Dallas CASA Responds to Storm
During Dallas’ unprecedented cold front in February, families and children served by Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) dealt with the storm’s power outages, extreme cold temperatures and water disruptions while continuing their journeys with the child welfare system.
Brothers Wanted to Go Home
Garrett and Lincoln were placed in foster care after their parents were arrested for shoplifting while Lincoln waited in the car. Their arrests were a wake-up call for the boys' parents, who completed extensive drug, parenting and psychological services. But the CASA volunteer on the case, Karen, still never expected the gift she would receive at the end of the case.
How Can You Help Children During Social Distancing?
What can you do to help children during social distancing? Dallas CASA has some suggestions to support children and families you know.
Edgar Spent Six Years in Foster Care
Edgar spent six years in foster care, beginning when he was just five years old. Moved from home to home, assigned to different caseworkers and changing schools constantly, Edgar was assigned a Dallas CASA volunteer when he was 11 years old. Could his volunteer help find Edgar a permanent, loving home?
Four Siblings Wanted to Be Home for the Holidays
Jace, Zaria, Frank and Inez were in three different foster homes, feeling frightened and alone. Their mother was struggling to stay sober and attend counseling without transportation. What they all wanted most was to be home together for the holidays. With CASA's support, the children's mother found a way forward. But would it be enough for reunification?
Ryleah Had Never Eaten Dinner at a Table
When Ryleah and her six younger siblings came into foster care, they expected to eat their meals on the floor. They were used to sleeping in one bed together, and when they were in stores they shoplifted, filling their pockets as they'd learned to do. Their CASA volunteer Linda spent the next year advocating for safe, permanent homes for the children. The children told Linda they loved foster care because they had clean clothes, food and their own beds, but Linda wanted more for the children. She wanted them to know love.
Bilingual Dallas CASA Volunteer Finds Common Ground
Over the past five years, Amanda Paredes has worked six Dallas CASA cases involving eight children, most of whom came into care speaking Spanish. Raised speaking both English and Spanish at home, Amanda says making connections through shared language and culture with the children she serves has been critical for them.
Flawed Study Fails to Measure CASA’s Impact
Dallas CASA President and CEO Kathleen LaValle shares her thoughts on a recent study of CASA programs and permanency outcomes for children.
Friends Celebrate Ten Years of Advocacy
Marian Glass and Stephanie Roberts were neighbors and friends who shared a love for children. As their own children began to leave home, they went through Dallas CASA training and decided to partner on cases. Ten years later, they're still going strong, having worked 11 cases involving 42 children. Marian and Stephanie share their tips on successful advocacy on Dallas CASA's blog.
Dallas CASA Volunteer Goes the Extra Mile
Dallas CASA volunteer Mark Barbaree recently went the extra mile - or miles - for a teenager he's advocating for. The child was on runaway status from a foster home, and Mark traveled to East Texas and spent hours looking for the teenager. For Mark, this was all in a day's work.
Shared Dallas CASA Advocacy Unites Couple
For Cristina and Michael Swartz, sharing a Dallas CASA case was the plan from the start. Married three years and each with busy full-time jobs, the pair thought sharing a case would help with scheduling. They didn't realize how valuable the emotional support would be.
Former Dallas CASA Volunteer Now a State Legislator
Former Dallas CASA volunteer Julie Johnson is pursuing a new type of advocacy as a first-time Texas state legislator serving in the Texas House of Representatives. She says her experience as an advocate has served her well already.
