Story of Hope: Ellie Harrington

Story of Hope: Ellie Harrington

     Ellie has been an Advocate with CASA for almost two years. She graduated from advocate training in May 2021, and eagerly signed onto her first case in July 2021. Upon reading the circumstances under which the four children she advocates for came into care, Ellie knew she wanted to do all she could to help these children. Her CASA children’s ages range from 3-17, and the case came into CPS custody because of neglect and drug use by the children’s parents. There were also mental health concerns for the mother and the eldest in this case was parentified to care for the younger siblings. The family has a long history of CPS, and upon their removal, the children were first placed with relatives.  However, those placements fell through, and the children were moved into different foster homes and separated from each other.

 

     Throughout the almost two years the case has been open, Ellie has been a constant figure in these children’s lives. She has followed them to every placement, school, and therapy they are enrolled in. Ellie makes it a point to visit with each child every month and spends quality time with them, asking about their well-being, feelings and wishes. She also ensures the children see each other and partake in sibling visits as they are very bonded to one another. Ellie will help transport the children to visits with their mother or will at times take the children out together so they can spend quality time with one another and maintain that bond. Ellie also makes sure at every home visit, the homes the children are placed in are safe, and not only providing for their physical needs, but their emotional needs as well. 


     Ellie has made several impacts on her case; maintaining close contact with the children’s attorney, their schools’ counselors, and teachers, and bringing up any concerns she sees. Ellie, the CPS caseworker, and the children’s attorney have formed an amazing team and keep each other updated regarding anything the children may need. One area Ellie has made a huge impact on is in the children’s educational goals. Ellie has advocated tirelessly to have the oldest children’s teachers test them for special services and is in constant communication with school counselors and teachers, requesting ARD meetings to ensure the children are receiving the educational services they need and deserve to help them succeed in school. Not only does Ellie communicate with the children’s teachers, therapists, and the caseworker to ensure she is made aware of any issues or concerns, she is also continually asking for information on assistance with driver’s ed for the oldest children and follows up with the PAL program coordinator to ensure both children are receiving those services. 

 

     Throughout the entirety of the case, Ellie has also maintained communication with the children’s mother. Mom has completed all court-ordered services and has truly made huge strides for the better. So much so, the children are currently in the process of transitioning back into the home. Unfortunately, the fathers in this case did not comply with services, but mother understood what needed to be done to be reunited with her children and continues to better herself for her children. Ellie’s encouragement has tremendously helped the outcome of this case; she listens and validates what the mother expresses to her, redirects her to the caseworker or her attorney with any questions mom has, and helps seek answers to questions mom may bring up. Anytime she has a question or concern, Ellie will call me or the caseworker to try to resolve an issue or find the best solution to the situation. She is also continually looking for resources in the community to help the family out. This past month, Ellie helped mom obtain a refrigerator needed to prepare her home for the children to return. Through CASA, Ellie will also help provide two beds and a toddler mattress for the children’s bedrooms. 


     Ellie has been a great blessing to this family. She has the perfect balance of compassion and courage. She is a mama bear when it comes to her CASA children and I am grateful for all she has done, not only for the children, but for me as her supervisor. Ellie is not afraid to speak up in court on the children’s behalf and has strongly voiced her opinion to all parties on the case over what she believes to be in the children’s best interest.  She keeps me informed of the case progress, exceeds CASA’s minimum expectations as an advocate, and attends trainings, meetings, and hearings regularly. Ellie is a true example of an exemplary CASA advocate!

By bfines April 25, 2025
A Message from Child Advocates San Antonio on National CASA/GAL Funding Termination On April 24, 2025, the National CASA/GAL Association announced that its federal funding through the U.S. Department of Justice has been terminated. As a result, National CASA is suspending subaward disbursements, training programs, and technical assistance. The organization is actively appealing the decision and assessing what services it can continue to provide during this transition. Info from National CASA can be found here. We understand that this announcement may raise concerns in the community, and we want to provide reassurance and clarity regarding how this news affects Child Advocates San Antonio. First and foremost: There is no impact to our organization or our services. We are fully operational and remain committed to serving the children and families in our community with the same excellence, integrity, compassion, and commitment we have always shown. Here are key facts we want our supporters and the public to know: Our funding remains secure. Child Advocates San Antonio has a diverse and stable funding base that includes a healthy mix of public and private funding. No one funding stream exceeds 50% of our budget. You can access our recent financials HERE. Our stability comes from strong state support and our dedicated Bexar County community, which keeps Child Advocates San Antonio resilient and focused on serving children. We do not receive subawards from National CASA. The suspension of subaward disbursements has no bearing on our funding or ability to operate. Our training programs continue without interruption. Our comprehensive and high-quality Advocate training programs are fully intact. We do not require technical assistance from National CASA. Our team is experienced, well-resourced, and prepared to continue all programming. No cuts, no hiring freezes, no changes to our operations. We remain fully staffed and actively engaged in our mission to advocate for children in foster care. Our commitment to advocating for children in foster care is unwavering, and our services continue as usual. We want to be clear: Child Advocates San Antonio is strong, stable, and here to stay. CASA programs in Texas are strong, independent, and fully committed to children in foster care. While we’re aware of the situation with National CASA/GAL, it doesn’t impact the critical advocacy happening here. Our commitment is clear: we will stand with the children we serve—until they are safe, their voices are heard, and their futures are secure. Our focus, as always, is on advocating for the best interests of children and ensuring they have a voice in court. Public support at all levels, including individuals, ensures we remain strong, regardless of national developments. No matter what, our mission stays the same – every child deserves to be safe, cared for, and have their voice heard. CASA’s mission is as important as ever— children in foster care need advocates who will stand by them. Start your Advocate Journey today!
By bfines April 11, 2025
Brittany Coppage
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