A close friend volunteers at casa and always shares what a rewarding experience it is. I love hearing about the positive impact she is able to contribute to these young kids lives.
CASA of Central Texas has been my volunteer home for 13 years! I am an advocate and Advisory Council member of over a year. I am all in and I love the difference this organization makes in the lives of children. I can't imagine a world without CASA in it or a child walking without a CASA throughout their time in the foster care system. It's incredibly fulfilling.
I am grateful to have found CASA. It has been so rewarding to be a part of such a well-run organization consisting of a staff of kind and compassionate individuals. The leadership and dedication of CEO Norma Blackwell is inspiring. Do not hesitate if you are thinking of volunteering - this is the organization of which you should be a part!
I’m a new supporter of CASA Central Texas. I have been involved with programs supporting kids in foster care or families involved with CPS for many years outside of Texas.
Central Texas CASA is a true high quality program! The staff is experienced, kind, and truly collaborative. The organization has an energy that feels like you’ve stepped into a family home. They are willing to help with all things big and small. Great planners and problem solvers.
CASA volunteers are truly invested in helping their appointed children and youth to hopefully feel a sense of belonging and comfort through the compassion and dedication the CASA advocates demonstrate. They really “walk the talk” and do whatever it takes to fulfill the mission statement of CASA.
Among many options of organizations doing the hard work of serving and lifting up the voices of our vulnerable communities, Central Texas CASA is working the hardest, and making great strides.
Love this organization! Have been involved with them in numerous capacities for almost five years. Well run organization!
CASA of Central Texas Inc is one of the most impactful organization I have seen. Whether it is in the court room giving voice to a child, visiting with the child who is being housed miles from relatives or making a financial contribution, the impact is immediate and life changing. My wife and I considers it an honor to be associated with CASA of CenTex.
I have seen first hand the impact CASA of Central Texas, the staff and the volunteer advocates have made in kid's lives. They have literally changed the entire direction of kids lives that were in some very bad situations. The impact in our community can not be truly measured but it is immense.
This organization has the most dedicated and loyal staff and advocates. Their mission and work ethic are the best in a service nonprofit that I have ever known. CASA of Central Texas is unwavering and steadfast in their commitment to supporting and advocating for children in foster care.
I am always so moved by the stories from the children that CASA of Central Texas have helped. They have made such a difference in the lives of so many.
The most remarkable part about the children that had advocate support, is the incredibly high percentage of them going on to live happy and successful lives.
My wife has been a Board Member with CASA for several years. When we attend events, I am amazed at the praises CASA gets from the general public. The stories the children tell about how CASA has helped them is beyond belief. To these children, their CASA representative is the one who has helped them the most. They had at least one person in their life they could trust and knew that person would be there for them. It’s heartbreaking to hear what those kids went through to get where they are today. Thank you to CASA for being there for these kids.
I have been a CASA volunteer & advocate for 13 years and feel very privileged to be a part of this amazing organization. The leadership & dedication of CEO Norma Blackwell, her staff & the board members are exemplar.. If you are thinking of volunteering, this is the team you want to be a part of. #makeadifference
CASA is a fantastic program!
I’m the Founder/CEO of Room Redux and know firsthand the importance of helping children who need a fresh start.
Fun fact: our COO attended a CASA luncheon with me years ago. At 16 years old he said, “I will be a CASA when I’m old enough. He waited, then trained, and became a CASA! Thank you for all y’all do for children!
As a foster parent, I was incredibly grateful for and inspired by the support that CASA volunteers provide to children and families in the child welfare system. The impact these volunteers make in the lives of the people they serve is invaluable. CASA of Central Texas is an incredibly well-run organization with talented and dedicated Leadership and Staff, as well as an active and supportive Board of Directors. I am very proud to be a part of this amazing organization.
I was a volunteer with CASA for over 6 years; I quit only due to health issues. I had been a volunteer with numerous organizations over a 50 year period. Being a CASA volunteer was the most rewarding, challenging, most fulfilling, and best all around experience during those many years. I would recommend being a CASA volunteer to anyone who wants to make a huge difference in children’s lives!
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Great service, and dedication. I am very proud to say I am very excited to become a part of the team.
