Consistent, dedicated, and supportive are all words that can be used to describe Sherry Core. During the past four and half years she has worked on four separate cases. During this time, Sherry has been thorough in obtaining information regarding the children she is assigned to. Sherry is consistent in visiting the children in their placements and interacting with their caregivers. She is also very consistent in attending court hearings, Child Family Team Meetings (CFTM) and any education related meetings.

In two of her cases, Sherry followed the children all the way from dependency to wardship. Due to their change in status, the children were at times placed over 100 miles away. The distance did not deter Sherry from visiting the children and continuing to advocate for them. Currently, Sherry is assigned to a case where the child started out as a dependent but then became a ward. During their time as a ward, the child was placed out of county and again Sherry would visit the child despite the distance. This child completed her probation program and returned to dependency status all while having Sherry advocating for her. The child is currently placed with an out of county relative, thanks to Sherry advocating for the kin placement.

Sherry continues to visit the child despite the 360 miles between them. In this placement the child is thriving and taking steps to a gainful future. The child and her caregiver are addressing her mental and medical health needs in addition to her education. The child has progressed from having eight suicide attempts to looking forward to the future. Throughout all these changes the constant force in the child’s life has been Sherry providing support.

• Angela Cruz, Advocate Supervisor