We invite you to meet Deborah Crespo, nominated by Advocacy Specialist Rosa Hoadley. Deborah joined Child Advocates as a volunteer in February 2022, and she has served on two justice-involved youth cases and two child welfare cases.

“Deborah has an incredible gift for connecting with every child she serves,” Rosa said. “She builds meaningful relationships that help bridge the gap to a brighter future, offering compassion while also encouraging accountability. Her presence inspires hope, and her impact is truly remarkable. The child she serves now calls her almost daily to share about his day.”

We asked Deborah 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?

When I was 22 years old, I began my journey of helping children. It started when the three-year-old girl who lived next door came to my house, wanting attention. Her mother struggled with substance abuse, and her home life was so turbulent. She, along with other children in the neighborhood, would come to my house to play. I ended up becoming the neighborhood mom! I saw the needs of these children, and I couldn’t turn a blind eye. After I moved away, the three-year-old, who was now 13, contacted me and asked to visit. She came for the weekend, but when she arrived back home, she found that her mother had packed the family’s belongings and moved out, taking her little brother with her. She called me crying and begged me to take her in. Of course, I did. I went through the court system and was granted legal guardianship of her, and I raised her until she was 18.

How did you become interested in volunteering as an Advocate?

I saw a Facebook ad that talked about volunteering as an Advocate for children who had experienced abuse and neglect, and I wanted to be a part of this great organization and continue serving children in need.

Did you have any reservations about volunteering? If so, how did you overcome them?

I didn’t have any reservations about volunteering because I knew that these children needed someone to advocate for them. Because of my extensive involvement in many children’s lives over the years, I knew this would be a good fit for me, even though it would be hard and emotional at times.

Why is advocacy essential for children in crisis?

In moments of crisis, such as abuse, neglect, or family instability, children can’t always speak up for themselves. Advocacy makes sure their legal, emotional, and physical rights are recognized and protected.

How did you decide to advocate in our program for Justice-Involved Youth?

When I became a CASA volunteer, my first case was two 9-year-old twin girls who were in foster care, and then I had another child welfare case. When that one was coming to an end, I decided to take on a JIY case with a youth involved in the juvenile justice system. My hope was to give them support and help to redirect their lives in a positive way.

What has surprised you most about your work as an Advocate?

What surprises me the most about working as an Advocate is how much influence and support I can actually give to these children. Whether it’s guiding them through a difficult situation at
school or with their parents or just listening to them, it has shown me that advocacy makes a tremendous difference in their lives.

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

The most rewarding side of advocacy is having a child call you just to tell you about their day or maybe a conflict they had, and you can help them work through it. I love supporting kids in court because I can see the look in their eyes when I show up after building that relationship with them.

What would you like the community to know about children involved in the juvenile justice system?

Together, we can make a difference in these children’s lives. It’s crucial to help children who are involved in the juvenile justice system—early guidance, support, and mentorship can redirect their path, break cycles of harm, and give them the chance to build a future filled with hope and opportunity.

What have you learned about children in crisis through your advocacy?

Children in crisis need us more than ever. Most of the time, their hearts are broken and sometimes they’ve given up. Constant edification and care restores their trust. They begin to believe that they can count on someone, and this trusted person might be what gets them to the finish line.

Do you have a favorite moment of advocacy?

My favorite memory was seeing the child I advocated for run up to me when I showed up at her placement. She gave me a hug and showed me all the things that she had made for me, including poems she had written. I’d brought several items in a picnic basket so that we could just sit in the front yard of the group home and share a meal together. We laughed as she held her little baby doll, and I think, at that moment, she forgot all about her disappointments, and we just enjoyed the moment.