CASA of Central Texas provides a meaningful and fulfilling opportunity for volunteers in the community to advocate for children in the state foster care system. Whether working with the courts, schools, foster care system, or medical services, the CASA makes a difference in a child’s life.
CASA is a wonderful non profit agency who is the voice for the children. Thank you for giving the kids the support they need during their rough times.
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Thank you CASA of Central Texas for the hard work you do helping the children. I hope more people will volunteer to help this great organization. Remember the kids need you to speak in their behalf.
CASA of Central Texas is amazing! As a 12 year volunteer advocate, I am the voice for children in the foster care system. I am the one who makes sure these children don't get lost in the system. The staff at CASA makes sure I have all the training, tools and support I need to do my job. Volunteers are truly respected. No better leadership & organization anywhere.
Room Redux is so thankful for the work that CASA of Central Texas is doing for the children in our community! They are hardworking professionals with amazing hearts! Thank you!
CASA always goes above and beyond for the child. This volunteer opportunity is life changing in more ways than one. The staff is always there to support you in your journey. They are a great organization to volunteer to help children in need in your local community.
Working with CASA has been absolutely amazing, from the training and support you get from your supervisor to the smile on the children’s faces when they realize they finally have a consistent, caring adult in their lives. Every foster child needs an Advocate. Keep it up CASA you make a difference!
CASA of Central Texas advocates for the best interest of children that have entered the foster care system. Every person that is a part of CASA is amazing! The advocates have an amazing support system in the staff. This organization is top notch.
The best volunteer I have ever been a part of! I've been a volunteer for 10 1/2 years and I will never leave. CASA's are vital in the foster care system and my wish is that every kid in the system has a CASA. That's why I tell everyone how amazing CASA is and how grateful I am to be a part of this organization.
CASA is the only part of the judicial process that is for the child-only the child. In the past, the children and their needs tended to be overlooked even though they were totally innocent of the behaviors of the adults and were often victims, themselves. Having a CASA assigned means they have an Advocate who cares only about them.
As a volunteer advocate myself, I have gone from visiting one of my youth in Juvenile Detention, to now cheering her on as she pursues her Master's Degree in Criminal Justice. Children need to know there is more out there than their circumstances, and CASA volunteers often are the ones who carve a path to make a positive future possible.
Even after 16 years it still amazes me that a program like this even exists. Community members using just their life experience and our training program to get involved at this level with children right here in our community. I truly believe that CASA has a positive impact on our children, our volunteers, and our community.
I nanny for a family with foster kids. The CASA workers always bring a smile to they children’s faces! They’re known by name and the children get so excited to hear they are coming to visit. It’s a wonderful constant in their lives and helps ensure their developing and adapting well.
It is critical to screen those with access to our most vulnerable members of the community and I am so grateful for how much CASA of Central Texas does to support the ones who need it most!
Eloise and Norma are doing an amazing job! I was able to attend a meeting on different ways to volunteer at CASA. They are making sure that every child has a voice.
CASA of Central Texas is an amazing organization helping abused and neglected children in the foster care system. I have been a CASA volunteer for over a year and a half and have two cases. They trained me well and prepared me for dealing with the day to day of the system, parents, and court. My CASA supervisor is so supportive and helps with anything I may need. The positive impact CASA can have on a child’s life is immeasurable. They have a lifetime volunteer with me!
I am a volunteer who has helped out behind the scenes of the organizations fund raiser events through the past 15 years.
GREAT staff members always working together towards the mission of the organization!!!
Work with children in the CASA program is a centralized process of multiple services and supports, often provided by multiple organizations, to meet the needs and strengths of each child, young adult person, or family. This process generally follows a strength-based approach of the child and family team when developing a service plan.
CASA and the Court services for families involved in child well-being can be achieved through family group decision-making, team decision-making, overall case management, and so on. CASA plays a pivotal role in all aspects of a child's life, often until this child ages out of the system. The Advocate is a crucial figure offering encouragement, support, and teamwork with Supervisors, Attorneys, and the courts to find a positive path forward for the child's success and, most often, the families.
This work and responsibility require a village (CASA). Ultimately, CASA and the families they represent reap a high sense of achievement when the parties' work reaches a positive conclusion. After more than 13 years as a CASA, the rewards were greater than one can imagine, and the CASA team mastered all aspects of the assigned cases. There are no other organizations in my view that can equal the level of accomplishments in the representation of children in the court system. "CASA" is "the Voice" that changes one life at a time.
