Advocate Impact: Benny Soto & JoAnn Herring
July Story of Hope
Written By: Benny and JoAnn's Advocate Supervisor
Christina (8), and Anna (7), were brought into care for neglectful supervision, physical abuse and allegations of sexual abuse by mom’s boyfriend. The girls were also found dirty and hungry. Even though the girls were only a year apart, Christina assumed the parental role and protected Anna in any way she could. When they were removed they were placed in an emergency shelter until a maternal aunt was located for placement. Around the 6 month mark of the case the maternal aunt was going back and forth with CPS on if she was going to be able to care for the girls’ long term. JoAnn and Benny assured them that no matter where they were placed their CASA’s would be with them every step of the way. The next month CPS got the call that the aunt could no longer care for them and for the caseworker to go pick up the girls up as soon as possible. At this point in the case there had already been 4 different caseworkers and it was not looking like permanency for these girls was an option. Finally, a foster to adopt placement was identified and the girls were placed almost immediately. CASA made a placement visit to see how the girls were adjusting and they both stated they could see that there was an instant bond between the four of them.
JoAnn and Benny assured them that no matter where they were placed their CASA’s would be with them every step of the way.
Everything seemed to be going great for a few months and the case was nearing the 10-month mark when another Great Aunt, whom the children had never met, came forward and wanted to be considered for placement. When the children got wind of the possibility of being moved again their anxiety went through the roof and they were constantly worried about being ripped out of yet another home and placed with strangers. They had also just gotten over the fact that their previous Aunt did not want them and could no longer care for them. To make matters worse, the case was transferred yet again to another caseworker. Benny and JoAnn remained the one constant on this case and were able to give a bit of background to the new caseworker.
The new caseworker did a preliminary home assessment on the Great Aunt but felt it would be in their best interest if the children stayed with their current foster parents. The CASA’s also expressed that these girls needed permanency as soon as possible and they did not feel it was in their best interest to drag this case on longer that it already had. In the end, the parents’ rights were terminated and the foster family was able to
successfully adopt the girls. Christina was assured that she would no longer have to take care of her sister and that she could just be a kid again.
This family along with Benny and JoAnn will be featured in this year’s
Gallery of Hope.
JoAnn and Benny have successfully completed two cases and are currently working two special requests cases, totaling 6 children all together.
Advocates like JoAnn and Benny are able to make a considerable difference in children's lives through the training and support they receive through CASA. Your gifts make it possible for more compassionate volunteers to be trained. Please consider making a gift
today as we try to ensure that every child who needs an advocate will get one!
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Brennan Holland was assigned to Sarah in December 2022. Sarah entered foster care with a history of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, yet she remains incredibly resilient. Throughout her time in care, she has experienced multiple placements. Brennan quickly learned that Sarah has a strong passion for neuroscience and dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon. Determined to pursue her goal, she graduated early from high school and is now enrolled in the College Bound Docket program, attending her school of choice—UTSA. However, the path to achieving her dream has not been without challenges.\ Sarah received a discharge notice from her current placement and was denied Supervised Independent Living (SIL) until she turned 18. It felt as though no one was giving her a real chance. CASA stepped in to advocate for Sarah’s independence, pushing for her to live in a dorm on her own. Not everyone on her team supported this idea due to concerns about her age, limited independent living experience, and fears that she might run away, be influenced by older peers, or engage in risky behavior. CASA, however, continued to stand by Sarah, even offering financial assistance to help her move into a dorm until she became eligible for SIL. At Sarah’s next court hearing on January 24, 2025, her attorney ad litem filed a motion for her to live in a dorm at UTSA. CASA once again advocated for the court to approve this plan. The judge, quoting Brennan’s court report, stated, “Brennan said it correctly: You are going to succeed or fail based on your decisions.” Ultimately, the judge authorized Sarah to live in the dorms on campus and ordered CPS to cover the cost of SIL. CASA recently assisted Sarah in moving into her very first dorm room, and we are excited to see what the future holds for her. Since being placed on campus, she has built a strong network of supportive adults to help her thrive. The impact of CASA facilitating these vital connections is crucial in ensuring that young adults like Sarah have the support they need to successfully transition into adulthood.
Emily White
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