June Advocate Spotlight
Michelle Ward
1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
I completed my Advocate training in January and signed onto my first case towards the end of March 2021. I love to help people and knew that I wanted to do some meaningful volunteering. So, I put a lot of thought into considering which population could most benefit from my help and this led me to CASA.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
So far, the most meaningful aspect of CASA is being able to help the kids on my case in whatever way I can; based on what they need. The way to do that is by communicating with them, the caregiver, caseworker, and CASA Supervisor. I have teenagers in my case, and they like to text, so that is easier and quicker. However, it’s also important that you call and speak to them as well because it’s important to have a more through conversation sometimes. Needs will vary and being willing to follow up and follow through to get them what they need is important for their well-being. I’ve worked on issues like getting an eyeglass prescription changed with no additional cost, getting them new computers they can keep through CASA. I’ve spoken with sports coaches, school counselors, and other agencies to get support for my girls. When funding dried up, I wrote a letter requesting funding that was still needed for one of my kids to participate in an activity to give them a healthy outlet. Also, if you get a family with more than one child, it’s important that you develop a relationship with all of the kids on your case because all of them may have different needs, wants, and goals.
3. If you could offer some words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
To our advocate family and potential members, I would encourage them to firstly always remember why they became an Advocate or want to be an Advocate. Secondly, keep the kids on their case and their needs and wants in mind with every communication and decision made on their behalf. Thirdly, be sure to establish expectations, boundaries, and limitations with your kids and their caregivers as soon as possible and ALWAYS keep your word. Fourthly, make sure that you document everything—keep it factual, detailed, focused, and keep the emotion out of it. Lastly, communicate with the caseworker on a regular basis to get updates on the case. Communicate often with your CASA Supervisor; ask questions and vent if needed.
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.
Deborah Hom
