Story of Hope: Michelle Custard

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.

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.
By bfines March 21, 2025
Larry Rushing
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