CASA of Tarrant County Helps Keep Youth in Foster Care Safe

About 1,700-2,000 children and youth are reported as missing from foster care in any given year according to an annual report from the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). In many cases, “missing” in reality means that they have run away. Running away from foster care puts youth at risk of many dangers, including abduction, physical harm, exploitation, homelessness, substance use and more.

Some of the reasons youth give most frequently for running away according to DFPS are anger at the foster care system, dissatisfaction with rules of their placement, desire to be on their own and wanting to see their family. They are also more likely to run away from highly restrictive placements, such as residential treatment centers, emergency shelters and therapeutic foster care.

“Kids don’t always fully understand the dangers of running away. They are searching for safety, security and acceptance, and doing what they feel is the only thing in their power to get out of a situation they don’t like,” said Don Binnicker, CEO of CASA of Tarrant County. “Youth in foster care need stability, someone in their corner and someone to listen and understand. They need a CASA volunteer speaking up for them and their best interest.”

CASA volunteers (Court Appointed Special Advocates) are members of the community who are trained and appointed by judges to advocate in court for children in the child welfare system. They get to know the children and everyone involved in their lives, such as their parents, family, foster parents, teachers and therapists, so that they can make informed recommendations to the court in their best interest. They also work to make sure children can safely stay connected to their families and are surrounded by a network of supportive, caring adults.

“No child wants to be in foster care. Too often, they’re placed far away from everyone and everything they know. We want to be there for these children and make sure they are connected to the services and support they need,” said Binnicker. “By making sure these children’s voices are heard, our CASA volunteers can build trust with them and help reduce the risk of risky behaviors.”

Children who have a CASA volunteer are more likely to receive more services while they are in the custody of the state, creating a bigger support structure for the child. Teenagers who have a CASA volunteer to support them are less likely to run away while in foster care.

“The caring adult relationship CASA volunteers provide is critical to helping youth in foster care stay safe and avoid homelessness, teen pregnancy, unemployment, substance use and more,” said Binnicker. “By advocating for them and making sure they have the resources and support they need, we can help fill the gap that drives these kids to leave in the first place.”

Become a CASA volunteer, help keep a child safe, and give them a better chance at a happy, successful future. For more information, attend our next information session - see dates here: www.speakupforachild.org/register

Meet Board Member Courtney Bourgeois

Board Member Courtney Bourgeois says, “I was introduced to CASA at TCU, through my sorority, as it is the national beneficiary of its fundraising efforts. I participated in events throughout college that supported CASA and developed a great appreciation for what the organization does. After graduation, and having my own children, I wanted to continue supporting CASA by spreading community awareness and fundraising events.

Fort Worth has such a high child abuse rate, and we as a community can always do more. Giving these children a support system and a voice when they are at their most vulnerable is so important.”

Meet CASA Volunteer Gail Scott

What made you decide to become a CASA? I decided to become a CASA because I wanted to give back to my community in a way that centered around children and families in need. I have always wanted to do volunteer work and found that being a CASA is a perfect fit for me.

What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA? The most rewarding part of being a CASA is experiencing how much love the children have to give and the ways in which they show it. Every one of my CASA children are different in their own, unique way and melt my heart every day. There is no other feeling like it. A bonus for me was the opportunity to become part of CASA's Family Finding team. Through focused and intensive research, Family Finding volunteers work to locate relatives and/or supporting adults who might be willing to step in and provide permanency or help care for kids in need. This is an important part of CASA's focus on familial bonds and cultural awareness.

Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kid or on your case. I have had so many special moments with my CASA kids but developed a special bond with an eleven year old girl who came to me a year ago. She was guarded, smart beyond her years, and had trouble just being a kid. While the world shut down because of COVID-19 we started having weekly Zoom sessions where I held virtual cooking classes (she, with adult supervision). We baked or made something different every week --- our specialty was "Baked Flaming Hot Cheeto Crusted Chicken." Slowly, I gained her trust and we became fast friends.

What is your favorite way to connect with your CASA kid(s)? My favorite way to connect with my CASA kids is in person, although sometimes a quick call or online visit works just as well, especially with my eleven year old since she is so comfortable with electronics. She loves watching puppy videos on YouTube. Technology also makes it really easy to connect with my kids when a face-to-face visit isn't possible.

Why do you think having a CASA volunteer throughout such a chaotic time is important for foster children? I think having a CASA volunteer during this chaotic time is important for foster kids because they may be experiencing added concerns about COVID-19. A child may have been unable to visit with mom/dad because someone has COVID. This is where CASA can step in and make sure someone is there to listen.

Celebrating World Gratitude Day

Throughout the past 18+ months, we have experienced such instability and unknowingness that it’s knocked us off our feet. There were times where the days were long and our anxiety was at an all time high; days when we were frustrated with countless video calls, and days when we were anxiously waiting for that familiar blue Amazon van to park in front of our house.

