On Tuesday afternoon at the Austin County Courthouse, The Honorable Daniel Leedy officially swore in four new CASA volunteers. Also known as Court Appointed Special Advocates, these amazing volunteers will work with CASA for Kids to advocate for children and families involved in the foster care system in Austin, Colorado, Waller, and Washington counties.
"Even in my pre-service training alone, I've seen the remarkable positive impact that CASA volunteers can have on the children and families they serve," says Erika Jasinski, newly sworn in volunteer with CASA for Kids.
This new class of CASA volunteers will be assigned to a child or sibling group who they will commit to advocating for until the closure of their case. As a part of their advocacy, they will get to know important adults in the life of the child they represent, such as parents, foster parents, teachers, doctors, therapists, and more.
"It is a long-term commitment and requires a lot of heart, but there just isn't another volunteer experience that matches what you'll get with CASA," says Mandy Wright, Executive Director of CASA for Kids. "Our volunteers are dedicated to doing their very best on behalf of the children and families they serve."
CASA volunteers go through over 30 hours of in-depth, pre-service training before they are appointed by a judge to their case. They advocate for the child they represent in every facet of their life and make recommendations to the court about their best interest. Volunteers advocate for reunification as their primary goal whenever it is safe and possible to do so. When reunification is not an option, they may advocate for the child to live with another relative or family friend. They can also advocate for the child to be placed in an adoptive home. In all cases, CASA volunteers are steadfast, consistent presences for the children they serve, making sure they are safe and have the resources and connections they need to grow and thrive. They work with families to build life-long support systems for both the child and parents that will continue after the case is closed.
"We're so excited to have this new class join our team of 62 volunteers," says Wright. "I know that they will do amazing work that will positively impact the children and families in the foster care system right here in our community."
If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer at CASA for Kids of South Central Texas, you can attend their next informational session on Thursday, Mar. 3 at 30 North in Brenham or visit their website at wespeak4kids.org.
Courtesy of CASA for Kids
