SAFETI, Second Chances, and Shared Celebrations: Judith's Fourth Case

With six years of advocacy experience under her belt, Judith Walker-Felix is celebrating two special milestones this August. The first is the graduation of the biological mother in her fourth CASA case from SAFETI (Substance Abusing Families Engaging in Treatment and Intervention) Court on August 6, a major step toward family reunification. Just one day earlier, on August 5, Judith will be celebrating her birthday.

Judith first heard about CASA while teaching at The University of Houston. One of her master’s students was a CASA, and Judith decided then she would become one herself once she retired. “I’ve always wanted to be around kids. CASA is perfect because I can really work with someone and make a difference,” she shares. Judith holds a Ph.D. in Spanish and Portuguese and brings the same dedication and thoughtfulness to her volunteer work with children and families.

In her first three CASA cases, Judith advocated for preteens and teenagers. But since her son moved to St. Louis, she has become a “grandma-nanny” and decided to take a case involving a baby. That’s how she came to be baby Emma’s CASA. Judith was assigned when Emma was just a newborn. Emma came into care at birth when the cord test came back positive for fentanyl and methamphetamine. A foster placement was quickly found, and Judith stepped in to advocate for the infant and her family.

The mother entered SAFETI Court, a voluntary program in St. Louis County that helps parents with substance use disorders reunite with their children through treatment, court supervision, and support services. Judith beams, “I’m very proud of this mom. On average, the research says it takes 5 years to get over fentanyl. It’s only taken her 500 days.” She adds, “She sees this as a way to enhance her life as a mom and as a person. I’m really proud of how serious she takes this.”

Judith has seen firsthand how SAFETI helps families. “I have been so impressed. This is the second family I’ve had that’s been through SAFETI. They just channel the clients into success,” she remarks.

There were early concerns about Emma’s joint stiffness, a common complication for babies born exposed to fentanyl. She began a program called First Steps, where an occupational therapist worked with her at daycare to improve her mobility. “On a typical case, they bring in a physical therapist to work with the occupational therapist,” Judith shares. “In this case they didn’t need the PT and could continue with just the OT. Which was great. It showed that they saw the same progress I did.” Initially, Emma crawled with one leg staying mostly straight, but now, at 18 months, she’s running and climbing with ease.

Emma is currently living with her mother in a trial home placement, continuing their journey toward reunification after SAFETI graduation.

Judith’s Case Advocacy Supervisor, Brian, is full of admiration for her dedication. “Judith has been an amazing and dedicated CASA volunteer for almost 6 years! Her dedication and attention to detail as the advocate for these children has always been exceptional.”

As this meaningful case comes full circle, we offer our heartfelt congratulations to Emma’s mom on her SAFETI graduation. We wish Judith a very happy birthday and want to thank her deeply for her compassionate and tireless work as a CASA volunteer.