There were days where we’ve laughed; and days we’ve cried. But through the ups and downs, we’ve created change. Now more than ever it’s important to focus on the positive. I don’t know about you, but during one of the most difficult time of our lives, I’m leaning into the thankful season! Just in 2020, our 559 CASA volunteers were willing and able to donate 40,000 hours of their time and drive 61,000 miles to serve our children in foster care. Because of your support and dedication, we’ve reduced the time kids are in foster care by 6 fewer months.

COVID-19 may not be over, yet the progress we have made in our communities from the last 18+ months have been remarkable. It’s from people like you. Those that are wanting to give back - to do more. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I’m grateful CASA of Tarrant County has you. Working together to provide a voice for a child in foster care may seem like a small gesture, but man oh man, it means the world to them - and to us!

The resilience and positivity we all carried to support our children in foster care was consistently steadfast. And for that, we thank you. We couldn’t have been able to continuously serve more children year after year if it weren’t for you. We are endlessly grateful for your dedication, support, and generosity. Thank you.

Hear From Superheroes On Why They Support the Superhero Run

CASA of Tarrant County’s 8th Annual Superhero Run is taking place on October 30th at Levitt Pavilion in Arlington, with a virtual 5K option available. We are gearing up for this exciting event and can’t wait to see all our supporters in their best costumes! Recently, we asked Superhero Run sponsors and supporters to share with us WHY they are involved in the Superhero Run - Here’s what they had to say!

Superhero Run Committee Member Keirschen Maize says: "Too often, children encounter instability in their living situations due to child abuse and neglect.  This instability can affect a child’s behavior, self-esteem, school performance, and even their hope for the future.  That is why it is so important that we give these children a voice. Helping them to feel heard, supported, safe, and cared about are crucial protective factors that can help counter-balance their life challenges and improve the outcomes for so many Tarrant county children."

The Superhero Run is a fun Tarrant County tradition that my family looks forward to every year. It's a great way to come together as a community to support children who have experienced abuse and neglect.  The kids love the Fun Run and getting to dress up like super heroes, doing the group warm-up, and racing to the finish. I think the adults and dogs enjoy the activities and dressing up just as much as the kids!"

CASA volunteer and Superhero Run sponsor Veronica Garza says: “CASA provides children in foster care with a volunteer whose job is to be their voice during a very difficult time. CASA volunteers are there for these children when they need someone the most. CASA is important because it makes a palpable, positive difference in children's lives. 

I love the CASA Superhero Run because it provides the community with the opportunity to get involved. For those who are not able to volunteer their time as CASAs, the Superhero Run is another way to provide support for the organization and to children in foster care. It's not only an opportunity to do something healthy, but it's also fun to dress up as superheroes and see the smile on children's faces. Every year we look forward to participating, dressing up in cool costumes, and showing support.”  

Board member and Superhero Run sponsor Giana Ortiz says: “CASA’s advocates do more than just speak up for foster children: CASA’s advocates watch over the children’s wellbeing, they reuinite children with family, and they maintain connections with these children who previously had none.  It is hard to imagine a greater service to this vulnerable population, and I am proud of the work CASA does in Tarrant County every day. 

 The Superhero Run gives CASA a chance to share its mission with the community.  It’s also a fun event for families, pets, runners and walkers.  We always show up early and stay late to enjoy the activities and fellowship at the Levitt.”

CASA supporter and Superhero Run participant Lindsay Whittenberg says: “I can’t think of a better organization to support than CASA of Tarrant County!  CASA is providing real support to children in foster care in our community. These advocates are walking beside children during some of the scariest moments of their lives. I believe that these men and women are truly changing the trajectory of these young lives.

The CASA Superhero Run is such a fun way to come together as a community, have some fun and help raise awareness (and funding) for this deserving organization. Having an event full of superheroes, face painting and games makes it fun for the whole family! My family looks forward to it every year!“

Superhero Run Committee Member Mary Ann Heugatter says: “There are so many children right here in Tarrant County suffering from abuse and neglect.  These children depend on CASA, not just for a voice, but also for a future.  Especially in such unusual times, CASA of Tarrant County is a lifesaver for these precious children.

The Superhero Run is a great way to support CASA’s mission.  It’s a wonderful event for the whole family – adults, kids, and dogs!  Run, walk, enjoy games, listen to music, and have fun.  Join our fight against child abuse.  Be a real superhero and make a difference in our community!”

Meet CASA Volunteer Mary Jackson

What made you decide to become a CASA?  Prior to becoming a CASA in 2018, I had listened to the CASA broadcast on the radio on many occasions making those listening of the need for volunteers.  At first, I kept thinking to myself that I didn’t have the time to become a volunteer but when you hear about some of the tragedies that many kids face it makes you want to get involved.  I also know that God put it on my heart to volunteer.

