Local CASA Program Spotlight: National Disability Month
In honor of National Disability Month, we are sharing a story from CASA of Denton County Advocacy Manager Meme Collins-Tabuena. This is a special story about two brothers who are reunited with the steadfast support of CASA. Read how Meme and CASA Volunteer Carol Chambers advocated to bring these two brothers back together despite the barriers.
In 2022, CASA of Denton County Advocacy Manager Meme Collins-Tabuena was issued a case of two brothers who had been in foster care since 2018. Records showed that the brothers had not had a sibling visit since 2019. When Collins-Tabuena officially became the advocate for the older brother who lives in North Texas, she quickly began working with CASA Volunteer Carol Chambers, the advocate for the younger brother.
The younger brother lives outside of North Texas. He is in middle school, has cerebral palsy and must use a wheelchair. He is non-verbal and is fed through a G-tube. The Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) caseworker and the attorney for the child were both initially against sibling visits, but after a year of advocating, CASA came to an agreement with all parties that began to allow virtual visits between the brothers.
In October 2024, the two brothers had their first virtual visit for an hour. Meme Collins-Tabuena and SSCC staff were at the teen’s home and CASA volunteer Carol Chambers was at the home of the younger brother. The visit went so well! The teen was able to use every minute of the hour, and despite that the younger brother is nonverbal, it was obvious that he remembered his older brother and that both brothers enjoyed every moment of renewing this connection.
Subsequent virtual visits have taken place since, and each has been wonderfully successful. The younger brother is mesmerized by these visits – he is so attentive and shows his recognition and affection through his eyes and facial expressions. “The level of joy on each of the children’s faces is truly amazing,” Collins-Tabuena said. “It was a powerful experience, I felt I was seeing the face of God.”
As for now, the judge is only allowing virtual visits, but the CASA staff and advocate team hope to discuss in-person visits with the SSCC and attorney in the future. Due to the distance between the brothers’ placements being a barrier, CASA is overjoyed to continue the approved virtual visits for the foreseeable future. CASA of Denton County will continue to advocate for these two brothers to maintain a long-term connection that will endure through their adult lives.
