Advocate Spotlight: Terrie MacLaren
December Advocate Interview
1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
I had heard about CASA when I lived in other states and always felt called to do it, but never really explored what it might entail. This year I started volunteering at the Vault, an organization that gives clothing and supplies to new foster parents. Seeing the children who had just been placed into care pulled at my heartstrings, and again, I thought of being a CASA. One day, I worked with a volunteer who had been a CPS caseworker and she convinced me to make the leap. I went through training in June of 2019 and got my first case in August.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
I should probably say the most rewarding aspect of being an advocate is feeling that I am making a positive impact on children's lives no matter how small it is. And that's true. That's the big picture. But honestly, it's the human connection with these little people who have had adults in their lives who have let them down. Now they can count on their team, of which you are one, to gradually begin to repair the physical and emotional holes in their lives. You help them feel safe, cared for, and important. Their little hugs around your neck and high fives when they see you are priceless. Taking them on an outing to the library that might bore some other child, but they act like you've taken them to Disney World. Getting a picture of a Christmas tree instead of some of the other terrifying scenes they have drawn for you with their name next to yours on the bottom when they didn't even know the alphabet six months ago. Watching them gradually heal and becoming a tribe with them and the others dedicated to saving them. I try to imagine my CASA kids twenty years from now and I envision them flourishing because of what we have done for them today.
3. If you could offer words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
I think most of us go into this knowing there will be good days and bad days, but I would encourage new CASAs that the good far outweighs the bad. I wasn't sure that would be the case at first. When I got my case, I listed all the issues for each child along with the steps I thought might solve the problem and how I was going to proceed. That was my former military and healthcare training kicking in. I was in for a rude awakening when I realized that there were so many moving parts (I have four children in my case) and a variety of other professionals who also had opinions and were not interested in me waving my magic wand to solve issues! I'm learning the art of gentle diplomacy, rejoicing in tiny victories when they occur, and accepting it when what I would like to happen doesn't. I would encourage new CASAs to celebrate any baby steps you are able to influence. Keep good notes because those court reports sneak up on you. Find a way to stay organized (I am still working on this!). And log your information in Optima as soon as possible. My husband knows nothing about my case, but he does know the term Optima!
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
