The Children We Serve:
Each year, thousands of children in Tarrant County are confirmed victims of child abuse and neglect. These children have experienced terrible trauma, and their lives are turned upside down. Child Protective Services takes legal responsibility for them, and may place them in a foster home or other facility. Due to too few foster homes, siblings are often split up into different places. Children are rarely able to stay in their own schools, day cares, or communities. Everything they have known is gone. Through no fault of their own, these abused children have become a part of an overburdened child welfare system. They deserve a voice in the courtroom. They need a CASA volunteer!
Our Volunteers:
CASA of Tarrant County has over 600 active volunteers who come from all walks of life. They span all age ranges. Some are just beginning in the workforce, and others are retired. Over half our volunteers work full-time and have families. Some have backgrounds in the criminal justice system, social work, or child welfare. Other volunteers have no such experience at all.
“CASA is an organization devoted to helping children change their lives into more healthy, sustainable choices -- but there are not enough of us to reach most of these children. In the history of mankind on this earth, our individual life spans make up a brief moment or two at best but the effect of those lives can last much longer.”
—CASA volunteer Heard Floore
“I officially was sworn in as a CASA on February 7, 2019. I have friends that ask if being a CASA is everything I thought it would be and my response is ”Yes, and so much more”.
—CASA volunteer Candy LeBlanc
“It is a rewarding experience because as an advocate you create a safe space for a child to build and experience what a healthy relationship looks like.”—CASA volunteer Orpha Valverde
“One of my kids was standoffish. Her walls hadn't come down. On a visit I just sat with her and comforted her. Her aunt and uncle noticed that on a follow up visit she was more talkative and excited to see me.”
—CASA volunteer Alicia Allen
Our Board Members:
Led by Board President, Stefanie Mauler of The Mauler Institute, our Board Members are dedicated to providing advocates for every abused and neglected child in our community, so they can experience love, support, and safety—what every child deserves.
“The CASA mission and organization fills a gap in our community. Lawyers and case workers can change over the course of a child's experience in the judicial system, but CASA’s play a consistent role in the children’s lives they serve.”—Board Member Nina Wollman
“Advocates shine a bright light of love into a world that seems dark and lonely. I chose CASA because CASA chooses the children.” —Board Member Nichole Masters-Henry
“I love CASA’s Mission and Vision! I want to be the one to stand up on behalf of the abused and neglected children.”—Board Member Michelle Marlow
“I believe that children are the future and instrumental to the well being and success of Tarrant County. When we invest in our children, we invest in our community.”
—Board Member Jon McCartney
Our Staff:
Led by CEO Don Binnicker, our staff members consist of Program Staff, who supervise CASA volunteers, Development Staff, Operations, Recruitment, Training and Community Engagement Teams. Click here to see full staff listing.
“Unfortunately, Tarrant County is ranked 3rd in the state for child abuse and neglect cases, but it is important to know that children with advocates have better outcomes throughout their case and later in life.”
—Eleonor De Jesus, Child Advocacy Specialist
“I enjoy working for CASA because I get to make a difference in the lives of children and families. Life has so many twists and turns causing uncertainty for them, and I want to be the sure thing in their life. My goal is for them to know without question that I will always speak up for them and for their best interest. CASA allows me to fulfill my life’s calling and that is service to others!!!”—Child Advocacy Supervisor Tracy Williams
“It is both a privilege and a blessing to be on the CASA team! To work with an organization that makes such an invaluable difference in the lives of children whose worlds have been turned upside down, is unquestionably the most heartfelt and fulfilling experience of my career. I am in awe of the dedicated advocates that give so selflessly to change the future for these children by providing a light of hope and positivity in their world.” —Community Engagement Specialist Suzanne Yowell
“I decided to work for CASA because of the incredible experiences I had with them while working for The Department and OCOK. CASA radiates compassion, professionalism, and the consistent ability to advocate for even the toughest clients. With an emphasis on connection, CASA has made profound and positive changes to the families we serve. This is why I chose CASA.” —Child Advocacy Specialist Emily Harris
HISTORY
In 1977, a Seattle Superior Court Judge named David Soukup was concerned about trying to make decisions on behalf of abused and neglected children without enough information. He conceived the idea of appointing community volunteers to speak up for the best interests of these children in court. He made a request for volunteers; 50 citizens responded, and that was the start of the CASA movement.
In 1983, Judge Scott Moore, presiding judge of the 323rd Judicial District at that time, along with community volunteers Rhoda Bernstein and Monna Loftis, and CPS Director Wayne Hairgrove, formed the original steering committee that brought the CASA concept to Tarrant County.
Through the years, CASA of Tarrant County has shown consistent growth in the number of children served each year. The ultimate goal is to provide every child in foster care who needs one with a highly trained CASA volunteer.
CASA of Tarrant County provides an unduplicated service in our community. Our program is highly respected within the judicial system and maintains an excellent working relationship with all parties associated with the legal process. Additionally, CASA of Tarrant County is an affiliate in good standing with both National CASA Association and Texas CASA.
MISSION
CASA of Tarrant County and its court-appointed volunteers advocate
for the best interest of abused and neglected children
VISION
Provide a CASA volunteer to every child who needs one
PROMISE
Raising a voice against the unspeakable