Story of Hope: Illiana
March Advocate Impact Story
Written By: Illiana's Advocate Supervisor
For her first case as a new CASA advocate, Illiana chose to advocate for Michael and Gabriela after she learned about the severe abuse and medical neglect they had suffered. Throughout the case, Illiana advocated diligently for 5-year-old Michael, and 4-year-old Gabriela, primarily focusing on their medical, psychological, and educational needs.
While the children were placed with foster parents, Illiana discovered that the foster parents were giving Michael ADHD medication, although he had never been diagnosed with ADHD. She quickly informed the children’s ad litem and CPS and Michael was promptly taken off the medications. Because of the extensive trauma they had experienced, Illiana advocated for the children to be enrolled in play therapy. After they were placed in therapy, she made sure to maintain consistent communication with the therapist, where she reported her concerns about the children. When the children moved placements, Illiana visited their new schools to ensure they were adjusting well and receiving a good education with any additional support they needed.
"Because of the extensive trauma they had experienced, Illiana advocated for the children to be enrolled in play therapy."
After initially not making any progress toward his court-ordered services, the children’s father announced he would be seeking full custody, and began working on his service plan. He also recommended his grandmother as a potential placement.
Illiana knew it would be a difficult move for Michael and Gabriela since this would be their 5th since entering foster care. She visited the children on a weekly basis, until they were placed with their great-grandmother 250 miles from her, in the aptly named Pharr, TX. Even at this great distance, Illiana continued to support the children. She accompanied the children’s caseworker when they drove to drop the children off at their new home, and then continued to drive the 250 miles on her own to see the children monthly. She also made sure to keep ongoing communication with their caregivers, observed many parent / child visits, and was able to gather valuable information that aided her in her permanency recommendations.
During this chaotic time on the case, Illiana remained steadfastly focused on determining the children’s best interests. She went above and beyond on her case. She interviewed the children, CPS, and the children’s ad litem, kinship placement and foster parents. Her final recommendation about permanency was thoughtful and deliberate, and she was not intimidated by reaching a different conclusion than other parties on her case. The children were permanently placed with their great-grandmother, while the father was granted possessory rights.
Illiana never lost sight of her CASA children, and she always worked diligently to advocate for their best interests. Since she has become an Advocate at CASA, she has completed two cases with a total of five children, and is currently advocating for four children on her third case. Her focus and priority are her CASA children’s well-being, and making sure the court is informed of concerns and recommendations on her case. Since the beginning, Illiana has never shied away from making her voice heard because she recognizes that she represents the voices of her CASA children, and the eyes of the court.
Help us provide more Advocates like Illiana who are willing to go above and beyond to provide a voice for children in foster care.
Fund Their Hope
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.
Lauren Lynes-Martinez
