How Big Country CASA helps foster kids navigate the court system

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – A Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a special volunteer who works to ease the confusion that often occurs in the courtroom for children in the foster care system.

Putting ease in the mind of a child can be a difficult task, and the struggles that foster children face in general can be a considerable challenge alone, but having to face those challenges in a courtroom can put greater tension on an already confused child.

This is where CASA advocates come into play. They help children with these stressors and seek to quell any fear the child may be experiencing. Board of Directors member and CASA volunteer Kasey Leavell spoke to some of the emotions these children face when sitting in a courtroom.

“They’re anxious. They’re nervous. They’re not sure what’s going to happen. A big part of being their advocate is shielding them from a lot of that. They are potentially seeing people that they don’t really want to see. They don’t have a good relationship with. In court, you’re sitting right next to them, and often, they’re either holding your hand or looking at you before a question is answered so that they can make sure they’re good to answer. You’re really there from a support perspective and to be able to help fill in the gaps around some of the situations,” Leavell explained.

CASA volunteers do much more than just that. They spend considerable time with children outside of the courtroom, which, as Leavell explained, can be crucial in helping a judge decide a child’s future.

“We write a court report due to the judge ten days prior to court. The judge is able to read that to get a real picture of what’s really going on with the kid, not from a legal perspective, not from an education perspective. Holistically. So, he or she is reading that court report, and they’re able to determine where we’re at in the case and what’s needed for the child,” Leavell said.

The tremendous amount of care, effort, and time these volunteers endure culminate in the simple goal of ensuring the best outcome for these children in foster care.

“We’re really trying for reunification, and so we’re not there to bash the parents. We are not there to advocate for adoption. We want permanency, and we want what’s best for the kid,” said Leavell.

CASA is currently seeking more volunteers to help out with foster children in our community. Visit Big Country CASA online to find out how you can join.