Hope in Action is a series to highlight the aspects of our volunteer work. Advocacy for a child, whether in child welfare, juvenile justice, or truancy systems, covers several activities from court hearings to visits with a child to conversations with parents. Each month, we share a story of small (or big!) moments from one of our cases that exemplify what advocacy can mean to children and their families.

The Power of Trust: When Families Reach Back for Help

A year ago, a child welfare case closed with two teenagers happily reunited with their parents, after months of uncertainty. Their Advocate, Sandra, celebrated alongside the family, hopeful for their future.

Nearly a year later, Sandra’s phone rang. It was the father from the case: “We really need your help.”

He explained that their 16-year-old daughter, Marisa, was struggling more than ever in school. During the child welfare case, when academics were a challenge, Sandra had connected Marisa with tutoring services available to children in foster care. Those services helped, but she no longer had access to them. Marisa was failing most of her classes, skipping school, and feeling disconnected.

Sandra was no longer assigned to the case, but the family thought of her when they needed extra support and trusted her enough to reach out. That trust speaks volumes about the relationships Advocates build.

Exploring Solutions

Sandra listened carefully and thought about Child Advocates’ Educational Advocacy program, which helps students overcome academic challenges and connects families with resources. When she mentioned it might be a way to support Marisa, Dad immediately said, “We’d love to know more.”

Sandra met with the family about a week later. Marisa had grown in some ways—she was now a junior—but her grades told a different story. Out of seven classes, she was failing most, with one class grade at zero. She had no friends in her classes and felt like she didn’t fit in. The school had warned that excessive absences could lead to truancy court involvement.

Unique Academic Challenges for Children in Care

Marisa’s struggles are not unusual for youth who have experienced foster care. Nationally, only 50 percent of youth in foster care graduate high school, and they are twice as likely to drop out compared to their peers. Frequent school changes, trauma, and lack of consistent support often lead to failing grades and chronic absenteeism. Many of these youth also face social isolation, just like Marisa, who told Sandra that she has no friends in her classes and feels like she doesn’t fit in. These challenges don’t disappear when a case closes; they often persist long after reunification.

Support Beyond the Case

After talking with the family, Sandra recognized that consistent counseling was also critical. Marisa was still processing past trauma. Though she’d seen a counselor once, she was unable to attend additional sessions due to her mom’s illness and dad’s work schedule.

Sandra encouraged the family to reconnect with mental health resources and shared with them that they could log into the school portal to track assignments. She also explained how a Student Success Advocate (SSA) could help Marisa organize, communicate with teachers, and rebuild confidence. Marisa seemed interested, but she hasn’t committed yet. “Part of her wants help,” Sandra said, “but she doesn’t know what that help looks like.”

Educational Advocacy Builds Brighter Futures

This story is a reminder that reunification isn’t the finish line; it’s a new chapter for a family with its own struggles. Families often need ongoing support as they heal and rebuild. The Educational Advocacy program can help kids like Marisa rediscover hope and stay on track in school.

While an Advocate must be assigned by the court to child welfare and Justice-Involved Youth cases, the Educational Advocacy program accepts referrals from not only the court, but also schools and parents. The SSA advocates for the needs of the student in school and in court (if applicable), building a collaborative partnership with the student, school, and community partners.

Perhaps the most important role of the Student Success Advocate is to serve as a safe, stable adult in the student’s life, offering connection, advice, and encouragement.

Marisa’s journey is still unfolding, but one thing is clear: when families trust us enough to reach back, it means the work we do matters—long after the case closes.

*Name changed for privacy.