April Advocate Spotlight

Brittany Coppage

Advocate: Joseph Zlotkowski

1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?

I began my advocate journey back in 2019. I remember seeing a commercial for CASA, and it really interested me given its unique opportunity to not only be able to be hands-on with the children who are in the foster care system, but also in the legal system to advocate on their behalf. I think all of us have been touched or saddened by a foster care story that's been presented in the news or knowing someone personally who has gone through the system. Once I found out about this opportunity, I could no longer sit idly by without doing something. Children are vulnerable and deserve to be taken care of. I became an advocate so I could have the opportunity to help just one child. If I could just help one, then I feel like I did my very small part to make this system better for our community's children. Luckily, I have had the opportunity to serve more than one- which makes it even sweeter!


2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an advocate?

The most rewarding aspect of being a CASA advocate is absolutely developing the special bond with the children I have the pleasure to advocate for. Nothing is better than getting a huge hug and seeing that they are happy and healthy! To know that I am on their team, and that I can help provide the important advocacy for their well-being and safety is a really amazing feeling.


3. If you could offer some words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?

If I were to offer some words of encouragement to anyone who is or who is becoming an advocate, I'd tell them that this is such a unique experience that will make a difference in a child's life. It may seem overwhelming at times but trust your supervisor to guide you throughout your case. From understanding the process of a case, the legal system, working with attorneys and CPS caseworkers - this is truly an amazing opportunity to learn and expand your mind, especially in complicated situations. Each case will be different and offer opportunities for you as an advocate to develop your skills and become even better for the children you will be helping. It is a huge responsibility. You may have to juggle a career, your own family, and whatever life throws at you while you work on your case, so be ready to just keep going! The reward of helping a child will make the hard work with it and knowing you can make a difference in our community is an amazing superpower to have.

Children Reading under blanket

Story of Hope: Christina Albert

By bfines • April 10, 2025
CASA Volunteer Advocate, Christina Albert, was appointed to the case. She immediately contacted CPS, then reached out to the grandparents and traveled to visit the children.

Story of Hope: Alfredo Concha

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.
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