Brownwood News – During May, National Foster Care Month, we take the time to raise awareness of the growing number of children in foster care and the need for more people to step up to help them. Last year there were 52,397 children in the Texas foster care system, 357 of whom were right here in the three counties served by CASA in the Heart of Texas: Brown, Comanche, and Mills.
These children have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care due to evidence of abuse or neglect by their families. While foster care is important to keep them safe, it is not a permanent solution. This is where Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers from CASA in the Heart of Texas come into play.
“Foster care is meant to provide a safe haven for children after being removed from their homes,” said Michelle Wells, executive director of CASA in the Heart of Texas. “But what many people don’t understand is that it’s meant to be short term. Kids require permanency in order to thrive.”
CASA volunteers are specially trained and appointed by judges to advocate for one child or sibling group while they are in the foster care system, ensuring they are in a safe placement where their unique needs are being met. These volunteer advocates get to know everyone involved in the child’s life, including biological parents, foster parents, teachers, doctors and lawyers, and present their information to the judge so that the best interests of the child can be represented and the judge can make better informed decisions.
Volunteers advocate first and foremost for these children to be reunified with their families whenever safe and possible. When this is not an option, they advocate for the child to be placed in a loving adoptive home. In all cases, CASA volunteers are steadfast, consistent advocates for the children they serve, making sure they have the resources and connections they need to thrive after their time in foster care.
“With more children entering the system every day, there is a growing need for more CASA volunteers to ensure these children are safe and set up for success,” said Wells. “National Foster Care Month is the perfect time to start.”
For those looking to make an impact in their community during National Foster Care Month but not ready to become a CASA volunteer or foster, CASA also recommends supporting a foster family in your community by doing something as small as bringing them dinner.
“Children in foster care are the most vulnerable of the vulnerable,” Wells said. “Thank you to all the foster parents, social workers, CASA volunteers and others who are stepping up to help create a brighter, safer community.”
For more information on becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casabrownwood.org or www.BecomeACASA.org, call CASA in the Heart of Texas at 325-643-2557, or e-mail Joanne@casahot.org. The next information/training session is Tuesday, June 4th at 6:00 pm at the CCCT building, 901 Avenue B, Brownwood. CASA would appreciate an RSVP if you plan to attend.
The next Pre-Service Training Class will be starting July 8th and applications are needed no later than June 17th. Applications are online at CASA website above. CASA in the Heart of Texas is looking for 12 new volunteers to be trained in July. Too many children in the system do not have a Court Appointed Special Advocate to be by their side and give them a voice. “Our vision is for every child in the system to have a CASA. Right now, the numbers of children entering the system each year for the past several years has shot up to a point we have not been able to recruit and train enough volunteers to keep up with the demand. Until we certify new volunteers, we cannot take any new cases. If you think you could be a fierce advocate for a child, please contact CASA. “Every child deserves a chance – it’s you,” encouraged McCraw.
