Thanks to Exit UP When a Case Closes, Support Doesn’t Have To
A CASA volunteer's role may end when a court case closes, but the relationship doesn't have to. Learn how Dallas CASA's ExitUp program helps young people stay connected to trusted adults and access the resources they need as they navigate life beyond the child welfare system.
Could Two Children Stay With Their Grandmother?
A baby and toddler had the love of their devoted grandmother and the safety of a family home. But when a Dallas CASA volunteer learned the family was struggling through the Texas summer heat, she knew she had to help. Could one act of advocacy make a life-changing difference for two young children?
After Five Years in Foster Care, Dreya Needed a Family
Through five years in foster care, Dreya had multiple placements, schools and caseworkers. But she had one Dallas CASA volunteer, Ann-Marie, who was determined to help this little girl find a family that would appreciate her energy and zest for life. But could a home that didn't work out before work out now? And was that the right choice for Dreya?
Baby Nadya Needed Medical Care and A Family
Baby Nadya desperately needed medical treatment, support and a family. Could Nadya's CASA volunteer, Anupa, help ensure Nadya received the care she needed and found a family?
In Foster Care for the Second Time, Three Children Needed Consistency
When three young children returned to foster care a second time, they were assigned the same Dallas CASA volunteer, providing them a rare opportunity for consistency in their chaotic lives.
Volunteer Finds Her Calling
Morgan Bywaters came to Dallas CASA looking for the right volunteer fit for her passions. Now, three years later, she's found a calling and is working her third case.
Could Two Children Stay With Their Grandmother?
A baby and toddler had the love of their devoted grandmother and the safety of a family home. But when a Dallas CASA volunteer learned the family was struggling through the Texas summer heat, she knew she had to help. Could one act of advocacy make a life-changing difference for two young children?
After Five Years in Foster Care, Dreya Needed a Family
Through five years in foster care, Dreya had multiple placements, schools and caseworkers. But she had one Dallas CASA volunteer, Ann-Marie, who was determined to help this little girl find a family that would appreciate her energy and zest for life. But could a home that didn't work out before work out now? And was that the right choice for Dreya?
In Foster Care for the Second Time, Three Children Needed Consistency
When three young children returned to foster care a second time, they were assigned the same Dallas CASA volunteer, providing them a rare opportunity for consistency in their chaotic lives.
Did Blessing Have Family Who Could Care for Her?
Blessing was found with her parents, who were abusing drugs and illegally squatting in an apartment. Just one year old, Blessing was underweight, developmentally delayed and appeared emotionally detached. Blessing's Dallas CASA volunteer Carrie knew the toddler could thrive with family, but was there family who could step up?
In Foster Care, Azeem Missed His Mother’s Homemade Chicken Biryani
For 14-year-old Azeem, foster care was safe but lonely. He was in an unfamiliar home with new people, new rules and new foods he didn't like. And he missed his mother's homemade chicken biryani. Azeem's Dallas CASA volunteer, Michael, understood the longing for the familiar. Could Michael find a way to bring the familiar to Azeem?
Could Ezra’s Mother Beat Her Substance Use Disorder?
Four-year-old Ezra came into care after Child Protective Services found him hungry in a filthy apartment. His mother was struggling with substance abuse issues. Could the Legacy Family Court help her tackle addiction and reunify with her son?
Dallas CASA Thanks You!
By Mindy Baxter|2017-04-18T13:20:50-05:00April 18, 2017|Categories: Community, Events & Supporters, Volunteers|Comments Off on Dallas CASA Thanks You!
Were you at the Cherish the Children luncheon April 5? If so, we need to thank you. What an amazing day supporting vulnerable children in our city!
Casey Gerald to Speak at Dallas CASA’s Cherish the Children
By Mindy Baxter|2017-03-06T12:51:47-06:00March 6, 2017|Categories: Community, Events & Supporters|Comments Off on Casey Gerald to Speak at Dallas CASA’s Cherish the Children
Dallas CASA's Cherish the Children luncheon speaker's story starts in Oak Cliff, travels through a chaotic childhood and all the way to Yale and Harvard.
CASA Day at the Capitol Draws Attention to Child Welfare
By Mindy Baxter|2017-03-07T10:09:59-06:00February 28, 2017|Categories: Children, Community|Comments Off on CASA Day at the Capitol Draws Attention to Child Welfare
CASA Day at the Capitol brought CASA programs across Texas together to talk to lawmakers about helping children in foster care.
Thank you, Dallas CASA Angel Tree supporters!
By Mindy Baxter|2017-02-06T13:33:49-06:00January 24, 2017|Categories: Children, Community, Events & Supporters|Comments Off on Thank you, Dallas CASA Angel Tree supporters!
Thank you to our Dallas CASA 2016 Angel Tree supporters, who made sure Christmas came for children living in foster care.
Rodney and Kendrick Have a Home for the Holidays
By Mindy Baxter|2016-11-28T12:55:36-06:00November 28, 2016|Categories: Children, Community, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Rodney and Kendrick Have a Home for the Holidays
Rodney tested positive for drugs at birth like his brother Kendrick had four years before. And just like she had done four years earlier, Rodney’s grandmother opened her heart and her home to another innocent little boy with a rough start to life.