What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA?  Since becoming a CASA, I have had only one case, I believe the most rewarding is seeing the joy on the CASA kids faces at their adoption hearing. 

Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kids on your case.  My special moment was when my CASA kids would run up to me smiling when I would visit at school or at daycare.

What is your favorite way to connect with your CASA kids?  My favorite way to connect with my CASA kids is through educational practice.  I would bring along educational lessons for each child to help re-enforce what each was learning in school or in daycare.  It made my heart happy to see their faces light up when they got the lesson correct. I wanted to help build their confidence in themselves and that I want to help each one.

Why do you think having a CASA volunteer throughout such a chaotic time is important for foster children?  I think having a CASA volunteer is essential for the wellbeing of a foster child.  The CASA volunteer is that one person that a CASA child will see throughout the process of reunification with the biological parent(s) or adoption.  It can give a sense of security that they are not alone and that no matter what the child is going through the CASA volunteer will be there with him or her through it all. It also allows trust so that the foster child can go to the CASA volunteer with issues they are having.  They are so many children that need a CASA volunteer and I hope that it will be placed on the hearts of many to become volunteers.

Meet Child Advocacy Supervisor Jaime Hernandez

Why did you decide to come work for CASA? I came to CASA because I saw the difference an unbiased voice could make in the outcomes for children that are in the foster care system. At the time of my decision to join the CASA team, I was still working for CPS. I saw the limitations the agency had in providing for the needs of the children under their care. I saw in CASA a very unique opportunity to be the voice for those children that are going through such difficult circumstances and to be a resource that can bring stability in an unstable situation.  

What is your professional and educational background? I hold a Masters Degree in Human Services with counseling, as well as a certification from the Karen Purvis Institute of Child Development as a TBRI Practitioner. My experience in child welfare includes several years working for Child Protective Services and the five years that I have been with CASA. I am also a 25-year veteran of the United States Air Force.

What keeps you coming back? CASA is a unique organization in that it is involved with the family courts at the request of the judges. It encourages me to continue this work because those who make life changing decisions regarding the children do want to hear our perspective. I continue to come back because I have seen the positive difference the advocates can make in the outcome of a child’s life, and I want to see it again.

What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA? To me the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA is the interaction with have with our local community. As an organization we get to partner with many great organizations and people that are looking to better our community. As a staff member, I get the opportunity to connect with these different community innovators and link arms with them as we work together to impact the lives of children and families.

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? Children are our most precious national treasure. What CASA does in our community is on behalf of the wellbeing of our children, and few causes are as noble and important to the future of our nation. I believe it’s extremely important that our local community support CASA because what this organization does affects future generations of the community.

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? Do not give up! Sometimes things do not work out exactly as you envisioned them, yet the difference you are making in the child’s life cannot be measured in those terms. As an advocate you have the unique opportunity to help a child to be heard and seen in a system that is having a hard time hearing and seeing.

Meet Our Fall 2021 Interns!

We are so excited to welcome our Fall 2021 interns and are so thankful for their dedication to CASA!

Brynn Lampe: “I am a Strategic Communication major at TCU. I will be a senior in the fall and plan to graduate in May of 2022. I am just beginning my application process for law school and am hoping to attend in the fall of 2022.”

---

Sam Fanning: “I am a Junior at TCU studying Early Childhood Education and I have always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was little! I have been very involved with my sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, where I have served as this year's Fundraising Director. As Fundraising Director, I plan events throughout the year to raise money for CASA which happens to be our National Philanthropy.”

---

Victoria Saucedo: “I am currently a junior political science major at Texas Christian University. After college graduation, I would like to attend law school in Texas and practice corporate law. I also want to own my own law firm and dedicate time to helping non-profit organizations with their legal needs. On campus, I am a member of the TCU Rowing Team and the Moot Court team. Aside from academics, I enjoy volunteering with CASA in my hometown and the local animal shelter.”

---

Hannah Vu: “I am a senior at TCU majoring in political science and philosophy. I plan on attending law school in the fall in hopes of becoming an attorney – still figuring out which practice though! I’m a lover of coffee and currently work at a coffee shop.”

---

Paige Broski: “I am a sophomore Psychology major and Child Development Minor at TCU. My goal is to be a children's counselor.”

---

Olivia Shutley: “My name is Olivia Shutley and I am a Junior Nursing major at TCU. I am from Atlanta, Georgia and will be graduating spring of 2023. I would love to work in the pediatric ICU one day! I’m so thankful to be a part of CASA!”

---

Tiffany Nguyen: “Hi, my name is Tiffany Nguyen! I am a senior at Texas Christian University with plans to graduate in May 2022. I'm majoring in Social Work with a minor in Political Science and an emphasis in Women and Gender Studies. I would like to also obtain a master's degree in Social Work and work in public policy to advocate for policies and legislation that advance social justice. I have a passion for serving others, and I love working with children. I'm excited to be a part of CASA of Tarrant County and to make a positive impact on the lives of youth in our community!”

