For year ending 2007 there were 426 children temporarily residing
in foster or substitute care due to abuse and neglect. Estimated
costs of maintaining one child in temporary substitute care
for 12 months ranges from $17,000 to $35,000, depending on
the needs of the child. With these children in foster care,
that is a cost to taxpayers of a minimum of $6,426,000 dollars
a year! Furthermore CASA volunteers contributed more than 4,266
hours, both in and out of the courtroom, and drove 133,745 miles
acting as court appointed guardian ad litems to the children of Smith, Wood and Van Zandt Counties. Through their tireless efforts, CASA volunteers have saved the taxpayers of these counties over $400,0000.00 in attorneys' fees alone.
Children who suffer abuse or neglect are 53 percent more likely
to become juvenile delinquents, 38 percent more likely to be
arrested as adults, and 38 percent more likely to become violent
criminals. What's more, abused and neglected children are involved
in delinquency and criminal activity earlier, commit more offenses,
and more often become chronic or repeat offenders |
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If you're not able to serve as a CASA volunteer, but believe
in the need for helping abused and neglected children,
you can still make a significant difference.
Your local CASA program is a not-for-profit organization
and affiliate of Texas CASA and the National Court Appointed
Special Advocate Association. Your tax-deductible gift to
CASA will support the training of volunteers so they can be
there when an abused or neglected child needs someone most.
Next to your time, your financial support of CASA is the most
valuable contribution you can make to help children who do
not have the representations they desperately need in court.
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click here
for a
printable donation form
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If you’re a member of a business, church or professional
group and would allow us to give a presentation at
your next meeting or place an ad in your newsletter, call
903-597-7725.
Include CASA brochures in your next company or association
mail out.
Donate other resources
Examples: advertising space, printing services, catering for
events and workshops. Be creative!
Share your skills
Programs often need help with public relations. You might
be able to help the CASA program get attention and recruit
much-needed volunteers. If you have good computer skills,
you can train staff in using software, input data, or build
a home page
Offer to serve
On a committee, board of directors or advisory group. The
program will benefit from your leadership skills, expertise,
and community contacts.
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