Alicia Needed Help to Grow
By Mindy Baxter|2016-10-24T13:56:03-05:00October 24, 2016|Categories: Children, Community, Volunteers|Comments Off on Alicia Needed Help to Grow
Two-year-old Alicia was not growing, and Child Protective Services had to become involved. Alicia had advocate Bernadette by her side.
Dallas CASA Will Honor Cynthia Izaguirre
Dallas CASA will honor Cynthia Izaguirre, longtime host of WFAA's Wednesday's Child, with the Cherish the Children Award at a luncheon May 6.
CASAblanca Sponsor Brings Passion for Adoption to the Party
When a staff member approached The Parvin Group’s Chief Operations Officer Sara Escamilla about sponsoring Dallas CASA’s CASAblanca, her answer was a quick yes. It was the same answer Escamilla gave to Child Protective Services when they called almost a decade ago about a group of three siblings who needed a permanent home.
Father Gregory Boyle Speaks with Dallas CASA
Father Gregory Boyle shares wisdom with Dallas CASA ahead of the Cherish the Children event May 14.
Dallas CASA Named Crystal Charity Ball Beneficiary
Dallas CASA has been named one of eight beneficiaries of the 2021 Crystal Charity Ball.
Parade of Playhouses House Honors Autism Awareness
When Kimley-Horn sat down to dream up a playhouse for Dallas CASA’s 2019 Parade of Playhouses, they kept coming back to a theme: inclusion and unity.
Students Build for Dallas CASA’s Parade of Playhouses
Students from Irving's MacArthur High School are helping build one of the playhouses for Dallas CASA's Parade of Playhouses event.
Together, you and Dallas CASA can change children’s lives
Devin's story started with his mother abandoning him, placing him [...]
Addressing Frequently Asked Questions about the state of CPS and the status of the Texas Foster Care Lawsuit
Frequently asked questions about problems Child Protective Services is experiencing and the pending Texas foster care lawsuit
Dallas CASA Board Member Cynt Marshall Tells Her Story
Dallas CASA board member Cynt Marshall tells what CASA means to her.
“We are the grownups, and it falls to us, it is all of our responsibility” to protect children, said Dallas CASA CEO Kathleen LaValle.
Picture your own child or one you care about. [...]
Number of Confirmed Child Abuse Victims in Dallas County Increased Last Year
The number of Dallas County children confirmed as victims of abuse or neglect increased a dramatic 37.6% in 2017.
Dallas CASA’s Parade of Playhouses under construction!
Dallas CASA playhouses are under construction.
Join us as we talk about help for abused children on Dallas CASA’s new blog
Welcome to Dallas CASA’s brand-new blog! In the coming weeks, we hope this blog becomes a place of learning, conversation and community on a critical issue in our community: how to help abused children.
“We are the grownups, and it falls to us, it is all of our responsibility” to protect children, said Dallas CASA CEO Kathleen LaValle.
Picture your own child or one you care about. [...]
How to Help Victims of Child Abuse
NBC DFW - Dallas CASA Supervisor Gabriela Valadez talks with [...]
Children sleeping in CPS offices prohibited under new Texas law
Fox 4 News: Dallas CASA CEO Kathleen LaValle discusses a [...]
Dallas CASA’s 26th annual Parade of Playhouses returns to NorthPark
MySweetCharity: Dallas CASA’s 26th annual Parade of Playhouses will return [...]
This Isn’t Your Typical Playhouse
DCEO Magazine: Maria Lawson talks with an emerging team of [...]
Dallas Mavericks committed to Dallas CASA
Dallas Mavericks: Tamara Jolee writes, May is National Foster Care [...]
Thanks to Exit UP When a Case Closes, Support Doesn’t Have To
A CASA volunteer's role may end when a court case closes, but the relationship doesn't have to. Learn how Dallas CASA's ExitUp program helps young people stay connected to trusted adults and access the resources they need as they navigate life beyond the child welfare system.
Volunteer Finds Her Calling
Morgan Bywaters came to Dallas CASA looking for the right volunteer fit for her passions. Now, three years later, she's found a calling and is working her third case.
Connecting With Teenagers Allows Dallas CASA Volunteer to Let Them Be Heard
A diverse professional background, Spanish language skills and a passion for service and advocacy all brought Lesley Berrios, 34, to Dallas CASA. Now a trained child advocate, she works with a teenager, ensuring the youth's voice is heard throughout the process.
Volunteer Finds High Return on Investment for His Time
With his own children out of the house, Mike Sullivan was ready for a volunteer opportunity with a big return on investment. He found it at Dallas CASA.
Dallas CASA Volunteer Finds Her Calling
Christine LaGrone wondered what she could do to support children at risk of abuse or neglect. She was pleasantly surprised to find that becoming a Dallas CASA volunteer allowed her the chance to offer direct and meaningful support to children in need.
Experienced Volunteer Finds Meaning in Advocacy
Now assigned as a sworn child advocate to her tenth case in 11 years, Linda Nichols came to Dallas CASA to gain some perspective while going through a hard time. Things soon improved in her life, but she's stuck by the children served by Dallas CASA. “I just love it,” she said of advocacy. “It’s interesting, it’s meaningful, it’s taught me so much. It’s been the perfect way to give back.”













