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 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
