CASA of the Coastal Bend

Description

When a child enters the child welfare system because his or her home is no longer safe due to abuse or neglect, a judge may appoint a committed volunteer to advocate for the best interest of the child in court, at school and in other settings. That volunteer is called a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA. Advocates stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, loving, permanent home. For many children, who are abused or neglected, their CASA will be the one constant presence in their lives.

CASAs are everyday people - teachers, business people, retirees, stay-at-home moms and grandparents - who are committed to making a difference for children who might otherwise slip through the cracks of an overburdened foster care system. Advocates research case records and interview each person involved in a child’s life, including family members, teachers, doctors, lawyers and social workers. They monitor the progress of the child and family and advocate for the child’s current and future needs in court, in school and in agency meetings. CASA’s independent evaluations allow the court to make better informed decisions. Because advocates serve on 1-2 cases at a time, they truly get to know an individual child or sibling group. They provide sustained, personal attention to every child - just as every child deserves. We invite you to join our family of advocates and make a difference in a child’s life - and your own.