Advocate Spotlight: Juan Villareal
November Advocate Spotlight
1. How long have you been an advocate? When did you realize you wanted to become one?
I was sworn in as an advocate on Jan 24, 2020. When I learned about CASA, I didn’t realize how much impact I would play in a child's life or how engaged I would be working with the legal team. I realized I truly wanted to commit around the second week of training. Shortly after signing onto my first case, I knew I made a great decision to advocate for foster kids after seeing the smiles on the kids when all needs were met by placement, visits held with mother, and observing CPS and CASA's direct impacts. I had no reservations about signing on my next two cases.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
The most rewarding part of advocating is the journey of viewing these families strive for reunification. They each have different stories and struggles but desire the same ending. It has been my pleasure to serve on 3 open TMC cases and witness the teaming approach to meet the children's and parents' needs by all stakeholders involved. Through my diligence, I have been able to find a missing father from out of state and get him in touch with his legal caseworker and attorney. I have been able to advocate for in-home community resources to help build a support network while youth transition back home.
3. If you could offer some words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would it be?
For new and fellow CASA advocates, I would like to mention I’ve enjoyed interacting with everyone in my cases (children, parents, CPS, Attorneys, Placements, etc.). I wasn’t sure which age range of children I was going to be good with. I am assigned a newborn, toddler, and then teenagers. The baby is adorable and has grown so fast in the last 5 months. The 4 and 5 year olds are fun young boys and very interactive to play with. The teens have been respectful towards me and are making great progress in their placements and education. I was initially worried about being able to connect with any age of children and youth. In my experience, being authentic, open, honest, and patience has led to having a trusting relationship with all my kids despite some COVID-19 barriers. I feel accomplished by interacting with the full age range of amazing children in just under a year of service.
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
