June 18, 2015 - For many children, Father’s Day means giving gifts, enjoying traditions and making memories with their fathers, grandfathers and father figures. But for children in the foster care system, the day can be a painful reminder of their past.
Unfortunately, many children in foster care do not have a reliable father figure in their lives. Removed from their homes due to evidence of abuse or neglect, they are not guaranteed to be placed in state care near their loved ones. It is a constant cycle of uncertainty.
However, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers from CASA of Deep East Texas can help provide much-needed stability for these children. CASA volunteers, everyday members of the community who are specially trained and appointed by judges to advocate for children in the foster care system, are often the only consistent adult presence in these children’s lives.
“Our advocates volunteer and devote their own time to get to know the child, and for that reason, judges seek their recommendations regarding placement as well as the child’s mental and physical health and educational needs,” said Tonya Harry, executive director of CASA of Deep East Texas. Ultimately, CASA volunteers work diligently to help find the child a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible.”
Children who have CASA volunteers typically spend less time in foster care, receive more services needed to heal and perform better academically. CASA volunteers advocate first and foremost for reunification with the child’s family. When there is not an able or willing relative to care for the child, CASA volunteers work diligently to help place him or her with a caring adoptive family.
There are 256 children in the child protection system and currently only 50 CASA volunteers in Nacogdoches, Shelby, and San Augustine Counties. Every child deserves a CASA volunteer to advocate for their best interests, just as every child should have a reason to celebrate Father’s Day this year.
“We need more involved members of the community to step up and make a difference by becoming a present and engaged adult in a child’s life,” said Harry. “Please consider becoming a CASA volunteer so that more children in foster care can celebrate Father’s Day and start making memories with loving adults and families.”