This is by far the best volunteer work I have ever been involved in. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it can be emotional. But as a CASA, you are there when maybe the child has no one, or certainly no one looking out for only them! If you have ever been interested in doing this work, attend an information meeting and see if it might be right for you.
Great non-profit that makes such a difference in the lives of children! Great leadership and excellent people!
Glad to know that these kids have advocates like CASA volunteers to support them and be their voices.
CASA goes above and beyond to advocate for children in our community. This is truly the gold star of volunteer opportunities
They are as good as it gets when it comes supporting foster kids. They make being a foster parent easier with their support. It's helpful knowing our kids are well represented.
After 35 years as a development officer and consultant with numerous nonprofit organizations, I did extensive research before I joined CASA of Central Texas. They adhere to complete financial transparency, their executive leadership team has an average of 17+ years of service, and they have a dynamic board with 100% financial participation. I am proud to be part of an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth who have have been removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect or abandonment and are now in the foster system. Our volunteers are outstanding and devote 12-18 months to each child or sibling group with the ultimate goal of placement in a safe and loving home. Becky Huff
CASA is an asset to our community. It is a well-run organization and I have confidence that our donations are used effectively to make a difference in the lives of the children.
For many years CASA has filled a vital role in our community serving the needs of children in need. Their services allow kids a chance to grow up in a safe and loving environment giving them the opportunity to become happy and successful adults.
CASA is an exceptional organization that protects children who otherwise
would be forgotten in the legal system. They are essential.
Several years ago, I was asked to illustrate a coloring book. To this day, it has been one of my most favorite, and rewarding projects to have worked out. This coloring book not helped explain who the new adults were in their life, but also explained how they were going to help them. Most importantly it provided them with a familiar activity, coloring. Something they can do during an unfamiliar experience, that would bring them a sense of normalcy.
While I am unable to dedicate the amount of time truly needed to be a CASA for a child, I am thankful for the other volunteer opportunities that CASA provides for those who want to help in other ways.
CASA does God's work for the unfortunate children of the community. If a child is taken away from a parent or guardian for endangerment or criminal behavior, CASA will try to find a Court Appointed Special Advocate for the child. They usually need more volunteers, but their training is excellent and their continued support valuable. My CASA supervisor in New Braunfels was wonderful.
What a hard working, dedicated, professional, amazing organization that brings an extra set of eyes, an open mind, and a big heart into the lives of children embattled into the court system.
I was a CASA volunteer for over 8 years and hope to be honored to be a part of it again some day.
Thank you for all you do!
I’ve attended several fundraisers and the stories I hear move me to tears. Wonderful organization. Ms Norma Castilla-Blackwell is a very caring and motivating leader. She’s truly cared about the organization. She encourages everyone to get involved.
I have been a CASA volunteer for 3 years and believe in the mission and purpose of the organization. Until deciding to volunteer I didnt fully understand just how many children need someone to help advocate and be their voice. I was at first a bit anxious not wanting to say or do the wrong things, but the training that was provided and the support system that is provided helped put me at ease. I am very proud and honored to be part of something that provides such value to the children of our community.
Worked closely with CASA of Central Texas as a reporter years ago. Based on my own interactions with this team, I can attest to the absolutely vital and commendable work they are doing in Central Texas communities.
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Central Texas is an amazing organization! It has been an honor and privilege for me to be part of such a caring group of individuals that advocates for abused and neglected children in the court system. Every child deserves a loving and nurturing home which is why we enlist our volunteers to make sure this happens.
Our four county region located between San Antonio and Austin has experienced rapid growth which poses a huge challenge for our organization to help these children in need. In the last year our organization has touched the lives of several hundred children in this area alone.
What could be more important than making a difference in the life of a child?
As a board member, I am privy to many details of the work, processes, struggles, and successes of this organization. I work closely with the Exec. Dir., the Development Officer, and members of the Board of Directors. There is a great deal of personal commitment to the CASA mission, among staff and board, and the retention rate of both employees and volunteers bears testimony to this. The organization enjoys a strong reputation for its commitment to the children it serves by law enforcement and judicial appointees who I have heard on several occasions laud the work and fruit of CASA of Central Texas.
