Story of Hope: Danya McCree

Danya McCree was sworn in as a CASA advocate in September of 2022. During her exit interview, she mentioned that she preferred to work with younger children but would consider wherever there was a need. The case I presented to her was that of a 17-year-old boy named Ryan. Danya read his history and learned that he was severely neglected and had sustained physical abuse. She stated that she had been praying about the case she would receive and knew that it would be a teen.


She was more than ready for the case. She met with Ryan for the first time, and he was pretty withdrawn and had a hard time expressing himself to her. She expressed to her supervisor having trouble getting him to open up. While she understood his history, she knew that there was a lot that he was not expressing. It was not until a car ride to grab dinner that she discovered his absolute love for 80’s music and classic rock. She was amazed at how this music allowed him to open up and express himself. Ryan stated that there were times that he was left alone and the only thing he had was music, so he learned to allow the music to speak for him. This love for music would strengthen the relationship between the two. They planned weekly car rides just to talk and listen to music. They even dressed up in their favorite 80’s attire for Halloween. It was a true joy to see these two and their connection.

 

Due to Ryan’s history, he was very behind in school and required a lot of dental work. Between Dayna, the CPS caseworker and a very involved ad litem, he was back on track educationally and with a brand-new smile. In the beginning of the case, Ryan did not even think that he would graduate. Now, he is on the College Docket and has plans to attend college and possibly join the military.

 

This is no longer the quiet and withdrawn boy that everyone once knew. He has found his voice, he is on track to graduate, he is working, and he constantly thanks his advocate Dayna for simply showing up and playing the music. I know that it is not always easy to advocate for our older youth but sometimes they just need someone to listen and speak their language, which in this case was MUSIC!

Story of Hope: Alfredo Concha

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.

March Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • March 21, 2025
Larry Rushing
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