Story of Hope: Roger “Lance” & Jennie Mayes

Roger “Lance” and Jennie Mayes swore in as advocates in October 2023. Although their first case did not last very long, they were assigned to their case in January 2024 involving 4 children ranging from 1 to11 years of age, two of which have special needs, mental health concerns, and the oldest being very parentified. Allegations of the case involved domestic violence, neglectful supervision, physical abuse, and physical neglect.

Although the case started off in two different placements, throughout the case the children have moved numerous times, with most of the time being in four separate placements. Jennie and Lance do an excellent job in facilitating and advocating for sibling visits and ensuring all caregivers were in favor of sibling connection and coordinating so that the children have an opportunity to spend time together outside of visits with parents. They have also gone out their way to assist with transportation of the children, observing visits, and being available after-hours and weekend events. They have provided the children with every opportunity to participate in activities of their interest and in encouraging them to go outside of their comfort zone to have these experiences and finally just be kids.

Lance and Jennie have worked exhaustively advocating for what is in the children’s best and being the only consistent people in the children’s lives throughout the case, which has gone through 12 legal case workers. They have been experts throughout. They have gone above and beyond in researching and providing an array of resources to mother to help learn about mental health services and providers who could assist in providing services to address the needs of one of the children who is severely autistic, has aggressive behaviors, elopes, and has very limited verbal

skills other than a couple of words. They have been consistent in expressing their concerns throughout the case, which continued after CPS recommended reunification of the children. During the monitored return, CASA remained very involved and voiced concerns that went unheard by CPS until one of the children outcried and confirmed CASA’s concerns. It was only then that CPS listened and returned the children to their previous placements.

Although still in separate placements, advocates helped facilitate placement of one of the children with their sibling after placement could not continue. They still stay in contact with all caregivers consistently and visit one of the children in Houston, Tx. Their detailed court reports have been praised by the Judge at numerous hearings. Judge has repeatedly instructed and advised representing attorneys to take notice of their court reports, to actively read them, and actively listen to concerns that have been consistent throughout and have gone unaddressed.



Jennie and Lances extreme desire to help children and be their voice is clearly seen in their advocating, voicing, and actions. Although the case has been ongoing for almost 2 ½ years now, their devotion to the children has not been exhausted and continues to shine in the acts of kindness and dedication they have displayed. Their commitment to these children has been consistent throughout, even with disappointments outside of their control; but they remain committed to ensuring the children in their case are heard and that their best interest is the number one priority.