I’ve been blessed to volunteer with CASA of Central TX since August 2007, advocating for children who have been thrown into unfortunate situations, through no fault whatsoever of their own. I feel privledged to be a constant and positive presence and to encourage them to succeed, dispite their circumstances. Making a difference in the lives of children who come into state care, and watching them survive and thrive from a second chance at a happy productive life is very rewarding.
I have been a CASA volunteer now for 1 year and it has been completely rewarding in so many ways. My case is still open for my 3 CASA girls, 18 month old, 9 year old, and a 16 year old sisters. I became a CASA so I could DO SOMETHING to help children in need, to speak up for them, and be a stable person in their life during a time of uncertainty, confusion, and often scary as they don't always know exactly what is going on.
I have been able to keep in touch with them on a regular basis, answer the many questions they have, help explain things to them, and help them communicate between all of the different parties involved. I have been able to contact relatives for them, pick up clothing and other items at the Foster Closet when they need things, I have taken them out to eat and been there when they needed to talk. I have taken my teen girl to the movies on Spring Break when she felt like she need to "getaway" for a while. Many times, my teen just needed to hear that things were going to get better, that "we all" are working on her situation. I have been able to tell her she is doing a great job and to keep up the great work. I have helped to motivate her when she was feeling down. When I see them, we always have a hug when I arrive and when I leave and I think it helps them to know someone cares for them. My girls have been moved many many times and as new faces come and go with the new placements, I am the same CASA they have had since the beginning. I think this helps them feel comfortable and not so lost in the changing environments. When they are unable to see each other, I am able to tell them how their siblings are doing, to share information about them and they always love to talk about their siblings.
I have also been able to plan and organize sibling visits. The case workers are very busy and CASA's can be valuable in assisting with sibling visits. My girls are all placed in different placements so getting them together is a challenge but working together with the caseworker and foster families, it is much easier to organize. I know that if I was not there to pick up one child to take to meet another then it probably never would have happened. Sibling visits are extremely important to these children that have been separated for so long.
As a Christian, I have also been able to pray specifically for my CASA girls. I have never prayed with them but it is something that I do on my own. I know them, their situation, their family dynamics and I believe being able to pray for each one of them and their specific needs is a huge blessing as a CASA.
Being a CASA gives me a way to help children that I know are in need. I am able to build a relationship with them, care for them, and ensure that their needs are being met during the course of their time in State custody. It has been one of the most important roles that I have had the privilege of experiencing.
When I retired for good, I was looking for an organization where I could volunteer and help make a difference. I read about CASA, completed my application, went through my interview and training and was sworn-in in April of 2010. I was assigned my first case the same month. I was nervous but my supervisor was there to assist me along the was. My case was somewhat convoluted, with the mother a drug user, the father in jail, and one of the children, a 3 y/o was diagnosed with PPD and his older brother aged 8 was actually the primary caregiver. The children were placed in the Respite Home in San Antonio. The youngest was no t yet toilet trained, spoke but 10 words, and had some difficulty with motor skills. To help the older child with some much needed time out I would take him to some sites in the area. On one such outing, we went to the wildlife adventure park. As we were driving through the park, the boy looked at me and asked if he could call me "Grandpa"! This moment will stick with me for the rest of my life. I thought, "wait I am supposed to make a difference in their lives", little did I know. I have just finished my 7th case and looking forward to my next. I can honestly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with CASA and encourage you to at least look into the program. The rewards are completely worth it.
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It has been a year to date that I received my first case. It involved two children, one of which was later diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder. The children were removed owing to an issue of abandonment, the mother had left the children with an unreliable person while she indulged her habit.
When I first met the children, I feel in love with them. The youngest was very loving and as cute as they get. The older sibling was a bright, well spoken youngster who had been the primary caregiver to the younger child.
Although the younger one had difficulty in communicating, he was a 3 y/o with the cognitive skills of a 9 - 10 month old, and what he lacked in language, he made up for in laughter and love.
Both children were placed in a placement facility where the younger sibling received physical, speech and play therapy and a huge transition occurred, his vocabulary increased and he became more sociable and his tantrums decreased significantly.
