ROCKWALL, TX (Feb. 6, 2023) – For many of us Valentine’s Day is a chance to show our affection for the important people in our lives through cards, flowers, and other gifts. But candy and cards will be the last thing on the minds of many of the children in the foster care system who will be facing this special day far away from their friends, families and other loved ones.
When a family is in crisis and a child enters the child welfare system, they often live in a foster home far away from their home community. Though they have done nothing to deserve it, they face challenges and unforeseen consequences as the result of being in foster care. They tend to move from placement to placement and school to school – running the risk of losing touch with the friends, mentors, family and other loved ones in their lives.
Volunteers with Lone Star CASA advocate for these children, ensure they are safe and cared for, and work hard to keep them connected with their communities, families and loved ones while they are in foster care and beyond.
“We want every child involved in the child welfare system to have an advocate by their side while they go through such an uncertain time in their lives,” said Lauren Rowe, Executive Director of Lone Star CASA. “We are always in need of more volunteers from the community to serve these children and their families.”
CASA volunteers get to know the child on a personal level and communicate with everyone involved in their life, including parents and other family members, foster parents, social workers and others. They work with the child’s caseworker and others on the case to build and strengthen a lifetime network of family and other committed adults who will support the child and each other even after the child’s time in foster care ends.
“Every child deserves to feel loved, safe, and this Valentine’s Day and beyond,” said Rowe. “Become a CASA volunteer and help give a child and their family a chance at a brighter and more stable future.”
For more information, visit lonestarcasa.org/advocates. The next information sessions will be held on February 15th at 6pm at the Rockwall CASA office and February 22nd at noon via Zoom.
View the Story on Blue Ribbon News HERE