Advocate Impact: Russell Oldmixon
February CASA Advocate Spotlight
Written By: Russel's Advocate Supervisor
Russell Oldmixon took his oath in February 2018 and immediately began his work with two children. The children had been placed in two separate placements and within two weeks, Russell had already contacted the caregivers and children. Russell has been very proactive in working with the children and all parties in the case. His Saturdays consist of attending parent/child visits and sibling visits. He is very attentive to family dynamics and how the children respond to each other and to their mother.
Russell has also made sure the children have adequate clothing by taking them to SA Threads. He consults with the children’s therapists on a regular basis and is very persistent in getting a response back from each therapist on the progress of each child. He has been able to relate some very important information regarding behaviors he himself has witnessed or has been informed of. When appropriate, he has advocated for CASA to assist in alternative forms of therapy such as Tae Kwon Do for one of the children. In addition, he advocated for the oldest child’s therapy to resume after a change in placement and was successful in getting it restarted. During the summer, he transported the oldest child to and from Boys & Girls Club to make sure she was getting appropriate socialization with peers her age.
(Russell) consults with the children’s therapists on a regular basis and is very persistent in getting a response back from each therapist on the progress of each child.
In meeting with children on a weekly basis, he makes it a point to take them on educational outings, such as to the library where they participated in the summer reading program. One of the most important outings would be to the zoo; neither child had ever been, so he took each and spent the day one-on-one. He brought the youngest to CASA’s Fall Festival and assisted in making their Halloween costumes. He made sure the oldest attended UTSA College Day, and often takes both for ice cream.
Russell also maintains weekly communication with the children’s teachers and school counselors. He made it a point to visit with the oldest child’s counselor when her placement changed because he was concerned that she might struggle with the change. When her placement changed, he assisted and made sure the transition was as smooth as possible. When he visits, he takes flash cards and other educational games with him. Russell keeps the Ad Litem updated on the children, sharing both positive fun experiences they've had along with his concerns. He has established a great relationship with all involved in the case. Russell has gone above and beyond his role as a CASA, he has dedicated his time to these children and truly “has their back” (as he says).
In December 2023, CPS received a Priority One referral regarding a 2-year-old child named Katherine, who had been hospitalized after ingesting narcotics. Her mother, Jessica, admitted to being under the influence of methamphetamines at the time. Katherine later tested positive for amphetamines, prompting the Department to seek removal of both Katherine and her 4-year-old sister, Valerie. Their maternal grandmother expressed willingness to care for them but only if CPS became involved. CASA advocate Alfredo Concha was appointed to the case and immediately took action. He contacted the grandparents and met with the children. During that visit, he learned that while the grandparents were willing to provide temporary care, they could not commit beyond December 2024. They had already adopted the girls' older sibling, which kept them busy, and as elderly caregivers, they felt unable to raise two young children long-term. They made it clear—either Jessica would have to get her life back on track by December, or the girls would need another placement. Understanding the urgency, Alfredo used Collaborative Family Engagement tools to seek additional family members who could offer support. He built a strong working relationship with Jessica, which proved invaluable. Through collaboration with Jessica, the grandparents, CPS, and the children's attorney, Alfredo identified and addressed barriers to reunification. A primary concern was Jessica’s history of substance abuse and the risk of relapse. After completing inpatient drug treatment, Jessica chose to move in with her ex-boyfriend, Robert, and his mother, Marie. Given Robert’s history of substance abuse and their previously volatile relationship, Alfredo recommended that Robert participate in services to strengthen their family dynamic. This included undergoing a substance abuse assessment, engaging in treatment, and completing a domestic violence prevention program. Alfredo also ensured Robert and Marie were included in planning meetings. During one of these meetings, Marie expressed her willingness to take in the children and committed to caring for them regardless of Jessica and Robert’s relationship. With this new support system in place, the girls were able to return to Jessica on December 3, 2024. CPS and Alfredo closely monitored the placement for several weeks to ensure stability. By January 2025, Alfredo recommended case closure, allowing the family to move forward with their lives. During the final hearing, Jessica addressed the court, expressing her gratitude. She stated that without the support of CPS and Alfredo, she would not have been able to succeed.
Larry Rushing
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