El Pasoans urged to become a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate

EL PASO, Texas -- Over 300 children are currently in the El Paso child welfare system. These children have been removed from their homes due to evidence of abuse and neglect, and placed in foster care, sometimes far away from their friends and loved ones. They need a CASA - a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer - to advocate for their unique needs and ensure they are kept safe while they are in care.

CASA volunteers are everyday members of the community who are recruited, screened and trained to advocate for a child or sibling group in foster care. They get to know the child on an individual level so that they can make sure their physical, emotional and educational needs are met – giving them a better chance at reaching their full potential.

CASA of El Paso has served 342 children this year. 147 CASA volunteers spoke up for abused and neglected children who, through no fault of their own, ended up in foster care.

The next information session for prospective CASA volunteers is Wednesday, February 5th at 5:30 pm at the CASA of El Paso office at 221 N. Kansas Street, Suite 1501. For more details, visit http://www.casaofelpaso.org