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Dallas CASA: Advocates for Abused Children

Dallas CASA is a Court Appointed Special Advocates organization that serves children involved in abuse and neglect cases. They provide support, investigate allegations, attend hearings, and advocate for the best interests of the child. With a committed team of volunteers and staff, Dallas CASA works towards ensuring the safety, well-being, and permanency of children in need.

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Dallas CASA: Advocates for Abused Children

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  1. Dallas CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates

  2. Children Served by CASA • Allegations of abuse and neglect • Investigation by DFPS • DFPS has arranged for a residence for the child away from the child’s parent(s), either in a licensed home or the approved home of a relative or kin. • DFPS has conservatorship or has requested. • The court has appointed CASA.

  3. During the Case • Child is appointed an attorney in the dual role of Guardian ad Litem and Attorney ad Litem. • Parents are appointed attorneys. • Asst. District Attorney represents DFPS. • Child receives needed services and care. • DFPS makes reasonable efforts to reunify. • Resolution of temporary orders ends with agreement or contested hearing.

  4. Investigation and Removal • Someone reports suspected child abuse and neglect. • Call is routed to the county of residence and assigned a priority-24 hours or 72 hours. • Investigator makes contact with child and gathers information. • Investigator determines disposition and risk.

  5. A Child’s Path

  6. Appointment of CASA • Judge appoints CASA under “volunteer advocates” section of the Texas Family Code. • Orders CASA to conduct an inquiry and attend all hearings. • Grants CASA access to current and previous residences. • Grants CASA access to information.

  7. CASA Activities • Visit children regularly. • Gather information from caregivers, records. • Attend meetings and hearings. • Send written reports and recommendations to court and the parties. • Advocate for children in all settings. • Provide consistent support.

  8. CASA Education Advocacy • CASA’s involvement includes: • ARD’s (Teacher/ counselor meetings) • Education Decision Maker • Education Portfolio • Child’s records • Preschool Program for Children w/ Disabilities

  9. Intended Outcomes • Faster path to safety and permanency. • Increased chance of family placement. • Court and parties received additional information and perspective. • Child benefits from the ongoing commitment of a caring and compassionate adult.

  10. Nationally • Nearly 1,000 CASA programs. • Program range in size. • Most are not-for-profit. • More than 70,000 advocates annually.

  11. Locally • Formed in 1979, active in 1980. • 501(c)3 • 650 – 700 advocates annually. • 53 staff. • 304 and 305 District Courts. • Volunteer advocates and staff supervisors. • Serve about 45% of children in DFPS care.

  12. Who Are CASA Volunteers? • 21 or older. • Different ages, races, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds. • Rigorous screening process. • 30+ hours pre-service training. • Commitment to family reunification, cultural competence, child permanency.

  13. Placement of Children • Parents can name potential substitute caregivers. • If approved, DFPS designates the caregivers as a Parental Child Safety Placement. • Parents and caregivers sign a safety plan. • DFPS initiates a more in-depth home study. • Based on the findings, DFPS files for TMC. • Hearing will occur 3 months or more after placement.

  14. Court Hearings • Child is appointed an attorney in the dual role of Guardian ad Litem and Attorney ad Litem. • Parents are appointed attorneys. • Asst. District Attorney represents DFPS. • Child receives needed services and care. • DFPS makes reasonable efforts to reunify. • Resolution of temporary orders ends with agreement or contested hearing.

  15. Contacting Dallas CASA • 214-827-8961 • dallascasa.org • Program Director – Mary Timmons • mtimmons@dallascasa.org • Associate Program Director – Ben Wilkins • bwilkins@dallascasa.org

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