Story of Hope: Valerie Vara


Advocate Valerie Vara became a beacon of stability for three siblings—Ariel, Anna, and Aaron—living with their maternal grandmother. Each child carried their own burdens, but with Valerie’s unwavering support, they began to find their voices and regain a sense of security and normalcy. Valerie not only provided guidance but also served as a constant presence in their lives, making a profound difference during a turbulent time.


One of Valerie's most significant contributions was advocating for the children to attend therapy. Recognizing their need to process their emotions and experiences, she ensured they received the professional help necessary to navigate their feelings. For Aaron, who was particularly struggling with his relationship with their father, Valerie became a trusted ally. When he voiced his hesitation about visiting, she listened attentively and respected his feelings, reassuring him that it was okay to set boundaries. This validation was invaluable for Aaron, who often felt unheard in his family dynamics.


The gratitude expressed by the children, especially Aaron, was a testament to the trust they placed in Valerie. He often told her how much he appreciated her willingness to listen and understand, allowing him to feel safe sharing his fears. As the therapy sessions progressed, the children began to flourish, revealing their bright personalities and newfound confidence. The three siblings thrived and started doing much better academically. Anna was diagnosed with ADHD and was prescribed meditation, which helped her tremendously in school.


At trial, the parents maintained their possessory rights and maternal grandmother was given primary conservatorship. Valerie advocated for the parents to provide child support to the grandmother and it was granted. Valerie’s commitment to the children have been nothing short of inspiring. By advocating for their needs and providing emotional support, she has helped them build resilience and hope for the future.


The bond they share is a reminder of the incredible impact one person can have on the lives of others. 

Story of Hope: Staff Advocate JoAnn

By bfines • October 15, 2025
In September 2024, the department first became involved with a family of five following allegations of substance abuse and medical neglect concerning the mother. Child Protective Investigations (CPI) initially sought to keep the family together by implementing a safety plan with fictive kin—a family the mother and children had met during their stay at Haven for Hope. The hope was that this new placement would provide stability for the children while keeping them safely with someone familiar. For a few weeks, it seemed to be working. But on October 29, 2024, the mother told the fictive kin she was going to retrieve her remaining belongings from Haven for Hope—and never returned. From November 2024 through February 2025, CPS continued its efforts to locate her while supporting the kinship placement and meeting the children’s needs. In January 2025, the kinship placement informed the department that she could no longer care for the youngest child, Ava, due to her severe behavioral needs. Faced with these challenges, the department made the difficult decision to file for removal to provide more comprehensive support for the children and the kinship caregivers. Ava was quickly placed in a foster home in February 2025, while her three brothers remained with fictive kin. Around this time, CASA Staff Advocate JoAnn Herring was assigned to the case. By April 2025, safety concerns prompted the immediate removal of the boys. They were placed in an emergency shelter while the department and JoAnn worked tirelessly to explore placing them with their sister in her foster home. Caring for four children is a big ask, especially for new foster parents, but with support from JoAnn and the department, the foster family rose to the challenge. By May 2025, all four siblings were finally reunited under one roof—a first major victory for this family. Even with the siblings together, challenges remained. The children had significant medical and educational needs. Michael, who had experienced medical neglect while in his mother’s care, was diagnosed with Stage 5 chronic kidney disease, requiring frequent doctor visits, hospital stays, and surgery. During these times, JoAnn visited the hospital regularly, offering support and encouragement to both Michael and his foster parents. JoAnn also worked closely with the department and foster family to ensure the other children—Ava, Mateo, and Leo—received the therapeutic and educational support they needed. Through Collaborative Family Engagement meetings, the team created a comprehensive plan addressing the children’s medical, educational, and therapeutic needs, with the goal of preventing placement disruption and ensuring the foster parents felt supported. Today, all four children are enrolled in school with 504 plans in place, and Michael has access to wrap-around medical services—another major triumph. The foster parents now feel confident in their ability to meet the children’s needs, and if the parents remain disengaged, the case may ultimately move toward termination. While that possibility is heartbreaking, the family has a permanent, loving home ready to care for them. Michael, though still facing significant medical challenges, has a strong team advocating for him every step of the way. This story is still unfolding, but it highlights the power of teamwork, advocacy, and dedication in helping children find stability, care, and hope. It’s a reminder of what can be achieved when community, department staff, and CASA advocates go above and beyond to support children and families in need.

October Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • October 15, 2025
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