The South Plains region has one of the highest per capita rates of child abuse and neglect at double the state average. CASA of the South Plains is urging community members to volunteer as part of its “Can you CASA?” recruitment challenge, and speak up for abused and neglected foster children. Prospective volunteers can attend a CASA 101 informational session on Thursday, March 31st from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the CASA office at #24 Briercroft Office Park. CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, ensure a foster child’s needs remain a priority in an over-burdened child welfare system while working to find safe, permanent homes for these most vulnerable children.
This is a great, no-obligation introduction to CASA and its mission. CASA staff and current Advocates will be on hand to discuss the increasing need for volunteers, what it means to be a CASA, and how community members can help make a difference in the life of area foster children. Lunch will be provided to attendees.
“I wish every child in my court had a CASA Advocate. The information CASA Advocates gather and provide to the court is critical in my decision-making,” said Judge Kara Darnell, South Plains Foster Care Court.
To sign up, please R.S.V.P to Amanda Norfleet by Wednesday, March 30th at (806) 763-2272 or via email at amandan@lubbockcasa.org.
About CASA of the South Plains
CASA of the South Plains empowers community members to serve as volunteer Advocates that speak for the well-being of abused and neglected children in the foster care system. Court appointed special advocates are community members just like you who ensure each foster child’s needs remain a priority in an over-burdened child welfare system while working to find safe, permanent homes for these most vulnerable children.
CASA’s Impact
1. Children with a CASA Advocate spend 5 months less in foster care and are half as likely to re-enter foster care.
2. In 2015, CASA of the South Plains provided advocacy services to 485 foster youth.
3. CASA Advocates donated 8,591 hours in 2015, saving county taxpayers more than $343,640 in county paid attorney fees.
How You Can Help
1. Become a CASA Advocate – more than 700 children are without the assistance of an Advocate in the South Plains.
2. Become a CASA donor – it costs CASA $1,500 to recruit and train each Advocate.
3. Host a CASA 101 – CASA will come to your business and educate your staff about its mission and goals.
To learn how to become an Advocate or to donate, please visit www.casaofthesouthplains.org or call (806) 763-2272.
(News release from CASA of the South Plains)
