 “I value the CASA volunteer’s opinion and weigh it highly in my decision making.” -Judge in Decatur, Texas “I view CASA not only as a safety net for abused and neglected children but also as an essential ally in delinquency prevention. CASA works because its volunteers make it work. The children benefit from the time, skill, objectivity and concern of the CASA volunteer for each child’s welfare. Appreciated by judicial, legal and social service communities, CASA volunteers change lives—one child at a time.” -J. Robert Flores, Administrator, Office for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention “If you want to help a child for a day, give to the local food bank, but if you want to help a child for life, become a CASA.” -Bertil Fredstrom, CASA Volunteer “I never had someone to care about the little things in my life before- or even the big things!” -Elizabeth Velasquez, Former CASA child The Challenge Last year, 47,104 children were in the State of Texas’ custody due to allegations of abuse and neglect. More than half of these children did not have the benefit of a CASA volunteer to help guide them through the overwhelmed child protection system to a safe, permanent home. The Need To serve more foster children, the 68 local nonprofit CASA organizations throughout the state need additional funding to build capacity to recruit, train, and supervise more CASA volunteers. • Last year, it cost nearly $25 million to provide about 5,000 volunteer advocates for over 20,000 children. • The Legislature provides $3 million annually in state funding. • With an additional appropriation of $3 million in FY 2010 and 4.8 million in FY 2011, Texas CASA programs are committed to serving 4,000 additional children by the end of FY 2011. The Difference Unlike others working in the child protection system, each CASA volunteer is court-appointed to one case -- one child or set of siblings -- at a time. They spend an average of 10-15 hours a month for an average of 30 months at a time monitoring the case and reporting to the court, advocating for the child’s best interests, and being a consistent source of help and hope to the child at a time when he or she needs it the most. These committed volunteers give our most vulnerable children a fighting chance to grow up to be productive, healthy adults. “[CASA volunteers] independent evaluations allow the court to make better informed decisions. . . .As you know, we are struggling with high caseloads and turnover rates among CPS caseworkers. . . .In this situation, the work of a CASA becomes even more important. These dedicated and caring volunteers are often the most stable adult influence during a child’s time in the foster care system.” From Letter of House Human Services to Committee to Members of the Texas House of Representatives, April 22, 2008. Andrea Sparks, Director of Public Policy and Outreach Texas CASA, 1501 W. Anderson Lane, Suite B-2, Austin, TX 78757 877-894-2272 | http://www.becomeacasa.org |
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Coastal Bend CASA Phone: 361-884-2272 diana@interconnect.net www.coastalbendcasa.org Webmaster: texastechies.org   |
News and Updates >
CASA Fact Sheetposted Mar 9, 2010 5:24 PM by Texas Techies [ updated Mar 9, 2010 6:13 PM ] |