CASA for Kids of South Central Texas

CASA for Kids of South Central Texas recruits, trains and supports court-appointed volunteers who advocate for the best interest of the children in foster care so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.

CASA is a driving force in ensuring each child who has been removed from their home has a dedicated advocate speaking up for their best interest in court, at school, and in our community ensuring each child's needs remain a priority in an overburdened child welfare system. CASA provides a consistent presence in their lives to explain what is happening, why it is happening, and what will happen next, so they never face navigating through the child welfare system unprepared and alone. CASA is assigned by a judge to help one child or set of siblings at a time, so we can focus on giving the child or sibling group the individualized advocacy and attention they so desperately need. We work in tandem with court judges, attorneys, case workers, parents, foster parents, teachers, physicians, and therapists to ensure that the best interests of the child are met.

Before court hearings, CASA prepares a detailed formal court report that covers the current wellbeing of the child and any needs or concerns regarding the child or parents. During the hearing, CASA attends the proceedings and is prepared to give insight, perspective, and recommendations to the judge.

Testimonials

"I trusted my CASA volunteer, she was the only person whose face I recognized after every move." ~ Ashley, a former CASA youth

"To give a child a CASA volunteer is to give them a voice. To give them a voice is to give them hope, and to give them hope is to give them the world. I believe that with all my heart" ~ Pamela, former foster child

"I became a CASA advocate because I wanted to try and help children in the system. I stayed working as a CASA advocate because I saw first-hand the tragic lives these children were living and what a remarkable difference each advocate was making. These children have a chance to lead a successful, happy life as a result of the work of their CASA advocate