and various placements to ensure the siblings’ voices are heard and their best interests prioritized. Alejandro and Lauren attend every staffing, court hearing, service plan meeting, and Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) meeting while always advocating for stability, connection, and permanency. Understanding the critical importance of sibling relationships, the advocates made it their mission to preserve the children’s bond. They arranged for regular sibling contact, both virtually and in-person, overcoming logistical challenges caused by distance and restrictive placement protocols. At one point, Alejandro and Lauren personally facilitated a sibling visit, traveling a total of 638 miles to ensure the children could spend the time together. It was a powerful act of care, giving the siblings a moment of normalcy and joy in an otherwise turbulent time. For nearly the entirety of the case, the children have been separated from one another and far from their hometown. In the face of prolonged separation, instability, and emotional distress, Alejandro and Lauren’s efforts have played a key role in preserving the siblings’ emotional connection and sense of family. Because of their unwavering commitment, the siblings are now living in the same city again and are showing improvement in their academics and health. While the future remains uncertain and family reunification is still unclear, the advocates continue to hold hope that the siblings can at least be reunited with one another and return to San Antonio. This story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of tremendous challenges, the love between siblings and the dedication of caring advocates can foster hope, healing, and the promise of a brighter future.
Deborah Hom
