Child abuse and neglect don’t take a summer vacation

Lubbock, Texas –The end of the school year is fast approaching and with it the start of summer vacation. The end of the academic calendar does not mean child abuse and neglect take the summer off. Last year, almost 1,400 children entered into foster care in the areas served by CASA of the South Plains. Volunteers are still desperately needed to serve as Advocates for children caught up in the whirlwind of change they face during their time in the foster care system. A CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate is a volunteer who helps a foster child navigate the child welfare system and ensure their needs are being met while working to help find safe, permanent homes. CASA needs the publics’ help to meet its goal of 35 new CASA volunteers for its June training class, which would potentially help an additional 70 foster children in this community.

Prospective volunteers are urged to attend the upcoming CASA 101 informational session hosted by CASA of the South Plains on Thursday, May 11th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in our office at 1215 Avenue J, Suite 301 in the Reagor Dykes Headquarters. This is a great, no-obligation introduction to CASA and its mission. CASA staff and current Advocates will be on hand to discuss the increasing need for volunteers, what it means to be a CASA, and how community members can help make a difference in the lives of area foster children.

CASA 101 attendees interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can also begin the application and sign-up process. Training classes can fill up quickly and space is limited.

To attend, please register at www.casaofthesouthplains.org or contact Gabe Ballesteros, Director of Communications and Marketing, by Wednesday, May 10th at (806) 763-2272 or via email at gabrielb@casaofthesouthplains.org. Lunch will be provided to attendees.