Story of Hope: Karin Kohler

Advocate Karin Kohler was assigned a sibling group of two in March of 2022. The children were initially removed due to emotional abuse and neglectful supervision. The children were 14 and 10 years old and placed in a relative home. Karin started to gather medical documentation for all children due to the history of psychiatric hospitalizations. Due to their hospitalizations, they had missed a great amount of school. Karin reached out to the school to ensure the children were attending school regularly and ensure that appropriate educational accommodations were in place. The children had many tardies and absences. The concerns were noted in her court report and Judge Burley assigned an Educational Surrogate.

She continued to reach out to the school regularly to be kept up to date on their progress and attendance. Unfortunately, the children were removed from their placement and placed with other relatives. Karin was able to secure bunk beds for the new placement to help ensure the placement would be appropriate and the children would have appropriate sleeping arrangements. Although she was able to secure and deliver school supplies to the children prior to the placement change, the children were not able to move with their supplies that had been provided previously. Karin was quick to arrange with her supervisor to pick up new supplies because school for the children was starting the next day and did not have anything at the time.

Shortly after school started in August 2022 the oldest child was hospitalized again and required a 5-week outpatient stay. Once she was able to return to her school Karin was meeting with the school guidance counselor to ensure that the child’s 504 accommodations had transferred and was in place. Karin soon learned that the school was not aware of her previous 504 accommodations. She was able to get a 504 scheduled within 2 weeks.

Karin has been a great advocate focusing on educational and safety advocacy for both children and has been sure to keep everyone informed for the children’s best interest.

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Story of Hope: Staff Advocate Stephanie

By bfines • April 14, 2026

In April 2023, Child Protective Services received a referral reporting that two sisters, ages 15 and 16, were being held at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center following a family altercation. Mother informed the department that she did not have a place for the girls to be released, and they were subsequently placed in an emergency shelter. Mother was asked if she would attend the court hearing and stated that she would not. Although both sisters were released to Mother from the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center, Mother refused to pick them up. There were no relatives or family friends willing to provide placement for the girls, and Mother stated that she wanted to voluntarily sign over her parental rights. Stephanie was assigned as the CASA Staff Advocate in May 2025. By this time, both sisters had experienced multiple placements. The older sister was 18 years old, enrolled in College Docket, and preparing to graduate from high school. The younger sister was 17 years old and residing at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center. Although the sisters were on different paths, they remained emotionally connected and struggled with maintaining contact due to their circumstances. CASA attended the older sister’s high school graduation and the graduation celebration that followed. CASA assisted her with completing all required paperwork and testing necessary for college enrollment. Additionally, CASA supported her in moving into her first apartment, helping her get settled and navigate the challenges of early adulthood. While the younger sister was residing at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Center, CASA met with her shortly after assignment and introduced herself. The younger sister was later transferred to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). CASA continued to maintain contact despite challenges related to TJJD policies and procedures. CASA established a positive and consistent point of contact, worked to understand TJJD visitation processes, gathered relevant information, maintained communication with the youth, and actively worked to schedule sibling visitation. CASA has remained a consistent and reliable support system for the older sister as she transitions into adulthood. The youth frequently contacts CASA for guidance and assistance with everyday questions, and CASA continues to provide support. The older sister is currently passing all of her college courses, earning straight A’s, and is actively seeking employment. For the younger sister, CASA remains in close communication with TJJD case managers. CASA provides ongoing support through in-person visits every three months and monthly video calls. CASA is also gathering clothing, legal documentation, and preparing a comprehensive resource packet to support the younger sister upon her release. Through every challenge this case brings, Stephanie will stand beside these sisters, offering unwavering support and encouragement as they discover their strength and reach their full potential.

April Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • April 14, 2026

Joy Varner

Story of Hope: Karin Kohler