The older child was confused as to why he was where he was and wanted to be reunited with his Mommy. The father was incarcerated.
After establishing a rapport with the children, I met with the Mother and began to assist her. She had found stable work and a place to live. She was remorseful over her past and wanted to be reunited with her children.
Although it was a long bumpy ride, filled with tears, frustration, joy and sorrow, the children were finally reunited with their parents this past week.
I am confident that with some help from agencies specializing in children with special needs, they will be fine.
I feel good about having played a role in bringing this to a happy ending!
The experience by anyone working with CASA, will truly fined it rewarding and memorable. There is no greater personal reward than making a difference in the lives of children and families thrust into an unwanted but necessary environment for a better way of life. CASA is the difference between destruction and progress in the lives of many.
I have volunteered for several nonprofits in California, Colorado, and in Texas. Most have been good. Some have been great. But none of them have offered the training, support, and encouragement that I have experienced working with CASA of Central Texas. From the board to the staff; I always feel accepted and appreciated. I know the work we do is important. I am truly blessed to be part of such an awesome group of people. I believe they all go an extra mile for the children we serve and the Volunteer Advocates.
As you read the following reviews, it is hard to imagine the love and time all of the volunteers give. This is a great organization that can really use the community support. PLEASE Volunteer for the reward of your life...Helping the children....
I have been working with a sibling group for over a tear and a half. Two girls and a boy. All teenagers and it has been a very good experience. I feel like I am their CASA Mama and they always listen to my advice. I am fortunate because my kids are the best and make this experience so great. I love influencing young people and teaching them the life lessons that they need from an adult that they might not receive given their situation. I hope more people will choose to advocate for children. Because it is so needed.
I have been working with a young teenager. These are very difficult years for any child, but a child who is a part of the system instead of firmly rooted in a family has an especially hard time. I like to think that I am adding affirmative support and guidance. My CASA supervisor has been fantastic at responding to my questions (even late at night and on holidays!). Everyone has been very helpful at making sure that I am not alone in caring about this child. The CASA experience is a cooperative team experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to make a difference in a child's life.
I have been a CASA for almost four years. My first case involved two infant brothers, one of which was born while I was CASA for his big brother. The case lasted for two years, and was very difficult. My supervisor, Lonnette, was great. She was supportive and encouraging, even when the task before me seemed fraught with "land mines" and sure to fail. After all the hard work, dealing with attorneys, and time and gas spent on this case, it was worth it. I feel that I was able to help the parents learn better ways to take care of their children, and be a positive, consistent influence for the good of the children. My next case has been much more pleasant, and is going well. It involves three sweet, precious girls who were at risk. The parents have completed their required services and now use those new tools to be better parents. It is very rewarding to be a part of their success story. I highly recommend volunteering for CASA of Central Texas. They are the best!
As a retired child psychologist, I know from experience how easy it is for children to fall through the cracks in the child protective services and criminal justice systems. I was always happy when one of my child patients had a CASA volunteer. Now, I am happy to be working on my first CASA case. I have been able to fill in gaps for my two- and six-year-old girls. The staff at CASA of Central Texas is supportive and professional--I always have help when I need it. As a mental health professional, I am impressed with the way this CASA program is organized and with the quality of training that is offered.
I am working on my 2nd case with CASA and have never been happier volunteering! CASA is so appreciative of what we do as advocates and I am so proud to be a part of a great organization. I worked in the Criminal Justice system for 9 years and saw first hand how children are left behind because they have no voice. As a CASA we are their voice in the Courtroom and the Court listens. I was just in Court yesterday and I was thanked several times for being there for these particular children. The funny thing is that noone needs to thank me ever, the joy I get from helping these children is thanks enough.
I have been a CASA for about a year and a half. Being retired from corporate life, I was interested in doing something worthwhile in the community. while I am not a "joiner" as a rule, CASA provides me with a good sense of purpose and visible success in a very troubled world. For me, it just keeps getting more and more rewarding.
Becoming a CASA advocate was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I felt that I made a difference for my child and felt adequately trained and prepared. The support was great and I will continue to volunteer with CASA of Central Texas.
