January Advocate Spotlight

Carolyn Wallace

Advocate: Joseph Zlotkowski

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

I was sworn in as an Advocate in February 2023 and signed on to my first case in March! I’ve been passionate about foster care, specifically teenagers in care, for several years but it wasn’t until I learned about CASA that I realized I could have an impact outside of being a foster parent. Once I learned about CASA I knew it was for me and applied as soon as I could!


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

The most rewarding part of being an Advocate is seeing the progress of your CASA kids! Often times working through trauma is a long and difficult process and it’s not linear, so I watch for any small victories and make a point to celebrate those with my kiddos. To an outsider these victories may seem small, but for the kids they feel huge so celebrating them helps the child know they have someone in their corner cheering them on and to stay motivated to keep going, even after a setback. Over time those small victories add up to a really big accomplishment! 


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

Remember that children are so much more than what is in their file. Sometimes children, especially those with high needs, can have a file that reads more like a “wrap sheet”, but it’s important to remember that those behaviors are trauma related and it does not make them a “bad kid”. Be patient, consistent, honest, listen, stick to your word, and never underestimate the importance of always showing up for them unconditionally. Over time (sometimes lots of time) they will start to open up to you and begin to trust you, and having someone they can trust to consistently be there for them can make all the difference in their life. 

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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