Four new Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) were sworn in today at the Brown County Courthouse in a ceremony led by Honorable Judge Mike Smith. These dedicated individuals, Executive Director Beth Loftis, and volunteers Janet Peterson, Tiffani Shaffer, and Katherine Lord, will now serve as critical voices for children and youth involved in the foster care and child welfare system in Brown, Comanche, and Mills counties.

Each of the new CASA volunteers completed a rigorous training program, which included 30 hours of instruction on child welfare, trauma-informed care, and the legal system, as well as 3 hours of court observation to understand firsthand the legal processes involved in their role. Debbie Solsbery, CASA of the Heart of Texas Program Director, personally trained all four advocates, ensuring they are well-equipped to take on this vital role.

Debbie Solsbery, who has been with the organization for 6 years, emphasized the importance of preparation in the CASA role. “Training is crucial to ensuring our volunteers are fully prepared to advocate for the best interests of each child. These four new advocates have shown extraordinary dedication, and I have full confidence that they will have a lasting, positive impact on the lives of the children they serve.”

Beth Loftis, who is both the Executive Director of CASA of the Heart of Texas and a newly sworn-in advocate, shared an inspirational message:
“Today, as I stand with my fellow Advocates, I am reminded of the incredible power each of us has to make a difference in the life of a child. Our voices are more than just words – they are a lifeline for children who need someone to believe in them, who need someone to fight for their future. I am humbled and inspired by the commitment of our team and our community to ensure that every child, no matter their circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive.”

Judge Mike Smith, who presided over today’s swearing-in ceremony, acknowledged the significant role CASAs play in the community by agreeing to perform the swearing in.

CASA volunteers are trained to ensure that children in foster care are not just represented in court, but that their voices are heard, their needs are met, and their futures are brightened with the possibility of a loving, permanent home. This program is crucial in helping children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect to heal and find stability.

CASA of the Heart of Texas continues to seek additional volunteers to help meet the growing demand for child advocacy services across the region. Training for new volunteers is held regularly, and anyone interested in becoming a CASA is encouraged to reach out to the organization for more information.

About CASA of the Heart of Texas

CASA of the Heart of Texas is a nonprofit organization that advocates for children who have experienced abuse or neglect in Brown, Comanche, and Mills counties. The program trains and supports volunteer advocates to ensure that every child has a safe, loving, and permanent home. The organization relies on the dedication of volunteers to give every child the voice they deserve in court.

For more information about CASA of the Heart of Texas or to learn how you can become a volunteer, please visit www.casabrownwood.org or call (325) 643-2557.