Story of Hope: Brenna Albracht

Brenna Albracht began her journey as a CASA advocate in October 2020. In the fall of 2021, she signed onto her second case—a case that would change both her life and the life of a young boy named Anton.

Anton and his two siblings had been involved in a long CPS legal case that began in September 2018 and concluded in June 2020. His siblings were placed in the conservatorship of their paternal grandparents, while their parents retained possessory rights. However, the grandparents did not want Anton. His parents’ rights were ultimately terminated in the hope that the Department could find him a forever home. Anton was sent to a foster home in Houston, Texas.


By 2020, Anton had lost nearly everything—his mom, his dad, his siblings, his grandparents, and his hometown.


Initially, Brenna had planned to resign from CASA after completing her first case, as she was relocating to Houston for school. But when she learned about Anton and that he was in Houston, she made a decision that would change his life: she stayed with CASA and signed onto his case.


For the next four years, Anton remained in that same foster home. While his basic needs were met, the foster family was not interested in adopting him. Brenna, however, never wavered. She visited Anton every month, checked in with his therapists to ensure he could process his trauma, connected with his teachers to support his education, and persistently reminded CPS that this little boy needed a forever home. She stayed in close contact with his attorney and advocated for him in court. From 2021 to 2025, Brenna made sure Anton was never forgotten.


In 2023, Anton’s siblings re-entered care due to neglect and abuse by their grandparents. CPS offered his parents a second chance to make positive changes—and this time, Mom successfully reunited with her daughters. Seeing this, Brenna recognized an opportunity for Anton: not only could he find a forever home, but he could also be reunited with his family.


Through Brenna’s tireless advocacy, Anton was finally able to return to his hometown of San Antonio in 2024 and, several months later, was placed back with his mom and sisters. In June 2025, CPS petitioned the court to reinstate his mother’s parental rights, and Anton was finally a whole family again.


Because of Brenna’s dedication, Anton got back his mom, his sisters, and his hometown—a true testament to the power of consistent advocacy.

Story of Hope: Staff Advocate Stephanie

By bfines • April 14, 2026
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.

April Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • April 14, 2026
Joy Varner
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