- The first CASA program began in Seattle, Washington in the 1970s.
- CASA of McLennan County was incorporated in 1994 in Waco, Texas with only a handful of advocates who completed the first training class. In just over 26 years since we began, our organization has grown to more than 90 volunteers, who have served thousands of abused and neglected children in McLennan County over the years.
- There are approximately 800 McLennan County children in foster care. CASA of McLennan County serves over 200 of those children. This is a great accomplishment, but many children are left without that strong voice.
- As the total population in our county rises, so does the number of reported cases of child abuse/neglect.
- CASA provides our volunteers with a free, 32-hour training curriculum including classroom instructions, courtroom observation, homework and a post training interview.
- The CASA volunteer and/or supervisor attends all hearings and staffings concerning the child victim and works alongside TDFPS, judges, attorneys, foster families, mental health professionals and others who are involved in the child’s situation.
- With CASA’s services, we are preventing the cycle of abuse, replacing destructive adult role models with protective adults that model positive values and behaviors, benefiting not only the child but also the community where that child will become an adult member.
If you would like to become a CASA, please fill out the form below.
