May Story of Hope: Devin's Journey with Adriana's Help

Advocate Impact Story


CASA advocates that are assigned to Youth engaged in the College Docket Program have been collaborating with service providers, CPS, schools, and caregivers to ensure our Youths’ goals of higher education are supported and realized. Of the 80% Foster Youth who indicate they want to attend college, only 2-4% graduate with at least an Associate’s degree. Bexar County Fostering Educational Success Program has identified support networks to ensure our Foster Youth in Bexar County have access to higher education and are supported on campus to complete their degree of choice.

Less than one month after Devin was on-boarded to the College Docket program, Advocate, Adriana Krupka was assigned and ready to work with him towards his goal of higher education. Working with her Advocate Supervisor, Adriana identified that she would be a support for Devin and advocate for his educational needs and goals—both short and long term.

Within a month, Adriana had made connections with Devin’s summer school program and head counselor to assess his situation and create a plan for success. During this pandemic, Devin, like most of the children and youth we serve, struggled with distance learning. Devin went from good grades, to failing many. When the information Adriana had gathered from these school officials were reported to court during the College Docket hearings, the court agreed that an Educational Advocate Attorney be appointed to ensure Devin was receiving any and all services through the school to bring his grades back up and retain them. 

During these College Docket hearings, our Youth are expected to be present and have the floor to speak to Judge about their educational goals, current situations, and bring up any barriers they may have in realizing these goals. Adriana created a safe space during these hearings to allow Devin to bring up—in his own words—what he needs; to advocate for himself. He needed to continue credit recovery, and wanted to have the opportunity to study the SAT before taking the test. 

Another point of advocacy that was so important to Devin’s future was his legal permanency. CPS had planned to transfer guardianship to Devin’s foster parents prior to him turning 18. Since Devin had been in foster care since 2018, his Advocate Adriana and College Docket supported a different goal: aging out of care. This was advocated for in order that Devin receive all due benefits from his time in care to aging out, his Educational Tuition Voucher (free tuition to in-state public universities and colleges). This was able to be achieved in collaboration with his placement, CPS, CASA, and the Court. 

At age 18, Devin decided with his support team to Age Out of the foster care system. Although he is no longer under the care of CPS, he (and others in similar situations) are able to continue through college (UTSA) with the support of Bexar County College Docket Aftercare Program (attending lunches with Judge, financial and resource support through Bexar County College Docket), and the on-campus resource centers available at each college or university in Bexar County under the direction of Bexar County Fostering Educational Success Program. 

Story of Hope: Brennan Holland

By bfines • February 13, 2025
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.

February Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • February 13, 2025
Emily White
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