CASA for the Cross Timbers Area swears in 6 new volunteers.

Jordan Barkley (board member), Diane Taylor (new advocate), Christi McCoy (new advocate), Karyn Bennett (new advocate), Itzel Valdez (new advocate), Marvin Curry (new advocate), Harriet Frazier (board member), Joanna Mills (board member). Not Pictured - Amanda Gibson (new advocate). Photo courtesy Isabel Talamantes

Special to BTS NEWS

Six new volunteers were sworn into CASA for the Cross Timbers Area by Judge David Barkley on Wednesday.

The volunteers will work with CASA CTA to advocate for children and families involved in the foster care system in Bosque, Eastland, Erath and Hamilton counties.

“Even in my pre-service training alone, I’ve seen the remarkable positive impact that CASA volunteers can have on the children and families they serve,” said new volunteer Karyn Bennet. “I’m excited to help the children in our community be successful.”

The new class of CASA volunteers will be assigned to a child or sibling group who they will commit to advocating for until the closure of their case.

As part of their advocacy, volunteers will get to know important adults in the child’s life such as parents, foster parents, teachers, doctors and therapists.

“It is a long-term commitment and requires a lot of heart, but there just isn’t another volunteer experience that matches what you’ll get with CASA,” said Mindy Wooley, executive director of CASA CTA. “Our volunteers are dedicated to doing their very best on behalf of the children and families they serve.”

CASA volunteers go through 30 hours of in-depth, pre-service training before they are appointed by a judge to their case.

Volunteers advocate for reunification as their primary goal whenever it is safe and possible.

When reunification is not an option, they may advocate for the child to live with another relative, family friend or adoptive home.

“We’re so excited to have this new class join our team of volunteers,” said Wooley. “I know that they will do amazing work that will positively impact the children and families in the foster care system right here in our community.”

CASA CTA has several upcoming informational sessions for prospective volunteers.

The next virtual session will be held from 12-1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8.

For a full list of informational sessions, click here.

CASA for the Cross Timbers Area is an Erath County United Way partner agency.