From left are: Mariela Lomeli, Princess Robinson, Kasity Briley, Judge Hall, Robyn Cooper-Harding, Christi Arnold, Sherri Waffer, and Elizabeth Valdez.
ROCKWALL, TX (Aug. 1, 2024) – On the last Tuesday morning of July at the Rockwall County Courthouse, The Honorable Judge 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 Kaufman and Rockwall Counties.
“I am grateful to these volunteers for their unwavering commitment to make sure a child’s voice is heard throughout the court process. These Volunteer Advocates provide safety and stability not only to the child but also to their families and future generations. Volunteers are the backbone of CASA, enabling us to continue serving 100% of the children in Kaufman and Rockwall counties through their dedication and commitment,” said Lauren Rowe, Executive Director of 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.
Robyn Cooper-Harding, a newly appointed advocate expressed, “I feel that the children who go through these difficult situations can find our presence comforting as a CASA advocate. CASA can greatly affect these children as far as their outcome and how they will enter the community and their life as they get older. Giving kids who have been abused or neglected the ability to see what it’s like on the other side and give them hope to live a normal life and let them know things can get better, is what I most look forward to as a CASA.”
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.
If you would like to know more about how you can serve, visit us at lonestarcasa.org/volunteers.
By Mariela Lomeli, Marketing Coordinator, Lone Star CASA.
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