Story of Hope: Illiana
March Advocate Impact Story
Written By: Illiana's Advocate Supervisor
For her first case as a new CASA advocate, Illiana chose to advocate for Michael and Gabriela after she learned about the severe abuse and medical neglect they had suffered. Throughout the case, Illiana advocated diligently for 5-year-old Michael, and 4-year-old Gabriela, primarily focusing on their medical, psychological, and educational needs.
While the children were placed with foster parents, Illiana discovered that the foster parents were giving Michael ADHD medication, although he had never been diagnosed with ADHD. She quickly informed the children’s ad litem and CPS and Michael was promptly taken off the medications. Because of the extensive trauma they had experienced, Illiana advocated for the children to be enrolled in play therapy. After they were placed in therapy, she made sure to maintain consistent communication with the therapist, where she reported her concerns about the children. When the children moved placements, Illiana visited their new schools to ensure they were adjusting well and receiving a good education with any additional support they needed.
"Because of the extensive trauma they had experienced, Illiana advocated for the children to be enrolled in play therapy."
After initially not making any progress toward his court-ordered services, the children’s father announced he would be seeking full custody, and began working on his service plan. He also recommended his grandmother as a potential placement.
Illiana knew it would be a difficult move for Michael and Gabriela since this would be their 5th since entering foster care. She visited the children on a weekly basis, until they were placed with their great-grandmother 250 miles from her, in the aptly named Pharr, TX. Even at this great distance, Illiana continued to support the children. She accompanied the children’s caseworker when they drove to drop the children off at their new home, and then continued to drive the 250 miles on her own to see the children monthly. She also made sure to keep ongoing communication with their caregivers, observed many parent / child visits, and was able to gather valuable information that aided her in her permanency recommendations.
During this chaotic time on the case, Illiana remained steadfastly focused on determining the children’s best interests. She went above and beyond on her case. She interviewed the children, CPS, and the children’s ad litem, kinship placement and foster parents. Her final recommendation about permanency was thoughtful and deliberate, and she was not intimidated by reaching a different conclusion than other parties on her case. The children were permanently placed with their great-grandmother, while the father was granted possessory rights.
Illiana never lost sight of her CASA children, and she always worked diligently to advocate for their best interests. Since she has become an Advocate at CASA, she has completed two cases with a total of five children, and is currently advocating for four children on her third case. Her focus and priority are her CASA children’s well-being, and making sure the court is informed of concerns and recommendations on her case. Since the beginning, Illiana has never shied away from making her voice heard because she recognizes that she represents the voices of her CASA children, and the eyes of the court.
Help us provide more Advocates like Illiana who are willing to go above and beyond to provide a voice for children in foster care.
Fund Their Hope
From January 2022 to November 2024, Michelle Custard profoundly impacted the lives of three siblings navigating the challenges of the foster care system. These children endured heartbreaking instability, including the pain of a failed adoption after a year and repeated returns to Group Homes. Each setback deepened their sense of uncertainty, but Michelle became a steadfast presence in their lives. As their CASA advocate, Michelle worked tirelessly to ensure their voices were heard and their needs were prioritized. She championed their right to stay together as a sibling group, safeguarded their emotional well-being, and continuously fought for their Best Interests in court. Her unwavering support gave them hope during a tumultuous time. When a cousin from another state expressed a desire to adopt the siblings, Michelle's role expanded even further. She facilitated communication between state agencies, provided much-needed emotional support to the children, and guided the cousin through the intricate and often daunting adoption requirements. The journey was anything but easy. The cousin faced numerous legal and logistical hurdles, but their determination never wavered. Thanks to Michelle’s persistence and dedication, the cousin successfully navigated the system, demonstrating their readiness to provide a loving and stable home. In the end, the siblings were united with family, beginning a new chapter filled with the stability and security they had long deserved. Michelle's advocacy not only reunited them with their kin but also changed the trajectory of their lives, ensuring they could grow and thrive together in a nurturing environment.
Lora Lane
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