Story of Hope: "I will be with you..."
Advocate Impact Story
"I will be with you as your friend along the way."
These words were shared with Katrina by her advocate, Aaron Anderson, as she was preparing to move for the 3rd time since her CPS case started. Such simple words can make a world of difference in a youth's life.
Katrina and her brother Kyle have been through a lot in their young lives. They were removed from a home that while we may think was never appropriate, it was home for them. Kyle is non-verbal which means Karina feels more alone most of the time as she cannot communicate and share their feelings with Kyle. Katrina has expressed feeling alone at times but feels comfort knowing that they are together in the same placement.
Aaron was assigned to the case a few months ago and quickly made contact with the youth. He tried really hard to create rapport and build a relationship with the children though circumstances made it difficult. Aaron never backed down, making sure that anyone and everyone would listen to the attempts to build that relationship with the children.
Aaron’s persistence paid off and he was able to visit with the children virtually. Katrina was hesitant to talk to Aaron but within time was able to open up. They talked about the upcoming placement change and she expressed being scared about moving yet again. Aaron reassured her that everything would be okay and stated "I'll be there as your friend along the way." Immediately the youth smiled and was observed taking a deep breath as if she was relieved and knew she was no longer alone- she now had a friend.
A lot of our children are expressing fear and mixed emotions as they are approaching the summer months. For some, it means that their routines are changing while others are nervous about attending summer camp. Some of our youth will even be moving placements now that the school year has ended. It is important that our advocates continue to ensure these children that they will be "with them as their friend along the way” just as Aaron has done for Katrina and Kyle.
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
