Sponsored by:
Every day in Bexar County, children enter the foster care system through no fault of their own. These children — often scared, confused and without a steady adult presence in their lives — face an uncertain future. At Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA), we believe every child deserves someone to stand by their side, fight for their best interests and ensure their needs are heard in the courtroom. That’s where YOU can help.
Becoming a CASA volunteer advocate means stepping into this role for a child in need. It’s a powerful way to make a lasting impact. And, for those who may not have the time to volunteer, your financial contributions are equally vital to our mission.
The role of a CASA advocate
As a CASA volunteer advocate, you are a trusted adult, an unbiased reporter to the court, a guide and mentor, an educational and medical advocate, a family finder, a relationship connector and, most of all, a consistent presence for a child during one of the most vulnerable times in their life. Advocates are court-appointed, trained volunteers who ensure that children experiencing foster care don’t get lost in the systems. Through court reports, you can directly impact a child’s journey by making recommendations on the child’s best interests to the judge overseeing the child’s case. CASA advocates work directly with children, families and professionals, ensuring everyone stays focused on the child’s well-being.
Imagine being the one person who can say, “I see you. I hear you. I’m here for you.” That’s the heart of what CASA volunteers do. Whether it’s advocating for better living arrangements, ensuring educational needs are met or simply being a listening ear, advocates make a world of difference for children navigating the foster care system.
Who can be an advocate?
Our volunteers come from all walks of life — active military and veterans, retirees and working professionals, stay-at-home moms and empty nesters, and community members of every kind. You don’t need a legal background or a degree in social work to become a CASA advocate. All you need is compassion, dedication and a commitment to making a difference. CASA provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to advocate effectively.
The time commitment
Many people worry they won’t have the time to volunteer. On average, a CASA advocate spends about 15 hours a month working on their case. This includes meeting with the child, attending court hearings and collaborating with other professionals. While it is a commitment, the impact you make far outweighs the time spent.
The CASA effect
When you become a CASA advocate, you’re making a big difference — through small moments, you create lifelong change for a child. Children in foster care are at heightened risk of negative outcomes like failing to graduate high school, homelessness, continuing the cycles of abuse and domestic violence, and mental and physical health issues like depression and developmental delays.
As a CASA advocate, you have a chance to change those statistics by modeling a healthy, respectful relationship, ensuring children have the proper educational tools and resources, and advocating for the mental and physical health services they need. And, simply by showing up, you can help break the cycle of trauma and set children on a path toward brighter futures.
Can’t volunteer? Support CASA by donating
If you’re unable to volunteer but still want to make a difference, donating to CASA is a meaningful way to support our work. Your financial contributions allow us to recruit, train and lead more advocates, ensuring no child has to face the foster care system alone.
Join our mission today
At Child Advocates San Antonio, our goal is simple yet profound: to ensure that every child experiencing foster care has a dedicated advocate by their side. But we can’t do it without you. Whether you choose to become a CASA advocate or support our mission through a donation, you are playing an essential role in transforming lives.
Together, we can be a light of hope for the children of Bexar County — one advocate, one donation and one success story at a time.
Visit www.casa-satx.org to learn more about becoming an advocate or making a donation.
