From Left to Right: Tabassum Mahzabeen, Valan Sparks, Honorable Judge Brett Hall and Eric Fast
Rockwall, TX (December 3, 2024)– On November 21, 2024, at the Rockwall County Courthouse, the Honorable Judge Brett Hall officially swore in three new CASA volunteers. Also known as Court Appointed Special Advocates, these amazing volunteers work with Lone Star CASA to advocate for children and families involved in the foster care system in Kaufman and Rockwall Counties. The community members who have now transitioned into advocates are Eric Fast, Tabassum Mahzabeen, and Valan Sparks.
“After facilitating the training process with these volunteers, I have no doubt they will make an incredible impact on our community & with the children and families they serve,” said Barbara Henderson, Volunteer Specialist at 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.
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.
This holiday season, give the gift of volunteering and light up a child’s life: CASA volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, just like the children in foster care they serve. If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer at Lone Star CASA, you can visit the website at lonestarcasa.org for more information.
Press release submitted by Mariela Lomeli, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photo.
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