Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Denton County, Inc. is a volunteer-based non-profit organization serving Denton County. When a child is affected by abuse or neglect in their home, a judge may appoint a committed volunteer to help them. That volunteer is called a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA.
CASA volunteers are screened, highly trained, and appointed by judges to represent and advocate for a child's best interests. CASA volunteers are each assigned to help one child or set of siblings at a time, so they can focus on individualized advocacy and knowing each child. CASA volunteers save taxpayer money and improve children's futures by making sure they will be safe and stable.
CASAs research each child's situation, collaborate with professionals serving the child and family, and make informed recommendations to the court. While most professionals in the child welfare system are overburdened with cases and frequently change positions, CASA advocates can be one constant in the lives of the children served.
In fiscal year 2022, CASA of Denton County volunteers advocated for 589 children served by 226 volunteer advocates from the community. In 2023, we launched our Early Advocacy program that allowed CASAs to serve on cases while children are still in the home, but allegations of abuse or neglect are present. Our volunteers will support families with resources while promoting safety for more children from our community.
Post-COVID, we have had difficulty finding volunteers for many children coming into our care, and more than 50 children currently need a volunteer assigned to them. It costs about $2,000 to serve one child with advocacy for one year, and any amount donated toward this total will help CASA of Denton County continue to serve every child who needs us.
The mission of CASA of Denton County, Inc. is to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Our trained and supported community volunteers build a strong, consistent relationship with each child and their family, promote community resources, and make informed recommendations to the court.
CASA is an equal opportunity agency and does not discriminate against any individual, employee, applicant, volunteer or client on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or status with regard to public assistance. The agency strives to be an inclusive organization whose governing body members, staff, and volunteer child advocates reflect the diversity of the children served. CASA will recruit, train and hire staff and volunteers legally eligible to work in the United States without regard to citizenship, ethnic background, or place of national origin. CASA will follow federal immigration regulations in effect for hiring decisions for staff and for volunteers.
It is our policy, therefore, to diligently pursue the objectives of equitable recruitment, employment, development, and the provision of promotional opportunities for minorities and women, Vietnam era and disabled veterans, and disabled individuals.
Organization name
CASA of Denton County
Causes
Domestic/Family Violence & Advocacy, Social Services, Youth & Children
Operating Budget
$1,000,000 - $2,999,999
Counties Served
Denton
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
614 N. Bell Avenue