Story of Hope: Lisa
May Advocate Impact Story
Written By: Lisa's Advocate Supervisor
This is a story of how just one person can make a huge impact on a family even during the Covid-19 crisis. CASA advocate, Lisa Fernandez-Poirier, was sworn in as a new CASA advocate at the end of September 2018. She immediately selected a complicated case with five children in two different placements. The children had been removed from their home due to allegations of physical abuse as well as domestic violence in the home.
Lisa has been a constant for these kids since October 2018, but in this story I wanted to highlight the amazing work that she has been doing now, and how she has been able to continue advocating for the children and their needs, even though her advocacy looks a bit different now.
She quickly realized that the boys did not have the computers that they needed to do their school work.
The two oldest boys have been placed with their great-grandmother since they were removed. Lisa has done a great job meeting their basic needs, however distance learning has been a challenge. She quickly realized that the boys did not have the computers that they needed to do their school work. She contacted the school and found out that all the computers had already been given out. She was assured that more computers had been ordered and as soon as they were in they would email the great-grandmother and let her know.
Lisa soon realized that there was a communication barrier between the school and the great-grandmother as she did not use email, and definitely did not have the Class Dojo app needed for lessons. Lisa was able to work out a better communication system for the great-grandmother. The school and the boys now have their computers, and are able to complete their assignments. The computers also allow them to attend their visits virtually. Lisa has also been able to ensure that they understand their lessons, and that they are able to continue to make academic progress.
Visitation was also an immediate concern as the great-grandmother was considered “high risk” and she was worried about having to leave the home to take the boys to visits. The foster parents also expressed similar concerns noting that one of the children in their home was also high risk for COVID-19. Lisa contacted the CPS worker and the children’s attorney, and ultimately it was acknowledged that virtual visits would be in the children’s best interest at this time. Lisa has been able to continue to observe parent/child visits virtually at this time. She continues to document her concerns during virtual visits and reports it back to all parties. She is also visiting the kids through Zoom and ensuring that they are doing well with their school work. She has also been able to confirm that therapeutic services will start virtually as well.
Lisa was also able to submit a request form to CASA to pick up some much needed items for her CASA kids and do a porch drop off. The children were so happy to know that CASA is still advocating for them and looking out for their best interest even now. The kids send her a sweet video expressing their gratitude.
This case is still far from over, there is now a criminal case pending due to the physical abuse as well as new child abuse allegations that have been made and are currently being investigated. Trial is set to continue this summer and Lisa will be there ready to testify on what she thinks is in the children’s best interest. Lisa has been there for these kids for 18 months now. She has seen the kids grow and thrive and she has also seen them struggle with the complicated feelings that come from being in the system. Lisa has been with them every step of the way ensuring that they will not fall through the cracks and that they will soon have permanency.
Help us provide more Advocates like Lisa 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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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.
Joy Varner
