Monday, April 29, 2024
Having an opportunity to make a positive difference in a child's life – especially a child who may be experiencing troubled circumstances – can be life-changing, and that is the goal of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
Those who volunteer to serve as CASAs accompany children at court appearances, build a relationship with the child to make sure he or she is getting needs met, and have an opportunity to be a ray of hope at a time when circumstances may seem overwhelming to them.
Landon Belcher and Melissa Ward, who are both involved with CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties, spoke to the Gatesville Lions Club recently to talk about the need for CASA volunteers and how they make a difference.
When children's lives are disrupted because they are living in an unsafe environment, judges appoint adult CASAs to help look out for their best interests.
"CASA was formed in 1977 in Washington by a judge who believed that children weren't getting the representation and support they needed, and it is now a national organization," Belcher said.
Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and undergo a background check. They are provided with 33 hours of training over four weeks. Topics include a basic understanding of the court system and trauma education. When their training is complete, they are sworn in by a judge to serve as advocates for children.
"As soon as a child is removed from a home, they enter the foster care system," Belcher said. "A CASA visits with the child at least once a month to talk about their concerns and how things are going, and to see what they need. They also make court appearances to represent the child.
"The good thing about CASA is that if a child has a CASA, they do better in school, typically spend less time in foster care, and are more often placed in a permanent home."
During one month – October 2022 – 104 children were helped in Bell and Coryell counties by CASA volunteers.
"Nine (children) didn't have advocates because there weren't enough people to help out," Belcher said.
CASA is making an effort in Bell and Coryell Counties to get the word out in hopes of getting more people to volunteer on behalf of children.
Although both men and women are encouraged to volunteer, there is a greater need for more men to get involved.
"There's about a 50-50 split between male and female when it comes to the children being served, but only 17% of CASA volunteers are male," Belcher said.
On Wednesday, Feb. 23, at 5:30 pm, Men of CASA will host a free mixer at Nolan Creek Brewery, 206 N. Penelope St. in Belton in hopes of recruiting more men to become involved with the program.
Ward previously worked with Child Protective Services before becoming involved with CASA and has seen firsthand the positive difference advocates make in children's lives.
"CASA volunteers have one kiddo, and they are the eyes and ears of the judge for that kiddo," Ward said.
Children of all ages are served, but many of them are under age 3 and can strongly benefit from an adult advocate looking out for their best interests.
Except in situations where the child may be in danger or in a bad environment, Belcher said there is an emphasis on trying to help families come back together.
"Any time a child is removed from a home with their biological family, the goal is to eventually reunite the child with its family if possible, because there is a strong biological connection already there," he said.
Those who want to help CASA but are not able to serve as advocates can serve in other ways, Ward said. One option is a group called CASA Friends that often works behind the scenes to assist with items such as gift bags, books and food for participants.
For more information on CASA, visit casabellcoryell.org, search Facebook for CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties, or call 254-774-1881.