Supporting Children & Youth in Foster Care During the School Year

The back-to-school season can bring excitement for young people as they prepare to see their classmates again, meet new teachers and students, and explore new subjects. For youth in foster care, however, starting a new school year can feel scary and uncertain, because the odds are stacked against them when it comes to their educational success.

Children enter foster care not because of any fault of their own, but because their families are in crisis. Once they’re in foster care, they tend to face uncertainty and instability—moving from placement to placement, caseworker to caseworker and community to community. Too often, switching placements also means switching schools.

“Having to change schools causes youth in foster care to lose not only academic process, but also connections with friends and mentors. Couple this with the fact these youth are grappling with different types of trauma that can influence their learning and behavior, and it’s no wonder that they tend to have worse educational outcomes than their peers,” said Don Binicker, CEO of CASA of Tarrant County.

According to data from the 2012-13 school year:
· The percentage of students in foster care who attended 2+ schools in one school year (47%) was 6.5 times that of students not in foster care (7%).
· The percentage of students in foster care receiving special education services (24%) was 2.7 times that of students not in foster care (9%).
· The percentage of students in foster care who received out-of-school suspension (16%) was more than three times that of students not in foster care (5%).

What’s more, the pandemic has taken an emotional, physical and academic toll—for some young people this will be the first time they come back to school in person in more than a year; and all students, in foster care or otherwise, will be facing learning losses.

How can we help children and youth in foster care beat the odds and succeed? With CASA volunteers, Binnicker said.

CASA volunteers, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, are everyday people from all walks of life who are recruited and specially trained to advocate for children in foster care and provide a consistent, reliable adult presence for them during a difficult time in their life. They are appointed by a judge to one child or sibling group to advocate for their best interest in court, in school and in other settings. They get to know the child and everyone involved in their life, such as their parents and other family members, foster parents, therapists, caseworkers and teachers.

Specifically, CASA volunteers can advocate for children’s education by helping teachers, coaches, counselors and school administrators understand the child’s foster care status and the unique challenges they face as a result. They can also advocate for placement and school stability for the children they serve, because it is best for them to stay in their school of origin whenever possible. In cases where a school change is inevitable, CASA volunteers can help ensure a seamless transfer between schools and lessen the negative impact of the school move on the child.

“Students in foster care face unique challenges, but they deserve every opportunity to thrive just like their classmates,” said Binnicker. Our CASA volunteers can help by providing a consistent presence, communicating with their teachers about their situation, advocating for needed services and making sure the children they serve are set up to succeed.”

“CASA of Tarrant County urgently needs more volunteers, especially now that the back-to-school season has begun... Every child in foster care should have an advocate who is committed to helping them be successful. Become a CASA volunteer to help ensure that all children get the support they deserve both in school and beyond – giving them a better chance at a brighter future.”

For more information and to see upcoming info sessions, visit our Become an Advocate page at www.speakupforachild.org/become-an-advocate.

Meet CASA Volunteer Jenny Lamsens

What made you decide to become a CASA? My boys were a little older and I was a social worker before mom. I was looking for a way to get involved helping kids in some way. I have always believed everyone needs to find their voice to be able to speak up for the themselves and especially true for kids. A friend told me about CASA and thought it would be a good fit. And it was! That was in October 2011.

What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA? There are a couple of things. When the parents decide to help themselves and really utilize the services and they become a stronger/better parent and the family becomes stronger as a whole and those kids can go back to a better place. Also, when you find a surprise relative and the kids find they have a whole family circle they can now depend on… and even live with.

Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kid or on your case. My little girl is a big worrier. So, when I went to visit her at the foster home I brought a tiny worry doll with me. At the end of the visit, I explained that she should tell that little doll what she was worried about before she goes to bed and let that little doll worry for her. I saw her the next week and she ran up to me and the OCOK visit and whispered that she has been telling her little doll what she is sad about and that little doll has been worrying for her!! She said she didn’t have to have all her worries anymore.

What is your favorite way to connect with your CASA kid(s)? Definitely just to get down on their level and in their world for a little bit and either play or just chat with them. Just try to make that connection. Give them someone that they can trust or just play with for a little bit without having to answer a lot of questions.

Why do you think having a CASA volunteer throughout such a chaotic time is important for foster children? I think anytime is so chaotic for these kids that it doesn’t matter what is happening in the outside world these kids ALWAYS need a CASA. But during these times, I think it has been very helpful for these kids to have an extra set of “CASA eyes” on them. Especially with the extra challenges of dealing with school and other obstacles that have surfaced through this time.

