Our History

In 1984, in New Braunfels, Texas, a grass roots effort sprang to life with a group of individuals whose professions allowed them to see up close how children who were victims of abuse were being victimized again by adult rules, guidelines, red tape, and lack of understanding, time and funds.  These doctors, lawyers, law enforcement officials and social workers met to discuss a solution to the growing number of child abuse cases and the number of children who kept falling through the cracks of the system that was supposed to protect them.  The formation of a child advocacy program was proposed and Comal County Child Advocacy was incorporated on March 13, 1985.  After becoming affiliated with the National CASA program, we acquired a non-profit 501(c)(3) status.  The mission was to recruit and train volunteers who would provide an objective viewpoint in civil child protection court cases.  There were 18 advocates who completed the first training class.  By 1994 the program expanded into Hays and Caldwell counties and the program name was changed to CASA of Central Texas The program expanded into its fourth county, Guadalupe, in 1996. CASA of Central Texas now has three office locations- New Braunfels, San Marcos and Seguin.

The CASA of Central Texas mission is to advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system by recruiting, training and supporting community volunteers.  By 2008, the organization had steadily grown to 108 volunteers and 10 staff members, who served 246 children in that year.  We are located in a high growth, semi-rural, low-income region between two major cities in Texas – Austin and San Antonio.  The number of children in State care in our region is on the rise – there were 662 children in 2005, 706 in 2006 and 791 in 2007 (Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Data Books).  In 2008, our program advocated for 246 children – a great accomplishment but just 1 of 3 children who needed an advocate.  Our vision is to provide a volunteer advocate for every child that is in State care.

CASA of Central Texas offers one type of service, advocacy for children who have been abused or neglected and are under State care.  These child victims range in age from newborn to 17 years and come from all socio-economic statuses, genders and ethnic backgrounds.  The Texas Family Code requires that each child in State care be appointed a Guardian Ad Litem to look after and advocate on behalf of the child’s best interests.  CASA is the only local organization that may be appointed as GAL and works solely on behalf of the children’s best interests.  The Child Protection Court Judge prioritizes case assignments and appoints CASA of Central Texas when a trained volunteer advocate is available to take a case.  Any party, including Child Protective Services (CPS), attorneys, parents and CASA itself, may request that CASA be appointed to a case.

The CASA advocate thoroughly researches the case and keeps the child welfare system alert of the children’s needs.  CASA makes recommendations on actions needed to protect the children, to provide for their medical, educational and therapeutic care, and works to find safe and permanent homes for the children. CASA works collaboratively, but independently, with the other parties to the case and remains until the cases are resolved, typically 12-18 months.  CASA partners with and maintains communication with the Judges, DFPS, social services and community agencies regularly.  We are present in every court session and attend staffing meetings with DFPS, treatment centers, foster placement agencies and schools. As a result of CASA’s work, our children spend less time in foster care, there is less time required for attorney services (taxpayer savings), and relationships are built to provide a smoother transition in obtaining services for the children.  Our advocates work to find missing parents and family, monitor court orders, ensure medical and counseling appointments are kept, provide transportation for parent and sibling visits, and write court reports with recommendations to the Judge on placing each child in a safe and permanent home.

CASA of Central Texas continues to work closely with local community agencies and, throughout our history, we have nurtured new members and brought in new supporters to maintain the long-term continuity of the program.  Our program has been sustained for more than 20 years with a diversified funding base from public and private sources including state and local governments, memorials and contributions from individuals.  We apply for grants with private foundations and corporations and hold fundraising events throughout the year.