June 26, 2015 - What does a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer do?
CASA volunteers are simply dedicated and devoted women and men willing to advocate for the best interest of an abused child. CASA volunteers are given support, guidance, tools, and training from professionals in the field to help them understand and work effectively within the child welfare system. Once a volunteer, who must be 21 yrs of age, has completed training (30 hours) he or she is sworn in as an officer of the court by one of our local District Judges.
Every year the state of Texas removes thousands of children from their homes because of abuse and neglect. The welfare system is an overburdened system. A CASA volunteer on a case affords the judge a comprehensive picture of the best interest of the child.
CASA is the only volunteer organization that empowers everyday citizens as appointed members of the court. In an overburdened social welfare system, abused and neglected children often slip through the cracks among hundreds of current cases. CASA volunteers change that. Appointed by judges, CASA volunteers typically handle just one case at a time—and commit to staying on that case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. While others may come and go, CASA volunteers provide that one constant that children need in order to thrive. Are you ready to stand up for a child who needs you? As A CASA Volunteer you have the power to change a child's life.
The Center CASA office at 131 Porter St. will begin a new volunteer training for Shelby and San Augustine County on July 7, 9, 14, and 16 will be classroom training 3-7 pm. Courtroom observation will be July 15 at 10am.
Please call either 936-591-9553 or 936-332-5696 for more information.
