CASA in the Heart of Texas is seeking more volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children in foster care from Brown County.

“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 Michelle Wells, Executive Director of CASA in the Heart of Texas. “We are always in need of more volunteer Advocates from the community to serve these children and their families. Last year we were only able to serve 25% of children from our service area of Brown, Comanche, and Mills counties due to the limited number of volunteer Advocates available to serve. The need for volunteers is critical at this point.”

Volunteer Advocates with CASA in the Heart of Texas are specially trained and appointed by judges to advocate for a child or sibling group while they are in the foster care system, as well as their parents and families. 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, doctors, family members and others.

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. 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, their parents, and their families, it can create a lifelong impact,” said Debbie Solsbery, a CASA Advocate Coordinator. “You’re not only changing the lives of children, but you’re also changing your own!”

“Our goal is to serve every child in our service area,” said Wells. “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!”

The next New Volunteer Training class will begin in June 2023. CASA will also be having a free informational Taco luncheon on May 23, 2023 from 12-1 P.M. in the Multipurpose room at TSTC, located at 305 Booker in Brownwood. If you’d like to find out more about becoming a CASA volunteer or other ways to get involved, visit www.casabrownwood.org or call (325) 643-2557.