October Advocate Spotlight

Sandra Lopez

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

I’ve been an Advocate for 6 years. I first met a CASA Advocate about 10 years ago while in an ARD meeting. She explained her role and participated in this ARD actively and was knowledgeable about her child and his needs. Afterwards, I asked her about her experience and what it would take to become one. I remember telling myself I wanted to be volunteer like her, once I retired. I retired 6 years ago and saw the street CASA announcement and signed up.


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

I love building relationships with my children. I love when they call me because they have an issue or when they start to tell me about parts of their lives that were once not talked about. In both of these instances, I feel our relationship has risen to a level of trust. I know our children are wanting to have adults on their side that they can trust and count on.


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

Build relationships over a meal. Our children look forward to going out for a meal and they start to build quality time while sitting across from you enjoy time and a shared meal. I find that our drive back is invaluable. 


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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