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BASTROP — May stood as National Foster Care Month, and according to the county’s Court Appointed Special Advocates it takes more than one person to make a difference.
CASA of Bastrop, Fayette and Lee Counties takes this time of the year to raise awareness for the children and families involved in the foster care system, and the need for more people to step up to support them.
Last year, there were 31,475 children in the Texas foster care system, 4,989 of whom reside in the greater Austin area, according to CASA Executive Director Kristi Bauer.
“There are 198 children in foster care right here in our communities, in our neighborhoods. They need support from their community,” Bauer said. “Children go into the foster care system when their family is in crisis. There is a common misconception that once these children are in foster care, they’re safe and no further help for them is needed. This could not be further from the truth.”
Foster care is important for protecting children temporarily, but it is not meant to be a permanent solution, according to the organization.
“We’re grateful to the many wonderful foster families who open their homes to children in our community. What some people don’t understand, however, is that too often, these children have been taken away from everything and everyone they know,” Bauer added.
Research shows that kids do better when they can stay connected with their family and community, and children in foster care are no exception. This is where CASA volunteers come into play, according to the director.
CASA volunteers are specially trained and appointed by judges to advocate for a child or sibling group while they are in the foster care system. They advocate for the child in court, school and other settings – they get to know everyone involved in the child’s life, including their parents, foster parents, teachers, doctors, family members and more, according to the group.
The local leaders advocate first and foremost for these children to be reunified with their parents whenever safe and possible.
“In fact, a core part of their role is to help create and strengthen a lifetime network of relatives, family friends and other committed adults who can support the child and their parents during their involvement with foster care and beyond,” Bauer said.
When reunification is not an option, volunteers advocate for the child to live with another relative or family friend, or to be placed in a loving adoptive home.
In all cases, CASA members 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, according to representatives.
CASA of Bastrop, Fayette and Lee Counties is always seeking more community members to support these children and their families.
“They need someone on their side, who can help them feel safe and connected. We hope you’ll consider joining the movement,” Bauer added.
For more information on becoming a volunteer or other ways to get involved, visit https://casabfl.org/volunteer/.
The next information session is scheduled for June 13.
