Story of Hope: Matthew
October Advocate Impact Story
Matthew first came to the attention of CPS at the age of nine, due to his mother’s unaddressed mental health issues and drug use. Matthew was diagnosed with autism, and though verbal, was very introverted and seldom spoke unless he was comfortable. CPS attempted to work with his mother through Family Based Safety Services however, his mother continued to test positive for drugs and was disruptive at Matthew’s school. She showed up at the relative caregiver’s home, disrupted their routine and posed a threat to the caregiver. This led to the legal removal of Matthew into CPS’s care.
Enter CASA advocate Joanna Skidmore. Joanna immediately sought ways to make a connection with this child that already has difficulties connecting with the world. She learned that he enjoyed trains, puzzles, stuffed teddy bears and watching movies. During the Christmas holiday, Joanna obtained a wooden train which she and Matthew were able to paint together, which he loved. On some visits, they would just sit and watch movies together, and Matthew slowly became so comfortable with her presence, that he would sit next to her closely.
Prior to the COVID-19 protocols, Joanna would visit with Matthew at least once in the home but also observed the bi-monthly parent/child visits that were supervised at the CPS offices. She was able to observe the changes in Matthew mother’s interactions with him. Once his mother participated in parenting classes for autism, she began the fully understand her child’s needs.
Once the COVID-19 protocols began, Joanna found ways to continue to connect to this special child. She would drop off popsicles at his home, and then arrange Face-Time chats so that they could eat their popsicles together. Joanna understood that Face-time chats were difficult for Matthew. He had begun to struggle with virtual school during the day, without the benefit of hands-on assistance he normally had in school. Joanna created a routine with Matthew that she maintained during each visit, whether in-person or virtual. She asked him three questions. The questions would vary depending on his behaviors that day, or if a parent/child visit would take place but one question always remained the same, “What do you need?” Matthew came to rely on Joanna for her patience and her willingness to allow him to be comfortable in his own space. Her questions were always open-ended and he responded openly and honestly. He’d tell her about his day, the reasons he may have acted out, what he was feeling. He told Joanna about his visits with his parents and his likes and dislikes. This extremely introverted child, who is diagnosed with autism, found someone who was able to connect with him and continue the connection, despite no longer being able to see each other in person.
Eventually Matthew’s mother became stable enough that he was placed back into her home. The court granted Permanent Managing Conservatorship to Matthew’s grandmother, with whom his mother lived. Thank you, Joanna, for the lasting impacts you have made by patiently connecting with Matthew, listening to his needs, and advocating for his best interests!
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