I had first hand experience having a CASA on my foster children's case. The children's CASA was a Godsend. She was who I turned to to get answers when case workers were no where to be found or not returning phone calls. Her knowledge influenced me so much, that I went through training to become a CASA in order to give back to an organization that was so beneficial to our foster children who are now our adoptive children.
I have been a CASA for 2 years and it's the best decision I've ever made. CASA is a fantastic organization that provides their volunteers with the support and education needed to advocate for the children we care for. My CASA supervisor, Kim, is always available by phone or in person when I have a question or when I need support.
Just closed my first case - very rewarding experience. Made me feel like I actually made a difference in the life of my children. Will miss them and am anxious to be given a new case.
Almost 2 years ago a friend from church suggested that we would be interested in this wonderful extended ministry. We attended a meeting and signed up for the wonderful classes that prepared us for the work we would do . We knew this was a volunteer job but the rewards were great from the start. We got our first assignment with 3 children 8, 5 and 7 months. The goal was reunification with their Mom and hopefully in less than a year. Our visits with the children and Foster parents led us to a love for a new family. The Mom worked really hard and was reunified in 11 months. We miss them but our goal was so rewarded that we pray for them and hope to keep them with Mom forever. We have a second case and it is with only one child but a great Foster family and a hard working Mom who wants her son back. My husband and I work as a team and we can talk about our case so this helps but the great meetings for the volunteers help us to share our stories and the group called the Wing Society takes care of the volunteers so if you want to know how caring they are you need to be a volunteer too. Calvin and Sonya Rodriguez
I've volunteered all my life with groups trying to make a difference with children. CASA of Central Texas is the best place I've ever volunteered in the way they fully empower their volunteers with the training, authority, tools, and support to truly make a difference. I can really dive in, do research, contact people, and stretch my ingenuity, knowing I can also pull back to meet the demands of my own personal life when I need to because I have a supervisor who can pinch hit for me. And I enjoy my CASA youth and am gratified by his growing trust in me. This is a role that fits my unpredictable lifestyle and helps me grow personally while making a difference for a child. For me, that's volunteer heaven!
I'm on my second case and have had a wonderful experience working with all the program staff at CASA of Central Texas. They have a great training program and their casework supervisors are very supportive! It's a great organization to spend my time volunteering for!
What a joy my last case was advocating for three siblings. It was a blessing that they were in a wonderful foster home with a couple who wanted children but could not have any. Everytime I visited them are had the priviledge of taking them on an outing I was so rewarded. This case had a happy ending as the foster parents were able to adopt all three. They now are well adjusted and belong to a happy family. I have actually formed a friendship with the foster/adoptive parents. The experience can be heart wrenching at times dealing with the background circumstances but knowing that CASA is there for them means so much.
The Comal County Crime Stoppers organization in New Braunfels asked our local CASA group to make a presentation for our annual state-wide conference in October 2012. They jumped at the chance to present information on how to gain and retair volunteers for a non-profit organization. Their 97% retention of vounteers is increadible; and they were sincere in helping our own Crime Stoppers community organizations across the state of Texas learn how to get quality volunteers and board members, and keep them interested enough in our program to stay. Great information from a non-profit that works!!Crystal
My first case as a CASA is coming to a successful close. My "CASA baby" is being adopted by her foster parents! This has been a very rewarding experience but I know that not all cases turn out perfectly. I'm looking forward to my next case, regardless of the degree of difficulty because I know that CASA volunteers make a difference in the lives of children and their families.
Becoming an Advocate for CASA has changed my life. I am a mother of three children and the love, time, shelter, security I can provide for them is why I wake up each morning. Knowing that they are kids without a voice.The essential needs as a human being are not provided and to add that up that have been abuse . It is a matter of committment to help .To be the constant person with love and respect that can help them experince a new look in life. I believe once you discover your mission and knowing in how many ways we can contribute for to do what is right , to do what is a call from the heart, to be the ear that listens, the hand that touches their heart with love, the voice that speaks , the eyes that see what is the Best Interest of that child is a reward a gift to be call for . We need to create awareness and create a sense of alertness and move in the direction to help. CASA is Wonderful.
