We invite you to meet Alice Carstens, nominated by Advocacy Specialist Rosa Hoadley. Alice joined Child Advocates as a volunteer in 2022, and she has served on three child welfare cases. Alice is the Child Advocates honoree at the 35th annual Women of Distinction luncheon in May 2025. She is being recognized for her dedication and enthusiasm for her volunteer work as an Advocate. She is a shining example of how one individual can make a profound impact on their community.

“Alice is amazing—a total firecracker!” Rosa said. “She cares so deeply and knows no bounds when it comes to advocating in the best interest for the children she serves. It is an honor to work with her, and I’ve learned so much from serving by her side.”

We asked Alice to share her experiences as an Advocate for children in our community.

Is there anything unique about your background that contributes to your approach to advocacy?

I’ve worked with youth at various churches for over 30 years as a youth leader and teacher. I have 32 years of professional experience in the legal field, dealing with the court system. I also have six children, 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren, so I have a lot of young people in my life. I’ve always volunteered throughout the years. You have to have a heart to help people, and I love people.

How did you become interested in volunteering as an Advocate?

I ran into Shellie [Shellie Tyrrell, Child Advocates Lead Outreach Specialist] at a community event, and she was handing out cards. I met her for coffee the next week [Chat with Child Advocates], and we talked about the role of an Advocate. I always volunteer to staff our tables at community events, such as the ones at Fitness Project and Purse Bingo, so that I can tell everyone about the importance of advocating for children in care. I’ve even tried to recruit people from my pickleball group!

Did you have any reservations about volunteering?

No, not really. I hoped I would have enough time because I’m very busy with my great-grandchildren, but I’ve been able to work it all out.

Explain in your own words the work you do as a volunteer Advocate. Why is it essential for a child?

You develop a relationship with the children and families on your cases. On my cases, the children have been very young. You amplify their voice and ensure the very best outcome is happening for them. And you do the same for their parents. I always strive toward family reunification on every case, though that sometimes isn’t possible. On one of my cases, the father was incarcerated [for reasons unrelated to the child being in foster care]. Every month, I encouraged him to take any classes he could at the prison and get as involved as he could with his child’s life. You want the best for the child in every aspect of their life.

What has surprised you the most about advocacy?

My last case was heartbreaking—it can be overwhelming how much these situations tug on your heart. I’ve also been surprised by the amazing people that you meet in the cases, from parents to relatives to foster placements to the professionals. So many people have a heart to help children.

What has been the most difficult aspect of volunteering as an Advocate? Most rewarding aspect?

Sometimes things don’t work out the way you want them to, and that can be challenging to accept. The most rewarding part of advocacy is when you get to see the joy of a family reunited or an adoption. It’s wonderful to see the happy faces, and you have the hope that it’s all going to work out.

What would you like the community to know about children in foster care? What have you learned through your advocacy?

We need more good foster placements who can support children who are experiencing a crisis in their families. Children in foster care also need the support of their community in a number of ways. Kids in care want to go to summer camp, learn music, and play sports, and we often need our community to help cover these costs. These activities provide normalcy for a child and a sense of belonging.

What have you learned about children in foster care through your advocacy?

I wasn’t familiar with the Adverse Childhood Experiences [ACEs] score that we learned about in training. I learned how much of an impact toxic stress can have on a child even in the womb and the early months of their lives. We need to have people who understand the effects of these difficult circumstances and understand how to help them heal. As a community, we need to learn how to better support these children.

Is there a particular moment or memory that stands out for you?

My second case ended with the child being adopted by a family member. She was almost three. The adoption kept her connection with her family and her heritage while giving her a safe home. When she was first placed in their home, she had some developmental delays, but she thrived with her relatives and quickly caught up to all of her milestones.

Is there anything else you want to share about Child Advocates?

I want to thank all of the people who are out there and giving their help and support to children in care. No matter your age, you can get involved. Don’t let your age deter you!