November Advocacy Tip

Every month CASA publishes an "Advocacy Tip" to give Advocates the chance to earn 1 Hour of Ongoing Training Credit. Take the quiz at the bottom to earn your credit!

Testifying in Court


Advocates can be called to testify by any of the attorneys assigned to the case. This may occur at any of the scheduled hearings; however, it is more common during the Trial of Merits. Your testimony is in addition to your court report(s) when testifying. All testimony is recorded and becomes a part of the permanent case file.


Review Your Reports

In preparing for trial, it is important to review your CASA reports to the court and any other records you have obtained during the pendency of the case. Endure you have up-to-date information from CPS caseworker(s), caregiver(s), the parents, and, most importantly, the child(ren). Things to consider: the desires of each child, the emotional and physical needs of each child now AND in the future, parental/permanent caregiver abilities, placement stability and the parent/caregiver-child relationship ("bond"). Preparation is key to ensure you present as a competent witness.


Meet With Your Supervisor

Schedule a time to meet with your Advocate Supervisor prior to trial to review the facts of the case, review what hearsay* is and how that may affect your testimony and discuss your final recommendations. The more prepared you are, the more confident you will come across when testifying.

*Hearsay: evidence that is offered by a witness of which they do not have direct knowledge but, rather, their testimony is based on what others have said to them.


Research Your Case

Obtain Information on your case firsthand. you may also read and review any important documents in the case file created by professional service providers. When you hear an objection to hearsay, pause your testimony and only continue if this objection is overruled. Everything you testify to is based in fact and truth. Only answer what is asked. If you do not know the answer to a question, testify that you do not know the answer. Pause before answering any questions to be sure that you understand the question fully and are able to answer in the most concise manner possible.


Your testimony should be based on what is in the best interest of the child(ren)on your case. You have been the constant for these children, and, through testimony, you are in a position to provide the court valuable insight and perspective on what you believe is the best outcome possible for the child(ren)on the case.


Summary

In a nutshell, Advocates testifying need to keep the following in mind:

  1. Know your case.
  2. Review case information and practice your testimony.
  3. Be prepared.
  4. Be concise and factual in your testimony.
  5. And ALWAYS keep your child(ren)'s best interest clearly in mind.

Advocacy Tip Quiz

Story of Hope: Staff Advocate Stephanie

By bfines • April 14, 2026
In April 2023, Child Protective Services received a referral reporting that two sisters, ages 15 and 16, were being held at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center following a family altercation. Mother informed the department that she did not have a place for the girls to be released, and they were subsequently placed in an emergency shelter. Mother was asked if she would attend the court hearing and stated that she would not. Although both sisters were released to Mother from the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center, Mother refused to pick them up. There were no relatives or family friends willing to provide placement for the girls, and Mother stated that she wanted to voluntarily sign over her parental rights. Stephanie was assigned as the CASA Staff Advocate in May 2025. By this time, both sisters had experienced multiple placements. The older sister was 18 years old, enrolled in College Docket, and preparing to graduate from high school. The younger sister was 17 years old and residing at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center. Although the sisters were on different paths, they remained emotionally connected and struggled with maintaining contact due to their circumstances. CASA attended the older sister’s high school graduation and the graduation celebration that followed. CASA assisted her with completing all required paperwork and testing necessary for college enrollment. Additionally, CASA supported her in moving into her first apartment, helping her get settled and navigate the challenges of early adulthood. While the younger sister was residing at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center, CASA met with her shortly after assignment and introduced herself. The younger sister was later transferred to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). CASA continued to maintain contact despite challenges related to TJJD policies and procedures. CASA established a positive and consistent point of contact, worked to understand TJJD visitation processes, gathered relevant information, maintained communication with the youth, and actively worked to schedule sibling visitation. CASA has remained a consistent and reliable support system for the older sister as she transitions into adulthood. The youth frequently contacts CASA for guidance and assistance with everyday questions, and CASA continues to provide support. The older sister is currently passing all of her college courses, earning straight A’s, and is actively seeking employment. For the younger sister, CASA remains in close communication with TJJD case managers. CASA provides ongoing support through in-person visits every three months and monthly video calls. CASA is also gathering clothing, legal documentation, and preparing a comprehensive resource packet to support the younger sister upon her release. Through every challenge this case brings, Stephanie will stand beside these sisters, offering unwavering support and encouragement as they discover their strength and reach their full potential.

April Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • April 14, 2026
Joy Varner
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