Since 2001, I have known about the needs of abused and neglected children in the Harris County child protective services system. These children come into the system’s care through no fault of their own, and they often need someone’s voice to advocate on their behalf. Child Advocates, Inc. is the Harris County organization responsible for training and providing volunteer advocates/guardians ad litem to guide the children through the system to a safe, loving environment where they can thrive.

I began my role as a child advocate because I recognized that someone needed to help these children and asked myself why it shouldn’t be me to step up. I learned that on any given day in Harris County, over 4,000 children were in the system and in need of assistance. I was determined to make a difference in their lives and to be a small part of breaking the cycle of child abuse. Even before having my own children, I could not imagine the events that would cause a child to come into the system, and felt a calling to the mission of Child Advocates. Experiencing first-hand the impact a volunteer can have on a child’s life is beyond rewarding. Being a father of four provides all the perspective I need to continue my drive in working with this wonderful organization.

During my time as an advocate, I have served 21 children in six bilingual cases that—fortunately—all concluded in family reunification. I have been a member of the Child Advocates Board of Directors since 2007, where I have served on various committees, did a two-year term as board chair, and serve as legal counsel. In my role as legal counsel, I assist the organization with its legal contracts, personnel matters, litigation, discovery disputes involving Child Advocates, and specific case issues. In addition, I have been involved in various multimedia campaign efforts to raise awareness, money, and volunteers for the organization. Over the years, I have been involved in the Childspree, Santa’s Wish List, Volunteer Appreciation Event, Pull For Kids Classic, Superhero Run, and various advisory board luncheons.

The role of a child advocate is such a critical one because I and other volunteers serve as the eyes and ears of the family courts. We often appear as the one constant in the children’s chaotic lives, and ultimately guarantee they do not fall through the cracks of the system. We are tasked with gathering as much information as possible related to the children and ensure that recommendations are made to the family courts to help guide decisions that are in the children’s best interests. These recommendations can include educational assistance, medical care, therapy, family visitation, placement, entertainment, home safety, and family searches. Additionally, advocates regularly secure and provide financial assistance and/or in-kind donations for various life events for these kids, including birthdays, camps, sporting events, and prom. In advocating for decisions that are in the child’s best interests, we strive to create some sense of normalcy in the scary and often confusing world of the system.

It is truly amazing to see so many courageous kids successfully navigate their difficult circumstances. These children just want to be loved and have a safe, permanent home. Child Advocates is the only organization that I have ever been a part of where you can tangibly see the difference you are making in the life of a child. There is nothing more important than helping protect these children, ensuring placement in a loving home, and working with their parents and caregivers to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect. A profound difference can be made by saving one child at a time.

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