Story of Hope: Taylor Hickson

Story of Hope: Taylor Hickson

    In September 2021, Taylor Hickson decided to pursue a passion to advocate for children. She had heard great things from a high school teacher and later various friends who had experience volunteering for CASA. For her first case, Taylor chose to advocate for Bailey after learning she had been born at 27 weeks due to drug exposure with withdrawals experienced at birth. Bailey remained in the neonatal intensive care unit for approximately 2 months before being discharged into the care of her foster parents. For 10 months, Taylor advocated diligently for Bailey in areas of medical, legal, and overall permanency. She remained a constant on the case despite various changes in caseworkers. Taylor maintained steadfast commitment even through the challenges. 


     Bailey’s foster parents visited with her daily, while she remained in the hospital to address the medical concerns indicated at birth. They were trained by medical staff on the specific needs she would require upon her release from the hospital. From the very beginning, Bailey’s foster parents understood the priority of her medical needs. Throughout the case, Taylor visited Bailey at her foster home and maintained open communication with the family. Taylor witnessed Bailey thrive and make developmental progress over time. It became apparent how bonded and loving Bailey and her foster family were to each other. 


Taylor observed many foster parent/child interactions and was able to gather the information that aided her in her permanency recommendations. Throughout the case, she communicated regularly with three different CPS caseworkers, Bailey’s ad litem, and the foster agency case manager. The foster agency held monthly meetings to discuss Bailey’s progress and needs, and Taylor was able to attend these meetings virtually to receive additional updates. 


     As the first permanency hearing approached, a man came forward and claimed to be Bailey’s father. He was not compliant with his court-ordered services, including requests to submit to DNA testing, and would not respond to Taylor’s attempts to communicate. He was granted only virtual visits with Bailey but failed to take advantage of the opportunity. He would ultimately be ruled out by DNA results. Bailey’s biological mother also failed to comply with services or participate in parent-child visits. Her mother (who had prior terminations associated with CPS involvement) also noted Bailey was better off with her foster family. Taylor even made efforts to communicate and observe interactions between Bailey and her biological family/siblings. However, Bailey’s biological relatives explained they were unable to care for Bailey given the needs of the other children in their care. Her foster parents made sure to get photos of Bailey with her siblings to share family connections with her when she is older. 


     When it came time for trial, Taylor was confident in her final recommendation for permanency and her goal of non-relative adoption. She noted the foster parents had been diligently caring for Bailey since a few weeks after her birth, while still in the hospital, brought her home while still on oxygen, and were still providing a wonderful home environment for her in hopes of being her forever family. Taylor continued to visit Bailey monthly until the adoption process was completed. She articulated her thoughts clearly in all court hearings because she recognized that she represented the voice of her CASA child in the eyes of the court.


Taylor teared up during the adoption proceedings when Bailey’s now-parents swore to the judge that they would love and care for her always, especially when she grows up and becomes a teenager. Taylor’s priority was always Bailey’s well-being, and seeing her permanently placed in a loving home was the most rewarding outcome. Taylor hopes, despite the challenges that Bailey may face in the future, that she will know all those associated with her case truly desire the very best for her!

Story of Hope: Tameka Woolfolk

By bfines • January 21, 2026
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.

January Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • January 21, 2026
Lauren Lynes-Martinez
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