I became a CASA in11/1999 for a half-brother and half-sister who were in emergency care. They had been exposed to violence, neglect and sexual abuse. Later, they were placed in foster care. The sister was returned to the mother just over 2 years later, after the mother successfully completed her court plan . The brother is still in foster care (14 different placements), due to the profound effect of his early experiences and lack of appropriate family willing to take him. The biological father sued for custody of the brother, and it was denied by the court due to the revelations in a forensic psychiatric exam and testimony of witnesses. The brother will age out in 5/2011. The brother is emotionally disturbed. This CASA believes he will have problems as an adult with socializing, hygiene, and holding a job. Even though he has significant problems, he has made remarkable progress from the age of 6 to the age of 18.
During 11 years, I have had 2 supportive and encouraging CASA supervisors. The CASA staff has generally been very helpful. Because of the 1 hour drive to court and the CASA office and 1 hour back, it has been difficult for me to have a desired, shared experience and comaraderie with other CASAs.
The district attorneys office generally has been supportive and encouraging. Child Protective Services is often "asleep at the wheel"--uninformed, unresponsive, and not looking out for the child's best interests. In my opinion, the problem with CPS starts at the top management level, trickling down with supervisors not checking on caseworkers' work and helping them do a better job. Top management and supervisors need accountability. The foster agencies are generally uncooperative; and, so are many foster parents who work for them. Agencies, foster parents and CASAs need a better understanding of each others' roles.
There are training requirements to become a CASA; however, on-the-job experiences are where I have learned, by far, the most. Lack of cooperation from parents; foster parents and their agencies; and CPS has made my job more difficult.
I am "retiring" from CASA when the young man ages out. It has been far more time-consuming than I would have imagined, especially in the first few years. There might be more retention of CASAs if time involvement were explained more realistically, especially for people like me who have jobs.
As a teacher of students with special needs, I've worked with may students who literally cannot speak for themselves. And, unfortunately, a disproportionate number of my students (and of all students with special needs) have been removed from their parents' custody and placed in the foster care system.
Before I learned about CASA, I would constantly ask myself, "Who is speaking up for these kids?"
Now I know the answer to my question! CASA!
CASA of Central Texas recruits, trains, and supports amazing individuals who generously give of their time and energy to make sure that all kids have a voice in court, and that each child's concerns and best interest are both presented to and respected by the people and systems involved in his or her case.
As a board member, I have learned much more about the day-to-day functions of the CASA staff and volunteers. There are so many dedicated people in this organization, and we are especially fortunate to have incredibly talented leadership, enabling the program to set and achieve goals for increasing the number of children served.
Clearly, CASA of Central Texas is among the most respected, nonprofit volunteer organizations serving children in Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe, and Hays counties. From state representatives to local businesses to school teachers, CASA's reputation is widely known and well deserved because of the amazing, caring, and talented volunteers and staff who make all the great work possible!
My experience as a CASA Advocate has been rewarding. Being able to offer information to the children's school staff when they are moved from one school to another can help the children I serve have a better opportunity to succeed in school. I am a advocate for the children I serve and share this information with the judge.
When we go to court, the girls I serve, know they can depend on me to be there for them and to bring them some treats and things to do as we wait.
My CASA supervisor is so knowlegable and helpful when my case may take some challenging turns. She offers me good advice and is always supportive and appreciative of my work as a CASA. Being a CASA is rewarding and a good way to give back to my community.
I joined CASA of Central Texas in 2006. Shortly after completing a well designed training program taught by A CASA staff member who also is a volunteer advocate, as is the case with most of the staff, and many of the members of the board of directors.
I was offered a case. Seven children, ages 3 to 17 were removed from their mother. For some of the older one, it was the fourth time to be removed for abuse and neglect. They had two older sisters who were "aged out" - no longer under the protection of the State.
There were 6 biological "fathers", 4 of whom were in state prison. My supervisor told me that they would assign another advocate to help me because these children were scattered out. It's virtually impossible to find a qualified home that will take that many siblings. After reading the affidavit, I told her that these children needed one person that knew and worked with all of them.
Visiting each of them a minimum of once a month, advocating for them with their schools, foster homes, court and the Department of Family & Protective Services, and assisting in gathering them together regularly for visits kept me busy. It also blessed me beyond description. My rather bazaar career choices, teacher, peace officer, and school counselor, along with being part of the Kairos Prison Ministry gave me unique experiences that would allow me to serve these children in special ways. Clearly God was gently leading me toward this role.
