In Terry County, only 7% of the children in foster care had a volunteer Advocate that was there to speak up for their well-being. CASA of the South Plains is urging Brownfield 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 Tuesday, April 26th from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the El Palacio Mexican Restaurant at 102 E. Cardwell St. in Brownfield. 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.
“There is no question in my mind that my work as a volunteer makes a positive difference in the life of a child in foster care,” said Charles, CASA Advocate.
To sign up, please R.S.V.P to Amanda Norfleet by Monday, April 25th 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)
