Story of Hope: Christina Brockway

Story of Hope: Christina Brockway 


Christina has been amplifying the voices of her CASA children since 2015. Throughout her seven years at CASA, Christina has made huge impacts on her cases, seeing several of them through to adoption and even maintaining contact with some of her CASA children throughout the years.


Christina’s most recent case, however, has been a challenging and emotional one.

She was assigned to a case of a teen girl upon having been requested by the teen’s guardian ad-litem over a year ago. The teen girl came into the care of the Department after being recovered from a month on runaway status. The teen’s father refused to take her back; stating she had a history of running away and he was afraid she would continue to run, disrupting his other children’s lives. The teen’s mother's rights had previously been terminated in 2019 and there were no other viable relatives to care for her.


Upon meeting the teen, she and Christina immediately connected and formed a positive rapport with one another.


The case has not been easy. The teen has run from multiple placements, been involved in life-threatening situations requiring trips to the Emergency Room and hospitalizations. She has undergone traumatic experiences no child should have to go through.


Nevertheless, Christina has been by her side through it all. Every placement her teen has been admitted into, Christina visits shortly after, ensuring she has hygiene items, clothing and checking on her well-being. Christina was the first person at the hospital when her teen was admitted after a life-threatening accident. While on runaway, Christina constantly reaches out to her teen on social media, patiently waiting for a response letting her know she is safe. Although the teen does not disclose her whereabouts, she checks in with Christina to let her know she is safe. Other times, she has contacted Christina to pick her up at a nearby park as she’s ready to be in a placement. Several times Christina has been the only person her teen will reach out to when she’s on runaway.


Christina has also established a network of support with CPS, CASA, and attorneys on the case. She reaches out to the teen’s family looking for information, clues and answers on her teen’s whereabouts. She asks about other family members and friends that might be willing to take her.


And when in court, Christina will speak up for her teen, amplifying her voice and informing the Judge of not only what she wants, but what she needs and feels is in her best interest. Christina’s teen has been involved in three different courts: Children’s Court, CWOP- Children without Placement Court and Juvenile Court. At times these hearings have overlapped or were held multiples times a week. Christina has been to all hearings but one, as she was out ill. She writes reports, keeps up with staffing, meetings, and maintains parties on the case informed of any and all information pertaining to her teen.


Without a doubt, Christina has been a constant person in her CASA teen’s life. Her strong character and warm heart embody the qualities of a great CASA advocate. Although Christina’s teen is currently on runaway and the case may be far from over, her teen knows Christina is there for her, looking out for her, and has her best interest at heart.


Christina’s hope is to one day be able to see her teen in a safe, permanent, loving home and be able to spend quality time together going to a movie, out to a fancy dinner, or just bonding while getting their nails done.

Story of Hope: Nanette Hall

By bfines • November 20, 2025
During their TMC case, Nanette was assigned to two young ladies who shared a deep and loving bond with their toddler brother, who had been removed under a separate case. Recognizing that these young ladies had taken on caretaker roles for their brother, Nan wanted their visits to be safe, joyful, and centered around sibling connection rather than responsibility. Understanding the importance of preserving this relationship, Nan amplified the girls’ voices and advocated for consistent, meaningful visits while separate permanency options were being explored. She collaborated closely with the younger brother’s adoptive placement, the girls’ group home, and later their foster placement to create opportunities for the siblings to spend quality time together. When Nan was later assigned to the younger brother’s case during PMC, she was finally able to personally ensure that all three children shared visits outside of the CPS office—providing natural, family-centered experiences that strengthened their bond. Despite the children being on different permanency tracks, living in three separate placements, and facing numerous setbacks, Nan’s commitment to maintaining their connection never wavered. Eventually, the youngest child was adopted. Thanks to the strong, trusting relationship Nan had built with his adoptive family, she was able to continue arranging sibling visits even after his adoption was finalized. Nan coordinated fun, family-oriented outings where the children could enjoy time together and simply be siblings. Soon after, the middle child was also adopted. Nan ensured that all siblings were present to celebrate these important milestones in each other’s lives. She continues to organize opportunities for the siblings to connect and advocates for the oldest youth, who plans to transition out of foster care when they are older. Nan’s focus has always been on the well-being of the children. Despite challenges and complex case dynamics, she remained steadfast in ensuring that the children’s needs and wishes guided every decision. Her dedication to preserving the sibling bond demonstrates her deep understanding of how essential family connection is to achieve true permanency and emotional stability.

November Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • November 20, 2025
Natalie Rodriguez
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