Story of Hope: Melanie O'Shea

Advocate Impact Story

Nicole (10yo), Jessica (8yo) and Isaac (7yo) returned to care a week after being reunified with their mother in October of 2018.


Melanie O’Shea, their CASA advocate, entered their lives in February of 2019 and has been a contact figure in their lives ever since. The children have been in multiple placements and have lived in three separate placements since January 2019. Melanie made sure to spend time with each child in their placements prior to the pandemic, celebrating birthdays and accomplishments and including their siblings in each event. She also helped to facilitate sibling visits.


When the pandemic hit, Melanie continued to remain in the children’s lives by participating in their sibling visits virtually. There were times when Isaac missed the virtual calls with his sisters so Melanie would send reminders to his placement to ensure they would have time together weekly. During the virtual visits with the children and Melanie, they often play games, play with their toys or color while telling Melanie about their day. She has frequent phone calls with Nicole trying to keep her encouraged when she becomes sad about life. She has done Porch drop-offs for birthdays and holidays for each of them. Bringing them something special with each delivery.



Melanie has been a warrior when it comes to getting permanency for these children. The children are not able to be adopted as their mother maintains her rights. Nicole has been in an RTC since January of 2019 due in part to aggressive behaviors. Melanie is in close communication with the RTC staff and therapist as well and school personnel. Isaac has been in several placements including an emergency shelter and three foster homes. He has begun to display aggressive behaviors especially when he is in school. Melanie has attended ARD’s and teacher conferences virtually for him and maintains regular communication with his current foster parents helping to ensure placement stability. Jessica is in a great foster home where she is thriving. Jessica had been severely behind in school when she entered care. With the support of her current foster parents she has improved greatly and was recently tested for the GT program at her school. Melanie receives pictures of her playing soccer, on vacations, and just enjoying life. Melanie continues to speak with the caseworker and the children’s ad litem about permanency for the children. She reaches out the children’s mother to discuss progress. Melanie makes sure that these children will not be forgotten. 

Story of Hope: Brennan Holland

By bfines • February 13, 2025
Brennan Holland was assigned to Sarah in December 2022. Sarah entered foster care with a history of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, yet she remains incredibly resilient. Throughout her time in care, she has experienced multiple placements. Brennan quickly learned that Sarah has a strong passion for neuroscience and dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon. Determined to pursue her goal, she graduated early from high school and is now enrolled in the College Bound Docket program, attending her school of choice—UTSA. However, the path to achieving her dream has not been without challenges.\ Sarah received a discharge notice from her current placement and was denied Supervised Independent Living (SIL) until she turned 18. It felt as though no one was giving her a real chance. CASA stepped in to advocate for Sarah’s independence, pushing for her to live in a dorm on her own. Not everyone on her team supported this idea due to concerns about her age, limited independent living experience, and fears that she might run away, be influenced by older peers, or engage in risky behavior. CASA, however, continued to stand by Sarah, even offering financial assistance to help her move into a dorm until she became eligible for SIL.  At Sarah’s next court hearing on January 24, 2025, her attorney ad litem filed a motion for her to live in a dorm at UTSA. CASA once again advocated for the court to approve this plan. The judge, quoting Brennan’s court report, stated, “Brennan said it correctly: You are going to succeed or fail based on your decisions.” Ultimately, the judge authorized Sarah to live in the dorms on campus and ordered CPS to cover the cost of SIL. CASA recently assisted Sarah in moving into her very first dorm room, and we are excited to see what the future holds for her. Since being placed on campus, she has built a strong network of supportive adults to help her thrive. The impact of CASA facilitating these vital connections is crucial in ensuring that young adults like Sarah have the support they need to successfully transition into adulthood.

February Advocate Spotlight

By bfines • February 13, 2025
Emily White
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