CASA Welcomes New Child Advocates

Photo Attached: Swearing in Ceremony pictured l-r: Wendy Inman of Comal County, Pam Sadler of Comal County, Carl Rasmussen of Comal County, Chris Frels of Comal County, BettyAnn Chavez of Hays County, Judge Melissa McClenahan, Mike Rainbolt of Hays County, Susan Ryder of Guadalupe County, Martha Alexander of Hays County, Jane Vaninger of Hays County, Angela Varni of Comal County, Lynette Paris of Comal County, Laura Bredesen of Comal County, CASA Board President Joanne Germer and CASA Executive Director Norma Castilla-Blackwell.

The latest class of Court Appointed Special Advocates was sworn in June 22. These volunteers will soon be assigned to children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse and neglect and are now placed in the state’s care. As advocates, the volunteers will get to know everyone in the children’s lives and speak up for them in court, advocating for their best interest.

In 2015, CASA of Central Texas served more than 470 children in Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe and Hays Counties but there were still almost 640 children who did not have the voice of a CASA volunteer. Volunteers are assigned to one case at a time; therefore, CASA can only serve as many children as there are volunteers.

Another Volunteer Training Session begins in San Marcos and New Braunfels the week of June 27. If you would like to become a volunteer or learn about additional ways to support CASA, please visit www.casacentex.org, or call (512) 392- 3578 or (830) 626-2272.