CASA of El Paso Gets Grant To Improve Services

In the city of El Paso, hundreds of children and youth are under foster care.

Now, a $17,000 grant from Texas CASA will allow CASA El Paso to streamline the court processes and improve conditions for these children.

Most of them have been abused or neglected by their parents, and are in dire need of a loving home.

Many of their cases go through both Child Protective Services and the Juvenile Probation Department, meaning they see a number of judges and caseworkers before being placed in a permanent home.

Court Appointed Special Advocates, CASA of El Paso, steps in to find a home for these children where they will no longer be mistreated.

CASA volunteers also provide a voice for the children in the family court system.

Volunteers meet with the children and then make recommendations to a judge that will serve their best interest.

Thursday afternoon, CASA inaugurated a new initiative, with the help of a $17,000 grant from Texas CASA, that will simplify the court process.

Now, children will go through a single process with one judge and one caseworker.

”We are limiting it to where the child is more comfortable and they have that go-to person and it’s just not a different person all the time,” said Yahara Gutierrez, 65th Judicial District Court judge.

Judge Gutierrez said this will avoid any children falling through the cracks.

CASA of El Paso is currently trying to find a home for about 500 juveniles in El Paso.

If you would like to be a volunteer, call 915-546-8156.