CASA for the Cross Timbers Area needs additional volunteers to advocate on behalf of children in foster care.

Special to Beneath the Surface News

CASA for the Cross Timbers Area is seeking additional volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children in foster care in the Cross Timbers Area.

“We want every child involved in the child welfare system to have an advocate by their side while they go through such an uncertain time in their lives,” said CASA CTA executive director Mindy Wooley.

“We are always in need of more volunteers from the community to serve these children and their families.”

CASA volunteers are specially trained and appointed by judges to advocate for a child or sibling group while they are in the foster care system.

They advocate for the child in court, school and other settings and get to know everyone involved in the child’s life, including their parents, foster parents, teachers and family members.

CASA volunteers advocate first and foremost for children to be reunified with their parents whenever safe and possible.

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.

“Our work is so important to these children and it can create a lifelong impact for them and their families,” said CASA volunteer Jon Newton.

“You’re not only changing the lives of children, you’re changing your own.”

Last year, CASA advocated for 112 children in foster care in Erath, Eastland, Bosque and Hamilton counties.

“Our mission is to serve every child in our area,” said Wooley. “We never want a child to go without a CASA volunteer - that’s why we need our community’s support, and for more people to step up and make a difference!”

If you’d like to find out more about becoming a CASA volunteer or other ways to get involved visit CASACTA.org or Facebook @CASA for the Cross Timbers Area.