Meet Board Member Kathleen Copeland

Why are you involved in CASA? First, I believe the innocence and wonder of a child is the world’s gold and the potential of every child is priceless.   My greatest gift was the opportunity to see and experience the world through our son’s eyes and now through our granddaughters’.  This wonder and potential must be preserved in all children whether they are related to me or not.  

Second, I had two experiences with CPS as a child, due to neighbors having misconceptions about our family and culture.   They weren’t horrible experiences, but they weren’t pleasant either.   When I realized CASA’s purpose, it made me wish I/we had had a CASA when I was 6 and 13. 

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? My husband and I were exploring adoption.  Through that process we were asked to consider becoming foster parents, which lead to learning about CASA.  The concept of being a voice for a child resonated with me immediately, so I started the process to become a CASA/GAL.  However, my husband was transferred again for work, so I delayed my training and chose to support CASA as a community volunteer and donor for nearly 25 years until I was invited to join the Board of Directors.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? Their laser focused vision and single minded mission.  Every month when I hear Don Binnicker read a success story aka Mission Moment, at the beginning of our meetings, it re-affirms why I am here and inspires me to do more.  

What would you say to a potential supporter? There is no greater sound than the laughter of children. Want to change the world?  Help a child laugh.  It’s infectious. You will be changed.  Yes, there will be times of difficulty, however the rewards are far, far, greater.  Every minute impacts not only the child for whom you’re advocating, but also the community as a whole.   

 What do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? CASA of Tarrant County is right here!   We focus on the communities within Tarrant County and recruit volunteers who live here and understand the different cultures and norms of area families.  When you support CASA of Tarrant County, as a resident you too get to experience the amazing results of your money or time.  It creates a self-perpetuating cycle of positivity.  

Aging Out Awareness

This month, CASA staff members collaborated and explained how CASA volunteers cultivate family connections for the youth they serve and either find them a forever home before they age out or help prepare them for life after foster care. 94% of children with a CASA who left foster care in 2020 in Tarrant County found a permanent home (compared to 75% of children without a CASA).

---

Child Advocacy Supervisor Chuck Gilliatt says, “In 2016, I  became increasingly concerned about the plight of children in long-term foster care (PMC cases).  I considered that they were removed from their families and everything they had known, their school, friends and neighborhood; the efforts to achieve permanency in the first year had failed; the state was now the Conservator with a drawn out timeline, less hearings and less urgency; they had suffered trauma by the child welfare system itself. If they aged out, the outcomes were dismal. They had been described as “The forgotten children.” I decided to dedicate the remainder of my professional life to doing something about it.

The year before, in 2015, US District Judge Janice Graham Jack ruled that foster children in Permanent Managing Conservatorship to the state were being abused by the system that is sworn to protect them, thereby violating their Constitutional rights. The ruling stated that, “Texas’s foster care system is broken, and it has been that way for decades. It is broken for all stakeholders, including DFPS employees who are tasked with impossible workloads. Most importantly, though, it is broken for Texas’s PMC children, who almost uniformly leave State custody more damaged than when they entered. She added, “Most PMC children also do not have a Court Appointed Special Advocate (“CASA”), who are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for foster children, even though a child’s CASA usually is the only person who truly knows the child and knows how the child is really doing.” 

CASA needs gritty and dedicated advocates to collaborate with stakeholders, challenge the system, cultivate family connections, and find them a forever home or help prepare them for life after foster care.”

---

Child Advocacy Specialist Tracy Williams says, “Teens aging out of foster care are a very vulnerable group because they are transitioning from someone making decisions for them, to making those decisions themselves. This can be a very hard adjustment because of the fear of not wanting to make the wrong choice. But having a CASA as a support during the transition is very important because they know that the CASA is going to continue to provide them with encouragement as well as push them to believe and achieve their goals. I hear so many teens who are happy that their CASA stuck with them through the aging out transition because they needed someone to believe in them just as much as they believed in themselves.”

---

Child Advocacy Specialist LaZedrick Blackshire says, “We all focus on the current dangers and trauma that many of our children face in the child welfare system, especially those who are younger. Our older youth face those same problems, but one thing they can also face is aging out without proper support set in place. Its so important that we serve older youth because, many need guidance to prepare them for their future, whether they plan on going back with family, leaving care, or staying in extended foster care. Some older youth have no family to lean back on, or foster parents or adoption options like the younger kids. Many have no idea what they want to do for their future or the resources that are available for them. Whether its getting documents, drivers license, prepping for college or anything else, they have a lot of things to prepare for after having so many decisions made for them most of thier lives. Having an advocate can very well be the difference between your kid being successful or the cycle repeating itself.”

Meet CASA Volunteer Pamela Darrow

What made you decide to become a CASA? I decided to become a CASA after I became increasing aware and concerned about human trafficking in our area. I also volunteer as a mentor for a program called Academy 4 at Daggett Elementary. My hope is that by helping these kids be less vulnerable to the path that can lead to human trafficking, it might be prevented. I also talked at length with a long time CASA before deciding to become involved.

