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 One Consistent Presence

When Walter* was an Advocate for a child welfare case involving five siblings who had been removed from their parents’ home, it appeared the family was on track for reunification.

“There were two girls and three boys,” Walter said. “It looked like everything was going well for getting the family back together again. The parents were doing everything required of them, and they were very positive.”

Walter and his co-Advocate met with the children each month in the foster home, ensuring the children had everything they needed. Although the two Advocates had heard allegations of varying levels of abuse within their parents’ home, the children remained quiet about their homelife. There was little evidence to support the concerns about the alleged abuse.

Month after month, the Advocates continued to show up, spending time with the children and building trust.

A Conversation that Changed Everything

Then, during a monthly visit, the right comment from Walter changed the course of the case.

Walter and the caseworker were talking with one of the boys, who had recently had a doctor’s appointment. The 11-year-old, Tyler*, shared with them that the doctor diagnosed him with high blood pressure.

“We thought that was unusual for a child his age,” Walter said. “We wondered if it was a combination of the medications he was taking.”

As they talked, Walter mentioned to Tyler that sometimes stress can cause your blood pressure to go up.

“And he just opened up,” Walter said. “He talked about all the abuse that had gone on in his house. The details were just horrific.”

While Walter stayed with Tyler and his brothers, the caseworker spoke separately with the girls. The girls confirmed what their brother shared and revealed even more abuse.

Feeling Safe Enough to Speak Up

For months, the children had remained silent out of fear.

“These kids were sure that they were going back home,” Walter said. “They were afraid that if they spoke up, they would face retribution. They were keeping it all in so that they wouldn’t get in trouble once their parents got them back.”

Child Protective Services investigated the reports of abuse that Tyler and his sisters shared that day. The results of that investigation led to the court terminating parental rights for both parents. Safe, permanent placements were found for the children.

“The case was going one way, and it all turned on that one little conversation,” Walter said. “Tyler felt safe enough to tell us the truth of what had happened to them.”

An Advocate’s Most Important Job: Showing Up

For Walter, the experience underscores the vital role Advocates play just by visiting with the children and asking questions every month. Sometimes, hope for a child is an adult who is present, listening without judgment, and offering a space where a child feels safe to share their story.

Because when a child feels empowered to use their voice, it can change everything.

*Names changed for privacy.