October Advocate Spotlight

Sandra Jarzombek

Advocate: Joseph Zlotkowski

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

“I have been an advocate since May 2022. I wanted to become an advocate as far back as 2012 yet we were still actively fostering and then providing Respite for the families we mentored. The day after our last family adopted their kids, I signed up for classes."


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

“Being the constant in my boy's life. They have been through so much at such a young age. It is heartwarming when they squeal my name as they come in for a hug. I also enjoy that one of the foster moms will call me to reinforce positive behaviors they are displaying. Over the year I have watched all five of my kids grow and learn to trust again.”


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

“Three things: 1) Remember your job is to advocate for the children in your case. You should befriend the bio parents and encourage them to successfully complete their service plans while focusing on what is in the best interest of the children. 2) QTIP--Quit Taking It Personal. So much happens in foster care that is simply ridiculous, you can't take it personally and need to stay focused on the children. 3) Trust your CASA supervisor. They have seen and heard it all. They have your back and are an excellent sounding board and resource.”

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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