What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA? The most rewarding part of being a CASA is connecting with my kid and letting her know that I am here to support her, represent her, and do what is in her best interest.

Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kid or on your case. There have been several special moments with my CASA kid. The first is that almost every time we talk or visit, she tells me she loves me and I return the sentiment. It gives me some confirmation that I am helping her. It was also very rewarding when I began calling everyone on a Senneca Search for any relatives or fictive kin who might be able to provide any information regarding a placement for my kid. Eventually a relative returned my call saying that she wants to help. I was so relieved!

What is your favorite way to connect with your CASA kids? My favorite way to connect with my kid is in person visit, however, with COVID and her being in a facility far away, I have only visited in person with her a few times. We have talked on the phone and/facetimed at least 2-3 times per week.

Why do you think having a CASA volunteer throughout such a chaotic time is important for foster children? Having a CASA volunteer throughout such a chaotic time is important for foster children as a CASA is a consistent, supportive adult at a time when there is very little consistency for these kids. In addition, it is a very confusing time for the kids and a CASA can provide some clarity, hope, and maybe a little laughter.

“My biggest hope in my volunteer efforts is to help these kids believe in themselves and their potential in an effort to prevent them from being vulnerable to a path that can cause them harm.”

Meet Board Member Whitney Vaughan

Why are you involved in CASA? I am involved in CASA because for several years, I represented children and parents in active litigation with CPS and I saw how helpful CASA could be to those cases.

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? I decided that I no longer wanted to work the child welfare cases, but wanted to continue to be involved with children in the foster care system, so CASA seemed like the logical place to get involved.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? I am motivated to help kids find stability and get them out of the foster care system into a permanent placement as quickly as possible. 

What would you say to a potential supporter? Supporting CASA is supporting kids who have been dealt a bad hand in life. These kiddos didn’t ask to be born into these situations and the support that CASA receives is a step in the right direction for the child. 

What do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? I think that supporting CASA and its mission helps to avoid the long-term concerns that are associated with children who spend a great deal of time in the foster care system. CASA and its mission help to reduce the risk of cyclical poverty and will, hopefully, help show a downturn in the number of children in care in the long run. 

National Self Care Day

Today (July 1st) is National Self Care Day! Thank you to Jennifer Sterling and Stephanie Books from Books and Sterling, LLC for contributing this blog post today!

What is Self-Care? A buzzword you’ve probably heard over the past couple years – but do we really understand it? We typically think of it meaning being indulgent (“TREAT YO SELF!”) or inactive (naps!) but really, it’s so much more. While self-care can certainly include those things, it’s really about taking care of all aspects of you and your health: physical, mental, emotional, financial… all of it. Talk about daunting!

So where do you start?

• Start small. Try to implement simple routine practices that are good for you. Create goals by breaking it down into pieces. Learn about creating SMART Goals here: https://youtu.be/1-SvuFIQjK8. (This could be making sure you have clean work clothes for the week to avoid creating undue stress later in the week.)

• Are there things you should let go of or say “no” to?

• What are some fun/ relaxing things you can do?

• Here’s a good introduction to meditation to get started: https://youtu.be/mtsdz_jhB7c.

• Work on bolstering your resilience! (Shout out to our CASA Volunteers who made this journey with us!)

• If you’d like guidance making these plans, exploring your resilience, and learning strategies, consider finding a counselor: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

• Be gentle with yourself. Give yourself permission to not be perfect, mess up, and give grace.

"No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough. It's going to bed at night thinking, yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn't change the truth that I am also very brave and worthy of love and belonging."—Brene Brown

Helping Families Work Towards Reunification

CASA of Tarrant County’s first goal for children is to reunify them with their parents. However, we don’t just say we value it – we live it. In DFPS 2019-2020, 48% of Tarrant County children with a CASA volunteer were reunified with their parents; comparatively, only 36% of Tarrant County youth without a CASA were reunified with their parents last year. During June’s National Reunification Month, we wanted to share a couple recent stories of reunifications CASA volunteers supported.

Child Advocacy Specialist Megan, discussing a case where children entered foster care after one of their siblings was killed by their mother’s boyfriend– “At the beginning of the case, the mother was so distraught/grief stricken she was not able to complete her services and was not open in counseling.  Her two young daughters were placed with a family friend.  The advocate was amazing. She would go to almost every visit the mother had with her daughters.  About halfway through the case, something clicked for mom, and she began working harder than ever. She was open in counseling and worked hard to get services completed.  The advocate, Nancie, was able to help mom reconnect with her family who supported the mother’s ability to complete her services and regain custody of her children. Now that the CASA and caseworker are off the case, the mother’s family can still continue to provide support as they move forward as a family.”

