.png)
CASA joins forces with local churches
Court Appointed Special Advocates of Bastrop, Fayette & Lee Counties will be joining churches across Central Texas for Stand Sunday, a nationwide day of prayer dedicated to inspiring action for children and families in foster care.
Falling on Nov. 12 this year, the day has seen churches across the nation join forces to declare war on inaction surrounding children facing abuse, abandonment and neglect since 2004, according to the event’s website.
“It takes a community to care for children, and that’s what these places of worship are, a community,” said Kristi Bauer, executive director for CASA of Bastrop, Fayette & Lee Counties.
“Every one of these children, whatever their current circumstances, deserves every possible chance to succeed in life.”
— CASA Executive Director Kristi Bauer “Our hope is to inform all the diverse faith organizations in our area on ways they can make a difference for the children in foster care in Bastrop County.”
There were 187 children in the child welfare system in local communities in 2022, according to CASA.
Children go into foster care when their families are in crisis and are often placed in homes far away from everyone and everything they know and love. Through no fault of their own, they face the risk of negative outcomes like homelessness, substance abuse and incarceration.
CASA volunteers are everyday citizens from the community who are screened, trained and appointed by a judge to advocate for these children’s best interests.
“Every one of these children, whatever their current circumstances, deserves every possible chance to succeed in life,” said Bauer.
Volunteers are designated to serve one child or sibling group and evaluate their well-being by getting to know them and speaking with any and all relevant contacts in their lives, including their parents, foster parents, family of origin, teachers, therapists and more.
Their first priority is reunifying the child with their parents, whenever safe and possible. When this is not an option, they advocate for the child to live with other family members or a loving adoptive family.
Whatever the case, CASA volunteers provide a consistent presence for the child throughout their time in foster care, and ensure they’re connected with a lifetime network of support that will help them succeed.
In addition to praying for these children and their families on Stand Sunday, Bauer explained that faith organizations can make a difference by partnering with CASA and encouraging members to become volunteers.
While Stand Sunday is sponsored by the Christian Alliance for Orphans, CASA encourages all people and groups to get involved in supporting these children and families.
“Whether you’re religious or not, and whether you practice prayer or not, we hope you will think of children in foster care on Stand Sunday,” Bauer said. “We also hope you’ll consider ways you can support these children and their families, like becoming a CASA volunteer.”
To learn more about becoming a volunteer, call 512-409-0771 or visit www.BecomeACASA. org.
The next CASA Volunteer Training will be held in January 2024.
