Texas CASA’s Partner Agencies Train Volunteers to be a Voice and a Lifeline for Children in the Foster Care System
Originally published by KPRC Click2Houston, Mariah Gardner.
HOUSTON, Texas — When children are legally removed from their homes for their safety, they may face uncertainty regarding where they will live, custody battles, where to attend school and more. Texas CASA works with 74 local programs across the state, which train volunteers to become trusted adults and a source of stability in each child’s life as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
As a CASA, a volunteer advocates for the child’s safety and well-being. They get to know the child and their family or caretakers as well as teachers, coaches, and anyone who is an important part of the child’s life. The CASA represents the child’s best interests in communicating with attorneys, social workers and judges.
Local CASA Programs
Programs around Houston include the following organizations:
- Child Advocates – Houston/Harris County
- Child Advocates of Fort Bend
- Gulf Coast CASA – Brazoria, Wharton, Matagorda Counties
- Child Advocates of Montgomery County
- CASA of Galveston County
- CASA of Liberty and Chambers Counties
- Find other CASA programs across Texas here
How You Can Help
Learn more about how to volunteer as a CASA at www.becomeacasa.org.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Child Advocates of Fort Bend shares some of the signs of child abuse and neglect on their website. The page also includes resources for children, parents and teachers.
To learn more about how to report abuse, visit the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services website or call 1-800-252-5400. In any emergency situation, call 9-1-1.
Texas CASA is dedicated to raising awareness around child abuse and neglect all month long. Find ideas on how you can help raise awareness here. Friday, April 10 is Go Blue Day. Texans are encouraged to wear blue that day to show their support for ending child abuse and neglect.
KPRC 2 and our partners at Energy Transfer and Houston Christian University are proud to feature Texas CASA in our KPRC 2 Community April spotlight.