Child Advocacy Specialist Tracy – “Andrea (age 17) was removed from their mom when she was four years old in 2008 and adopted by her paternal grandmother. She was eventually removed from the grandmother due to abuse, and she has been in care since 2012 and has experienced over 30 different foster care placements. During this time, she rebuilt a relationship with her biological mother who notified the department years ago that she would like for Andrea to live with her. At the time the mother first reached out, the home study was denied. CASA advocated for the Department of Family and Protective Services to reconsider the mother for a placement, and eventually they began the home study process for the mother. Andrea was recently allowed to complete a 30 day out-of-state visit with her mother while the home study is processed. Because of CASA’s and the Attorney Ad Litem’s approval, the judge granted the mom conservatorship over Andrea, and Andrea is now living with her mother full-time as she finishes high school.”

Please also see other reunification stories, including Justine’s journey to be reunified with her children and another video of mom Yvonne’s reunification with her daughter.

If you are interested in helping families work towards reunification, please check out our website on how to become an advocate or donate to CASA – your support helps us reunify hundreds of children with their parents every year. Thank you for your support of Tarrant County’s abused and neglected children and their families.

Meet Board Member Katie Carlson

Why are you involved in CASA? I chose CASA because I want to be part of the solution. Children deserve for the community to be on their side! 

What first caused you to get involved with CASA? A friend asked. There’s nothing more influential than the passionate request of those you respect.

What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? As the saying goes, you eat an elephant one bite at a time. Consistency from volunteers and supporters is key to affecting lifelong change. The children CASA serves need much more than a drive-by parade to wish them well. They need men and women to lead by example and leaders stick around.  

What would you say to a potential supporter? It’s worth it. The children are worth it. The time you invest today will have a lasting impact for generations to come. 

What do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? There is no substitute for CASA and the work they do in our community. With CASA, children are given adequate support to move past their trauma. With CASA, children have the opportunity to overcome the unfair beginning of their life.

Celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month, advocating for LGBTQ youth

As we enter June’s LGBTQ+ Pride Month, CASA is raising awareness of the needs of LGBTQ+ youth in foster care and the ways our advocates can speak up for their best interests! A 2019 study showed 30.4% of youth in foster care are LGBTQ+, compared to 11% of the general population being LGBTQ+. In 2017, a CDC study found 1 in 50 high school students identify as transgender or gender-nonconforming.

Youth who are LGBTQ+ are 2.7x more likely to enter the child welfare system, often because of the violence and abandonment they experience from their families when they come out as LGBTQ+. However, CASA of Tarrant County is working to provide resources for our advocates working with LGBTQ+ youth, including sharing resources from Texas CASA, the Human Rights Campaign’s All Children – All Families: Participating on Behalf of a CASA Affiliate, and faith-based LGBTQ+ resources.

CASA of Tarrant County staff also provided a recent training on LGBTQ+ care and advocacy as part of a training working with on older youth at-risk of aging out of foster care, and CASA is working to recruit more LGBTQ+ advocates through specific marketing and partnerships.

Meet CASA Volunteer Tara Smith

What made you decide to become a CASA? I decided to become a CASA for three reasons: First, I was fortunate to have part-time jobs during my undergraduate career that involved directly interacting with children. There was always that one child who gravitated to me more than the others, whose parent(s) would ask me to keep in touch so I can stay in their child’s life. Secondly, when “life happened”, and I became a single mom, the village stepped in on occasion and helped me with my son. That village consisted of family, friends, my church community, neighbors, coaches, teachers, and even some co-workers. Yes, I built a support network of people whom we knew were safe, reliable, and who cared. Therefore, my son and I agreed that one day we would pay it forward and partner with single parents directly or through an organization to extend our support and encouragement when possible. Lastly, although I was not subjected to being placed in foster care, I am no stranger to childhood trauma. The difference between me and the children I advocate for through CASA of Tarrant County is that my trauma did not lead to severe emotional, behavioral, or developmental problems.

2. What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA? The most rewarding part of being a CASA is when I witness growth and maturity in a child's life. When a child repeats something constructive you have shared with them, that is evidence that the seed planted may someday produce a fruitful harvest in their life. Next, the Attorney/Guardian Ad Litem and Case Worker I have served alongside for a year and a half, I've had the privilege to listen and observe them in their roles, and they constantly demonstrate their commitment to the children in so many amazing ways. Knowing that they are working in the U.S. legal system fighting for these kids/future adults to be safe, healthy, loved, and have a chance to thrive in life, is meritorious.

3. Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kid or on your case. One of my CASA kids experienced a meltdown hours after being placed in a new foster home. Even though the Ad Litem and Case Worker wanted to physically be there for the child, their schedule did not permit it. I requested the approval of the GAL, Case Worker, and CASA CEO to be there with the child, even though we were in a pandemic. Thankfully, the request was approved almost immediately by all parties. Upon my arrival, I was glad to meet one of the foster parents. My CASA kid was asleep and woke up surprised yet happy to see me in person. After the visit, I was informed of an emergency discharge meeting to remove my CASA kid from the foster parent's home. I was heartbroken at the news because, during my visit and interaction with the child, the foster parent observed the child’s loving and gentle personality. A good kid who deserved a chance to live in a safe home with a loving family and have an opportunity to just be a kid. Fortunately, the discharge meeting was canceled and as we take one day and one situation at a time, my CASA kid is still bonding with the foster family.

4. What is your favorite way to connect with your CASA kids? My favorite way to connect with my CASA kids is by playing games with them, such as UNO, Connect Four, Checkers, Jenga, etc., or helping them with a subject they are struggling with at school. Children will communicate their struggles with you if they trust you and feel safe with you. I have interacted with my CASA kids in person as well as virtually. Although nothing can replace an in-person visit, a virtual visit utilizing a video communication platform is much better than a phone call because you can still see their sweet faces and discern if everything is truly “okay” with them.

5. Why do you think having a CASA volunteer throughout such a chaotic time is important for foster children? For a foster child to have a CASA during a chaotic time is important because they will have someone who is both objective and subjective when it is appropriate. As a CASA, I've been able to be a consistent and stable force in the CASA kids’ lives while assisting with the navigation through the chaos. Serving as the child’s voice to the judge and articulating their best interests and needs are critically important. Although a CASA may be the primary face they see, other resourceful people are working behind the scenes, like my CASA Specialist, Megan, my immediate go-to person. For instance, Megan has made it possible for me to provide, food, clothes, coats, books, diapers, wipes, toys, and games for my kids through the CASA donations. There is a saying, “you’re only as good as your team.”

Meet Child Advocacy Specialist Megan Edge

This month we are spotlighting a CASA staff member - Child Advocacy Specialist Megan Edge.

Why did you decide to come work for CASA? My first job was working as a school social worker. In my capacity at the school, teachers would send me kids who were "at-risk" to talk to.  This role meant I often was the person on campus to whom the children ended up disclosing abuse. As a result, I would have to call CPS.  I had one particular student that came to me often dealing with severe abuse in her home. CPS was involved, and eventually, when she came to school covered in bruises, they decided to remove her from her mom.  That day,  we waited together in the school's front office for the CPS worker to come and take her—to where neither I nor she knew. It was so scary waiting for the unknown, knowing I had nothing reassuring to say to her about what would happen because I did not know where she was going.  At that moment, I knew I didn’t want to be waiting in the unknown. I wanted to find a way to actively participate in the lives of kids who were removed from their parents.  A friend from church suggested I look into working for CASA, and I was so fortunate that they were hiring!

What is your professional and educational background? I have a bachelor's degree in social work from Baylor University and master's degrees in social work and public administration, both from The University of Texas at Arlington. I am a licensed master's social worker.  In addition to working previously as a school Social Worker, I worked seasonally at Walt Disney World for eight years, driving the Friendship Boats.

What keeps you coming back? I keep coming back every day because kids in foster care deserve someone who is committed to them. They deserve someone willing to get into the trenches with them and know that every day won’t be easy but that we aren't giving up on them.  I am also genuinely so excited to work with my CASA volunteers every day.  They are the heartbeat of CASA, and I love getting to work with such an incredible team each day.

What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA? For me, the most rewarding part of being a staff at CASA is seeing the difference the volunteers are making. When I hear stories from attorneys and caregivers about the impact a CASA volunteer has made, it makes me so proud.  The staff at CASA are all working hard to help support those connections. When I hear about the relationships that are being made possible, it is the best feeling. I am currently on a case where a child had an incident report that stated she felt that no one cared about her except her mom and her CASA.  While we want her to have more supports and connections that she knows cares about her, I think it is enormous that her CASA could make that big of an impact and is showing her that she is listening and cares about her.

Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? I think supporting CASA is crucial because often, foster care is a hidden issue. It's whispered about in communities.  There are hundreds of children in Tarrant County waiting for a CASA volunteer—they deserve more than whispers.  They deserve to know that they are valued. They are cared about. Being a CASA volunteer may not be suitable for you—but knowing what the volunteers do and why they do it is essential to the story of success.  Child abuse and neglect happen when we don’t rally around children and their families, and when we don’t see the needs.  Supporting CASA and being a part of the mission of speaking up for children benefits all children across Tarrant County.

Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? Keep showing up! 2020 and the first half of 2021 have not been easy. But, you are doing a fantastic job, and we are thrilled to have you on the CASA team.  Stay connected to CASA through the Facebook group and your specialist.  We are here for you.   I am so proud that you have chosen such difficult, sometimes heartbreaking work to do as a volunteer.  The kids of Tarrant County deserve volunteers as wonderful and committed as you are!