Volunteer of the Month June 2025

Brent St. Blanc began serving as a CASA Advocate on 10/13/2013. He has completed 3 cases throughout that time and is now on his fourth case. I did not supervise Brent on his first case; however, once that case was completed, I was fortunate enough to assign Brent to a highly intelligent but troubled teenage boy who needed a CASA. I met Brent on 06/24/2015 at the case presentation and was impressed by his professionalism and intelligence. He asked specific questions about the case and the issues facing the teenager. There were challenges that Brent faced in working with this teen, but he succeeded in gaining respect and advocating for him to join the military at 17 while still in care. His case ended on 10/13/2020. Brent maintained contact with the teen and let him know he was available if needed, even though CASA closed his case.

Brent was assigned his second case on 01/20/2021. This case was different than his last. Once again, Brent was assigned to a teen boy who came from a very dysfunctional family. The mother had been out of the children’s lives for years, and the father fled to Mexico when charged with sexually abusing Anthony’s older female sibling. The three siblings were placed in an excellent foster home. The two girls had significant issues, and at one point, Anthony was accused of sexually abusing one of the girls before entering care. This resulted in him being taken out of the foster home and placed by himself in another home while the accusation could be dealt with. Brent advocated counseling so accurate information could be gathered concerning the charges. Eventually, Anthony was able to return to the foster home with his sister, and both were adopted on 07/02/2024. The oldest sister had serious mental health issues, and she eventually asked to be removed from the home. Throughout Anthony’s time in care, Brent was amazed at his resilience and ability to adjust to his circumstances. Anthony’s grades improved under the guidance of his foster parents, and he was given the opportunity and encouraged to participate in recreational activities that fostered his social skills. Brent developed a positive relationship with the foster parents and was able to keep on top of Anthony’s progress.

Brent’s current case is quite different from his last case. I chose Brent for his current case because he can “get things done.” Eddy is a very troubled teen. He has grown up with a lot of instability both socially and educationally. I presented Brent with this case on 12/06/2024. Already, Brent has had challenges contacting the case manager on the case, and we finally learned the case manager was on leave. Brent contacted the DCFS supervisor, who had let me know she is working on Eddy’s case. Brent was able to arrange a face-to-face meeting and lay out all the information he had found out from Eddy’s school. He informed the

supervisor that he learned from Eddy’s school personnel that Eddy was socially promoted from the 3rd grade to the 6th grade. Eddy is performing on a 1st and 2nd grade level and has significant educational issues. In addition to his educational issues, Brent let her know he is genuinely concerned about Eddy’s mental health issues and feels this needs to be addressed immediately. Brent also shared that Eddy’s medications were not given correctly at his foster home or school. He pointed out that his absences were of great concern. Brent expressed his concerns to the judge at the last court hearing. All of Eddy’s issues are exactly why I wanted Brent on his case. I am sure that Brent will sort through Eddy’s issues and will find services for him and work to get them implemented.

Brent is a determined and conscientious Advocate that always performs his CASA duties. I am so fortunate to have him on my team. Brent’s goal of being a CASA volunteer is to give back to his community. He enjoys working with kids and in his last three cases, teens. I am so thankful for the way Brent represents CASA in court and with DCFS. Thank you, Brent, for your years of service to CASA and the children to whom you are assigned!

Proud Advocate Supervisor

Susan Murrell