Story of Hope: Ida

September Advocate Impact Story
Written By: Ida's Advocate Supervisor

From the moment that Ida Sudolcan signed onto her first case back in April of 2019, she has not stopped advocating for the best interest of the five children on her case.  As the children came into CPS care, the case immediately evolved as many concerns with the children became evident. There were medical needs to be met, educational concerns, and placement and permanency issues to contend with. All the while Ida persisted in addressing each issue with a constant focus on the best interest of the children. 


Because this was a large sibling group with varied ages, alongside the therapeutic needs of one of the siblings, placing the children together was challenging. Ida worked diligently to identify family members that could potentially accommodate the placement of all five children, but because none were identified, the children were placed together in a shelter. Ida maintained contact with the children’s caseworker and continuously advocated for the children to be moved into a nurturing and loving home. Foster homes were eventually identified, but the siblings were not placed together.  Despite the children’s separation, Ida helped to make the transition as smooth as possible for them.


 "During this latest COVID-19 move, Ida was creative and set up Zoom meetings for the children prior to the move, so they could virtually meet their new foster parents before arriving in person."


Since their time in foster care, the children have been repeatedly moved, but Ida was there to assist through every single transitions. During this latest COVID-19 move, Ida was creative and set up Zoom meetings for the children prior to the move, so they could virtually meet their new foster parents before arriving in person. 


COVID-19 protocols have not allowed Ida to have face-to-face interactions with the children, but she has regular contact with them via Zoom and phone calls.  She has also been able to do “porch drop offs” to help bring needed items. In addition to maintaining regular and creative contact with the children, Ida also tracks the progress of their parents in complying with their court-ordered services. At this point in Ida’s case, the children’s parents have not yet successfully addressed the concerns of CPS, so the children remain in their foster care placements. Finding a forever home for these children remains the urgent and essential priority on this case. While a home has been identified for the youngest children, the oldest child was recently placed in a shelter. Per her usual practice, Ida is actively working to advocate for him, by attending court staffings to discuss placement options and communicating with his caseworker to find him a forever home.


 "Ida has been there for them every step of the way."


Throughout the children’s experience in foster care, Ida has been their one constant. They have moved and changed schools multiple times, they have been assigned two different case workers, multiple case managers, and several different counselors. Throughout the many changes and the adjustments, they have benefitted immensely from having Ida listen to them, support them, and advocate for them. Her advocacy is now more essential than ever. These children have struggled through so much this year and Ida has been there for them every step of the way. Ida has done her best to make sure that they have the best care and the best possible outcomes. She is their familiar face and she provides them HOPE. 

Help us provide more Advocates like Ida who are willing to go above and beyond even in the midst of crisis to provide a voice for children in foster care.
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Story of Hope: Tameka Woolfolk

By bfines • January 21, 2026
In November 2025, Child Protective Services received a referral involving two sisters, ages 13 and 14, who were found caring for themselves. Following the death of their father, the girls experienced ongoing abuse and neglect. They were living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, frequently left alone without adequate food, functioning plumbing, or consistent supervision, and were exposed to strangers regularly coming in and out of the home. Shortly after removal, Tameka Woolfolk was appointed as the Advocate on the case. From the very beginning, Tameka became one of the few consistent and reliable adults in the girls’ lives. The children experienced and continue to endure placement changes. These frequent transitions created ongoing instability and further complicated the girls’ ability to heal and adjust. Throughout each move, Tameka remained steadily involved, working diligently to ensure that the children’s services and support continued without interruption. She supports the girls not only emotionally, but physically as well helping pack their belongings at each move, accompanying them during school tours, and remaining readily available whenever they need support. Neither child was initially aware that they had the right to speak directly with the judge. Tameka recognized the importance of their voices being heard and with the support of the Ad Litem, helped to facilitate their presence at court, requesting that the judge meet with the girls in a breakout room, so they could personally express their wishes, all with the department, CASA and the Ad Litem by their side. In addition, this case was referred to Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE). During CASA’s ongoing exploration for family connections alongside the Department, Tameka discovered the children’s father’s obituary. Through this discovery, it was learned that the girls’ father had served in the United States Army as a combat medic during the Vietnam War and later worked for 30 years in civil service. Tameka took the initiative to request documentation, including VA records and a death certificate, to determine whether the children might be eligible for survivor benefits. The obituary also revealed that the girls are two of fourteen siblings. While many of the siblings were unable to provide support, CASA and the Department were able to establish contact with one brother. Through Tameka’s strong collaborative relationship with the Department and the Attorney Ad Litem, a thoughtful and appropriate plan was developed to allow the girls to begin visits with their brother, his wife, and their cousins. Although this story is still unfolding, both girls know one unwavering belief, that no matter what comes next, they know that Miss Tameka will continue to stand beside them every step of the way.

January Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • January 21, 2026
Lauren Lynes-Martinez
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