Long hours on the road, heavy gas bills, aggravation with some of the adults in their lives, having to over come an understandable ingrained distrust of adults from the children made this a daunting task. Being able to have a part in protecting these wonderful, rambunctious kids makes those "problems" pale.
I still have one left, the only boy. He will "age our" in a few months. Three of the girls were adopted by their original foster mother. Three have aged out, and the youngest was adopted by a family member. Two of them ran away from their placements several times, at time staying gone for months at a time. They would occasionally call or text me to let me know how (but not where) they were. Last Fathers Day, I received a "HAPPY FATHERS DAY JIMBO!!" from the boy who was on runaway status at the time. Jimbo is my chosen name.
I'm convinced that every time a court appoints a CASA to a child, God smiles. I've learned that "I love you Jimbo" from a child that can't say that to a parent is more beautiful than any symphony I've ever heard.
This program is crucial to children whose parents can't or won't care for them, love them or protect them. There are not enough of us, there is not enough funding to increase the wonder staff that is crucial for our support, for recruiting new volunteers, and training them.
I hope you can find it in your hearts to help us continue advocating for these precious children, and recruit and support more volunteers.
I was a CASA volunteer in Missouri for over six years and have recently joined as a volunteer advocate for CASA of Central Texas. It is truly amazing what CASA does on behalf of abused and neglected children all across the US. In general, the case workers at the departments that handle child protective services for each state carry very heavy case loads that prevent them for focusing on individual cases to truly advocate in the best interests of individual children who are removed from their homes. As a volunteer, I am able to zero in on specific needs of a child (or children) and make meaningful recommendations to the court on what will best protect the child. While our hope is for reunification with the parents of a child, our primary goal is insure the child is able to return to a permanent, stable, safe and nurturing home as quickly as possible. I particularly appreciate CASA of Central Texas because permanancy within 12-18 months is a goal that is supported by Texas Child Protective Services, and the courts.
We had CASA volunteers for almost 2yrs, and I have to say they were the most wonderful people we have even encountered. They always had answers for us they were always supportive. They were always available to us when no one else was. They even helped us finacially when we needed help. We were so very blessed to have them as a part of our lives.
Ms Linda was wonderful she taught our girls how crochet , took them out on dessert and lunch dates, and Ms Carolyn she was our "pusher" when we were getting ready for adoption and she knew our time was limited she made calls and pushed everyone along.
We are very greatful for all the help and support CASA has give us.
CASA of Central Texas is a high impact organization that trains community volunteers to become court-appointed advocates for children in the foster care system. The volunteers are assigned one child or set of siblings at a time and can therefore devote the time and attention that the children and their needs deserve. These dedicated volunteers truly make a difference in children's lives by helping to get them the services they need to heal from abuse or neglect, helping to find permanent and caring families for these children, and by just being there to listen if the child needs someone to talk to.
I reluctantly joined my husband after he volunteered for CASA (Court Appointed State Advocate), but I soon became enthusuastic. Many children are abused, taken from their parents, and often move from one foster home to the next until they become 18 years old.
Can you imagine trying to mature and to trust appropriately if your life was like that?
The CASA volunteer works with the child until he/she is returned to the natural parent(s), or is permanently placed with foster or adoptive parents, OR until the child becomes 18 years old and is no longer under the care of Child Protective Services.
My heart was won over by our first appointment--a baby boy. His parents were still teenagers. Luckily, both had very supportive parents willing to house the teens while they worked very hard to mature and regain permanent custody of their baby. One of the grandmothers was appointed temporary custody, so the mother was
able to stay with her baby until the case was closed.
I was hooked! So will you, if you get involved as a volunteer or a donor.. Try it, you'll like it! Ann Haynes Tubbs
CASA is a national network which recruits, trains and supports volunteers who are appoimnted by judges to watch over and advocate to the court for individual abused or neglected children who come before the court. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home.
One of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had was working as a court appointed special advocate. It was an opportunity to interact with a child who was going through some very difficult family situations and make sure that his best interests were always served, as his case was moved through Child Protective Services and the court system. As the eyes and ears of the judge I was able to relate to the court, the child's progress or lack of it. The judge usually sided with my observations. I believe I was able to really make a difference in the life of my child.