BARBARA FEIG: AUGUST VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Barbara Feig has been an advocate since 2017, serving multiple cases in her almost three years. Her cases often have shared a similarity in that the child she serves ends up needing special medical attention of some sort. Sometimes, Barabara explained, it is something that she has known going into the case, and sometimes, it is something that gets brought to light as the case unfolds. 

There are many parties involved as a child navigates the overwhelming foster care system. A team of people, including the CPS caseworker, judge, the foster family and more, are working together to bring about the situation that would be in the best interest of the child. If a child is undergoing treatment for a medical condition or ends up displaying symptoms that would need medical attention during the time they are in foster care, there is often not a voice that is solely responsible for keeping tabs on every detail and relaying the child's condition to all the people involved in the case. Barbara has become keenly aware of the importance of ensuring that there are no communication gaps that would cause a child's need to go unmet as they go through the foster care system - especially if the child changes placements and a new person becomes responsible for their health care. This, she relayed, is why the work of the advocate in an abused child's life, especially one with medical needs, is so important.

Barbara has displayed incredible attention to detail as she has advocated for the children on her cases. She explained that she often makes a timeline at the beginning of her case, and uses it to make sure the judge is informed of how the case has played out in regards to the child's medical needs. She truly exemplifies what it means to be a voice for a child who needs one. 

Our advocates, like Barbara, are committed to being a consistent presence for the children on their cases, serving the best interest of the child, and nothing else. They are committed to making sure no child falls through the cracks or lacks what they would need to thrive. Barbara's incredible dedication and commitment to Houston's littlest victims make her a more than deserving recipient of our August "Volunteer of the Month" award. Thank you, Barbara, for all you do for abused and neglected children in our community.

To learn how you can become a volunteer and make an impact like Barbara, click here.