For hundreds of children in the Coastal Bend foster care system, having just one consistent adult can make a lasting difference. That’s the message from CASA of the Coastal Bend, which is encouraging community members to become Court Appointed Special Advocates, commonly known as CASA volunteers.
The nonprofit currently serves about 400 children at any given time, many of whom have experienced abuse, neglect or other traumatic circumstances. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for a child’s best interests and serve as a consistent presence throughout what can often be a complex and uncertain child welfare process.
Before working with a child, volunteers complete extensive screening and training. Once appointed, they gather information about the child’s situation, communicate with everyone involved in the case and provide recommendations to the court. Advocates often become one of the few stable adults in a child’s life during their time in foster care…