Advocate Spotlight: Chester & Christina Malins
May Advocate Interview
1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
We completed our orientation and training at the end of September 2018 and accepted our first (and current) case as a team in October 2018: a kinship placement (TMC) involving 4 siblings (7-year old male, 6-year old male and female twins, and a 5-year old male).
After retiring from our careers in 2017 (Chris as a grade school principal and Chet from a military support position following a 31-year military career), we relocated to San Antonio after 22 years in Honolulu, HI. We wanted to find a volunteer opportunity to blend our prior experiences and perspectives that would be rewarding and that could make a tangible difference. We had read articles in the past that highlighted the role and the rewards of being a CASA Advocate. Upon our arrival in San Antonio, various radio ads, promotional interviews, and street banners started a conversation between us that eventually culminated in our mutual commitment to sign up as CASA Advocates. The orientation and training regimen reinforced our conviction that our efforts would be both challenging yet rewarding as we helped make a difference in the lives of children at risk.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
In our short time as Advocates, there have been many rewarding aspects, but two stand out above the rest. The first has been the recognition that our continued presence is important to the children. We are able to provide them direct and personal attention. We are there solely for them and can encourage and reassure them. They have responded to our visits at home and school, various outings, and cards with growing enthusiasm. A significant portion of that trust building has resulted from our involvement in the rest of the kinship family and placement situation which provides for the children’s immediate needs. The second has been the discovery that the CASA Advocate plays a unique and critical role in finding out information, sharing it with the other professionals in the process, and helping them connect the dots in order to provide what is best for the children. Having earned their trust, we advance the well-being of the children by enabling these very busy professionals to do what they do best.
3. If you could offer words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
Since this is our first case, most of what we have learned may be specific to the circumstances and dynamics of this case. Nevertheless, for the new Advocate, we would have two recommendations: First, take the time and invest in learning who are the various players in the process, what are their roles, and personalities. They are all professionals who focus on the well being of the children, but they have neither the time nor perspective to gather and attempt to integrate the diverse information that the CASA Advocate can discover. Don’t stress or grow frustrated with trying to solve all issues on your sense of timing. The Advocate is an intermediary but not the fixer in the process. However, you can be a very valuable member of the team and work to hold the system accountable to provide for the best interests of the children. Second, it might take a while to build the relationship with the children. No two children are alike, but all eventually respond to someone who shows attention, remembers things about them, and helps them have moments that are special and better than what might have been in their past. Find reasons to be a part of events in their lives, see them often, offer them structure and affection, and just let them know you care about them and love them.
In November 2025, Child Protective Services received a referral involving two sisters, ages 13 and 14, who were found caring for themselves. Following the death of their father, the girls experienced ongoing abuse and neglect. They were living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, frequently left alone without adequate food, functioning plumbing, or consistent supervision, and were exposed to strangers regularly coming in and out of the home. Shortly after removal, Tameka Woolfolk was appointed as the Advocate on the case. From the very beginning, Tameka became one of the few consistent and reliable adults in the girls’ lives. The children experienced and continue to endure placement changes. These frequent transitions created ongoing instability and further complicated the girls’ ability to heal and adjust. Throughout each move, Tameka remained steadily involved, working diligently to ensure that the children’s services and support continued without interruption. She supports the girls not only emotionally, but physically as well helping pack their belongings at each move, accompanying them during school tours, and remaining readily available whenever they need support. Neither child was initially aware that they had the right to speak directly with the judge. Tameka recognized the importance of their voices being heard and with the support of the Ad Litem, helped to facilitate their presence at court, requesting that the judge meet with the girls in a breakout room, so they could personally express their wishes, all with the department, CASA and the Ad Litem by their side. In addition, this case was referred to Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE). During CASA’s ongoing exploration for family connections alongside the Department, Tameka discovered the children’s father’s obituary. Through this discovery, it was learned that the girls’ father had served in the United States Army as a combat medic during the Vietnam War and later worked for 30 years in civil service. Tameka took the initiative to request documentation, including VA records and a death certificate, to determine whether the children might be eligible for survivor benefits. The obituary also revealed that the girls are two of fourteen siblings. While many of the siblings were unable to provide support, CASA and the Department were able to establish contact with one brother. Through Tameka’s strong collaborative relationship with the Department and the Attorney Ad Litem, a thoughtful and appropriate plan was developed to allow the girls to begin visits with their brother, his wife, and their cousins. Although this story is still unfolding, both girls know one unwavering belief, that no matter what comes next, they know that Miss Tameka will continue to stand beside them every step of the way.
Lauren Lynes-Martinez
