Former foster child now serves as advocate for El Paso foster children

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- A conversation in a hallway, a school visit before the first bell rings and a reassuring smile in a intimidating courtroom. For a child navigating the foster care system, these simple moments can change the course of a life.

As El Paso students settle into the new school year, local advocates warn that not every child enters the classroom on equal footing. For thousands of foster youth across Texas, back-to-school season brings unique uncertainty.

That is where Court Appointed Special Advocates, (CASA) steps in.

CASA of El Paso trains community volunteers to advocate directly for abused and neglected children in the family court system. Their mission is simple: ensure every child has a consistent, trusted adult fighting for their best interests.

For local volunteer Maria McCord, that mission is deeply personal.

McCord was once a child in the foster care system. Now, she channels her firsthand experience into becoming the advocate she once needed.

First established in 1986 in the El Paso County Courthouse basement, CASA steps up to handle the vital details that often fall through the cracks. Volunteers help kids prepare for the first day of school, offer guidance through complex legal proceedings and provide a stable anchor during times of crisis.

However, statewide numbers highlight a growing need. Texas ranks second in the nation for the highest number of children in foster care. Local leadership says the demand for bilingual, Spanish-speaking advocates in the Borderland is especially critical.

If you're interested in volunteering with CASA, you can visit the organization's website.