Courtesy Dallas CASA.
Swiss Avenue-based Dallas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for kids in foster care was recently granted $142,693, most of which is to increase the number of trained volunteers.
These funds are coming from the National CASA/Guardians ad Litem Association for Children, and $100,000 is specifically earmarked for recruiting, screening, training and supporting volunteer advocates. Recruitment efforts can look like community outreach, hosting information sessions and public awareness activities, and marketing. The rest of the funding is from a needs-based grant to help Dallas CASA continue “the organization’s mission of advocating for children who have experienced abuse or neglect,” according to a Dallas CASA press release.
“Every child who enters foster care deserves a dedicated advocate and a caring, consistent adult focused solely on that child’s best interests,” said Kathleen LaValle, president and CEO of Dallas CASA, in the press release. “We are grateful to the National CASA/GAL Association for investing in our ability to recruit additional volunteers and strengthen the services we provide to vulnerable children in Dallas County.”
Judges appoint these advocates, who gather information and make recommendations to the court, to speak up for kids in foster care and make sure their needs are being met.
“For the past seven years, Dallas CASA has provided advocates for every child assigned by the Dallas County courts,” reads the press release. “As the child welfare system continues to face significant challenges, recruiting and retaining volunteers remains a top priority for ensuring children receive individualized attention and support.”
