Story of Hope: Alisha Ilufi

Alisha was assigned to advocate for two sisters, Anita and Adriana, who were removed from their mother in April 2023 due to the mother’s use of illegal substances. At the time, Anita was 9 years old and was placed in kinship care with her paternal grandmother. Alisha stepped in just in time to assist with Anita’s transition to her grandmother’s home and a new school.

Alisha supported the grandmother in adjusting to having a young child in her care by helping her access food pantries, find free activities for children Anita’s age, and obtain household essentials from CASA’s donation supply. She also facilitated communication with Anita’s new school, ensuring they were aware of her previous academic records, which showed she was two grade levels behind.

When Alisha noticed that Anita was not being taken to her weekly counseling sessions, she advocated for in-home counseling to make it easier for the sessions to occur. However, the grandmother frequently requested financial and other forms of assistance, raising ongoing concerns.

After four months, the CPS caseworker called Alisha early one morning to report that the grandmother had requested Anita’s immediate removal, even if it meant she would be placed out of the area. The caseworker added that she could potentially find an alternative foster placement in San Antonio if given some time. Alisha acted quickly, picking Anita up to remove her from a potentially volatile situation and keeping her occupied throughout the day to give CPS the time it needed. By the end of the day, CPS found another kinship placement for Anita with her great-aunt and uncle, and Alisha helped her transition once again. She also returned to the previous placement to collect Anita’s belongings, ensuring she had familiar toys and school clothes. This marked Anita’s third placement in less than a year.

The great-aunt and uncle also faced challenges in adjusting to having a minor child in their home. Alisha provided emotional support, reminding them of Anita’s struggles as the child of a parent battling addiction, her need to adjust to new environments and rules, and the recent rejection by her grandmother. Alisha continued to advocate for in-home counseling and addressed Anita’s academic needs at her third school that year.

Meanwhile, Anita’s younger sister Adriana, just 2 years old, was removed from her foster care placement due to a medical concern requiring investigation. She was placed in a home 120 miles away. Alisha personally visited Adriana and arranged a virtual visit between the sisters to ease Anita’s worry about her sibling.

Alisha was able to inform the judge that Anita deeply wished to be reunited with her mother and sister. After the mother successfully completed her service plan, a monitored return was granted. During this period, Alisha observed how happy Anita was living with her mother and sister and supported the reunification. By June 2024, the children were officially returned to their mother’s care.

Alisha’s unwavering dedication made a life-changing difference for Anita and Adriana. She provided stability and advocacy during one of the most uncertain periods of their lives, ensuring their needs were met at every turn. Her compassion, persistence, and commitment gave these sisters hope for a brighter future and the chance to rebuild their family bonds.