Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine November 2017 | Page 20

By: Connie Ricketts CASA of Galveston County Executive Director [email protected] Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Galveston County – A Voice for Abused and Neglected Children Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Galveston County is a nonprofit organization that trains volunteers who are appointed by a family court judge to serve as Guardians Ad Litem, and advocate for the best interests of children involved in Child Protective Services cases in Galveston County. CASA OF GALVESTON COUNTY In Galveston County, there are more than 275 children currently in the foster care system in need of a CASA volunteer to advocate for what is best for them. In FY2017, CASA of Galveston County served 57% of the children in need. As we begin FY2018 our goal is to recruit and train more advocates to bridge the gap in our goal of serving 100%. In Texas, the foster care system was found neglectful as noted in the federal court opinion in December 2015 for further abuse to children in foster care by their caregivers. A CASA volunteer is another set of eyes on children in foster care to ensure their safety is paramount. Child victims of abuse are more likely to repeat the cycle later if they are not provided the proper services, support, and care while they are young. CASA of Galveston County provides this important service to this vulnerable population because of the financial support we receive through the state and the community. In FY 2017, our volunteers gave more than 3887 volunteer hours and drove more than 53000 miles to visit their children. The need for more volunteers is paramount so that CASA of Galveston County can serve 100% of children that need this special voice in the court. Children in foster care experience multiple changes in their living situation, school placements, loss of friends, and family connections. To become a CASA volunteer, you must complete a comprehensive background check, an interview, submit 4 personal non-related references, 30+ hours of professional training, court observation, and 12 hours of continuing education annually. We ask that each volunteer make a 2-year commitment to stay for the life of the case in the court. The volunteer advocate becomes the one trusted adult in the lives of these vulnerable children. You can find out more information at www.casagalveston.org or call our office at [phone] x1. Jacklyn and James are children who were removed from their home due to physical abuse by their parents and placed in separate foster homes – now separated from each other they must adjust to new living situations, new schools, and they wonder what lies ahead. These events in the life of a child are traumatic but this is where the CASA comes in – ensuring that these transitions are as smooth as possible. A CASA will connect with everyone involved in the child’s life and advocate for the necessary services to lessen the long-term impact of abuse. A CASA will advocate for unmet healthcare needs, sibling visits, proper school placement and support in the school system. The CASA’s fact finding, investigation and communication will provide the family court judge with the unbiased information they need to make decisions that will ultimately impact the family. 19 MOMENTUM / November 2017