September Advocate Spotlight

Diana De Paz

1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?

I have been a child advocate since Feb of 2021. The organization and their work were introduced to me by my husband, who is a child psychiatrist. The impact of child abuse and neglect is something that my husband always talked to me about and after events in our lives it became clear to me that I had to do something about that. The thought that some children are not smiling and enjoying their childhood brought deep sadness to me. I know I would not change the world but if I could make a child smile and be there through their hardships I would make a difference.

2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?

From day one it has been extremely rewarding, from meeting my CASA kids and being able to build a bond, to seeing their faces smiling and running towards me to embrace me in a hug. Just knowing that during their most challenging times, they still recognize me as a constant presence is a reward in itself. I want them to know that they have someone to hold their hand through any changes. Another rewarding aspect is knowing that my recommendations will make a difference in their lives. If you are there and you listen and get to know the children well you have a sense of what they need and what’s best for them. This role allows me to advocate and be their voice even in court and with decisions that will improve their wellbeing.

3. If you could offer some words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?

My words to other fellow or potential advocates is to keep in mind that in a world so big and difficult to understand, children have a message that needs to be heard, and if someone listens their message will inspire the listener so much that they can learn from the children how to overcome any challenges in their own lives. All they need is someone that is all-in for them. Be that person.

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Story of Hope: Alejandro Trevino & Lauren Wise

By bfines • September 12, 2025

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.