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 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
