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September 2024 Advocate Spotlight: Maria Dean

We invite you to meet Maria Dean, nominated by Advocacy Specialist Victoria Warmuth and Lead Justice-Involved Youth Advocacy Specialist Mike Quinn. Maria joined Child Advocates as a volunteer in 2024, and she’s already served on two cases, one Justice-Involved Youth case, and one child welfare case.

“Maria has made a tremendous difference in her child welfare case,” Victoria said. “She and her co-Advocate have developed strong relationships with the two young children involved in the case, and they both speak Spanish, which has been crucial in communicating with the parents and relative caregivers.”

“Maria took her first case as part of an Advocate team for a Justice-Involved Youth who needed a Spanish-speaking Advocate,” Mike said. “She helped obtain a computer for the teen so that he could complete his GED. This kind of support is invaluable—Maria helped him secure a better future.”

We asked Maria to share her experiences as an Advocate for vulnerable children in our community.

Is there anything unique about your background that contributes to your approach to advocacy?

I grew up in a large family, and I have always loved to take care of babies and children. My approach to advocacy is that it’s important for all children to feel that someone cares about them and their well-being.

Did you have any reservations about volunteering?

Any reservations that I had—mostly just not knowing the process—were quickly put to rest during training. The training is extensive, and you have an Advocacy Specialist who is always there to help with every case.

Explain in your own words the work you do as a volunteer Advocate. Why is it essential for a child?

As an Advocate, the most important thing I do is interact with the children in their home environment. We get to know them and see how they live day to day. We communicate with their caregivers, teachers, and others involved in their case to make sure they have the support they need.

What has surprised you the most about advocacy?

I was most surprised that the judges in Montgomery County really value our input and opinions during the hearings. 

What has been the most difficult aspect of volunteering as an Advocate . . . and the most rewarding?

The most difficult part is not being able to provide every item that you feel they need. The most rewarding by far is when the children get to know you and they are so excited to see you at the visits. It really makes you feel like you are making a positive impact in their lives.

What would you like the community to know about children/youth in care?

I would like people to know that children in care want and need a constant person in their lives who they know is primarily there for them.

What have you learned about children/youth in foster care? How has it changed your perspective on the child welfare system?

I’ve learned that there are so many different situations that result in children being placed in foster care. It happens more than I realized. There are many great people in the child welfare system working together to get the best outcome for the children.

What have you learned about the youth involved in the juvenile justice system?

I was on one juvenile justice case, and I was surprised how open the juvenile was to speaking with us, although sometimes it took several communications to get them to answer. The probation officer seemed open to having an Advocate involved and was very communicative with us as well.

Is there a particular moment or memory that stands out for you?

A moment that stands out to me is on my current case where I visited the children three times in quick succession because of Hurricane Beryl, and on the third visit, they had huge smiles and were so happy to see me.

Anything else you want to share about Child Advocates?

I am very happy that I finally took the steps to become an Advocate and feel like it is a great opportunity for parents who have grown children to continue to share their nurturing and affection with other children who need it.

Where Hope Prevails.

Learn more about becoming an Advocate: VOLUNTEER or give online DONATE.