Seven community members sworn in as CASA volunteers with Lone Star CASA

Michelle Corneau, Chelsea Ridling, Lorene Nash, Chance Weatherly, Judge Brett Hall, Chris Swain, Austen Finney, and Tahj Walker (Child Advocacy Specialist)

ROCKWALL, TX (Nov. 24, 2021) Last Friday afternoon at the Rockwall County Courthouse, the Honorable Judge Brett Hall officially swore in seven new CASA volunteers. Also known as Court Appointed Special Advocates, these amazing volunteers will work with Lone Star CASA to advocate for children and families involved in the foster care system in Rockwall and Kaufman Counties.

“Throughout their pre-service training alone, I’ve seen the remarkable positive impact that these CASA volunteers will have on the children and families they serve,” said Ashley Jamison Volunteer Manager with Lone Star CASA.

This new class of CASA volunteers will be assigned to a child or sibling group who they will commit to advocating for until the closure of their case. As a part of their advocacy, they will get to know important adults in the life of the child they represent, such as parents, foster parents, teachers, doctors, therapists and more.

“It is a long-term commitment and requires a lot of heart, but being able to serve the children in our community is what makes this volunteer experience so special” said Lauren Rowe, Executive Director of Lone Star CASA. “Our volunteers are dedicated to doing their very best on behalf of the children and families they serve.”

CASA volunteers go through 30 hours of in-depth, pre-service training before they are appointed by a judge to their case. They advocate for the child they represent in every facet of their life and make recommendations to the court about their best interest. Volunteers advocate for reunification as their primary goal whenever it is safe and possible to do so. When reunification is not an option, they may advocate for the child to live with another relative or family friend. They can also advocate for the child to be placed in an adoptive home. In all cases, CASA volunteers are steadfast, consistent presences for the children they serve, making sure they are safe and have the resources and connections they need to grow and thrive. They work with families to build life-long support systems for both the child and parents that will continue after the case is closed.

“We’re so excited to have this new class join our team of 146 active volunteers,” said Rowe. “I know that they will do amazing work that will positively impact the children and families in the foster care system right here in our community.”

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer at Lone Star CASA, you can visit their website at lonestarcasa.org for more information.

Submitted press release by Molly Mosby, Events and Public Relations Coordinator, Lone Star CASA.