Advocate Spotlight: Joan Ulsher

December Advocate Interview

1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
I have been a volunteer advocate for one year as of November. I realized I wanted to be an advocate after my husband signed up a couple months before me. I have also been mentoring a young man who aged out of foster care for 9 years now and realized this was the next logical step towards serving children in need. As a foster care alumni myself, I knew that all children need someone to speak up for them. I’m grateful God opened my eyes and heart and revealed that becoming a child advocate was my chosen path and purpose. 

2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
The most rewarding aspect of being an advocate is knowing I am making a positive difference in the kids lives and getting their affirmation for those efforts! Teens can be particular, but I feel like my teens have come a long way in trusting me and that is a powerful responsibility. 

3. If you could offer words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
New advocates should not be shy. Be sure to question decisions that your training and “gut” are telling you to address. You are the voice for the children you represent and they are counting on you to challenge CPS, the attorneys or even the ADA when there is a specific need that should be addressed. Of course, always keep in contact with your advocate supervisor. Expect that they will want you to be candid with them too. Be sure to come to every discussion, service plan, meeting, or court hearing fully prepared. Know your case backwards and forwards and do additional research on specific needs like special education, developmental milestones, mental health challenges, and trauma based care among others. There’s no limit- it’s all what makes sense to your specific case. 
By bfines March 21, 2025
 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.
By bfines March 21, 2025
Larry Rushing
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