Currently, only 13% of the foster children in Hale County are served by a CASA volunteer. There is a critical need for more community members to meet the challenge of the growing number of children entering into the foster care system by serving as a CASA, or a Court Appointed Special Advocate. A CASA volunteer is the voice for the best interest of a foster child and also works to help find a safe, permanent home. CASA volunteers make recommendations to the court about any issues or concerns relating to the child’s educational, medical, or emotional needs, by speaking with parents, family members, teachers, doctors, foster parents, and other adults who may have information about the child.

“[Foster children] need someone to care about them and what happens to them. I CASA, can you?,” said Denise Lieb, CASA volunteer.

Prospective volunteers can sign up for the upcoming CASA 101 informational session hosted by CASA of the South Plains on Thursday, March 15th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Leal’s Mexican Restaurant at 3311 Olton Road in Plainview. 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 lives of area foster children. Lunch will be provided to the first fifteen attendees.

CASA 101 attendees interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can also begin the application and sign-up process. Training classes can fill up quickly and space is limited.

To attend, please register at www.casaofthesouthplains.org or contact Kristen Mata, Recruitment Director, by Wednesday, March 14st at (806) 763-2272 or via email at kristenm@casaofthesouthplains.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. 622 foster youth received advocacy services from CASA of the South Plains in 2017.
2. 288 CASA volunteers donated a total of 8,235 hours in 2017, saving county taxpayers $452,925 in county paid attorneys’ fees.
3. 235 foster youth found permanency with the help of their CASA volunteer in 2017.

How You Can Help
1. Become a CASA volunteer – In 2017, almost 900 children were left without the assistance of an Advocate in the communities served by CASA.
2. Become a CASA donor – Consider a monthly gift of $5 or more through the Heroes for Hope campaign. Every gift makes a difference!
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 if you are unable to volunteer at this time, and would like to make a donation, visit www.casaofthesouthplains.org or call (806) 763-2272.

(News release from CASA of the South Plains)