Child Advocates - CASA of Red River

Imagine losing everything and everyone you love in one day. Now imagine what it would feel like if you were a child. 

Child Advocates- CASA of Red River is here to protect these various children and ensure their futures remain bright.  As victims of abuse and neglect, these children rely upon their Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA Volunteer) to stand by them and speak up for them in court and in life, during the entire time they are in foster care.

So they never have to be alone.

This essential work is made possible because of YOU, your generosity, and Texoma Gives. 

Funds raised during Texoma Gives support training for CASA Volunteers and provide them the resources they need to visit their children and help them with emergency needs.  Your support allows CASA Volunteers to work with parents, families, teachers, attorneys, and the courts to provide for our children’s emotional, physical, and educational wellbeing.  There is so much at stake, but your gifts help us keep our children front and center!

Our goal is to support parents in making big changes in their lives so their children can go back home.  After all, they love each other. But if this can’t happen, then we look for other family or friends who love the children and will give them a home and a new family.  Or we look to adoption.  In the end, because of your support, we are able to FIGHT for children and their futures. 

No gift is too small.  Please join us in making a difference that will last a lifetime, starting today. 

Did you know . . .?

• In 2023, in our 4-county area, 740 victims of child abuse and/or neglect were served by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.  This means that in one year, 740 of our most vulnerable citizens were suspected or confirmed victims of often unspeakable trauma.
• 548 of those children were removed from their abusive situations and entered the legal custody of DFPS.  Child Advocates-CASA of Red River was appointed as guardian ad litem for 399 of these, leaving 149 children without an advocate to represent them and speak up for their needs.  The need for additional CASA volunteers is real and ongoing!
• Because the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools and businesses to close and families stayed home from school and work, isolated from neighbors/teachers, it is possible that child abuse or neglect incidents occurred at a higher rate than was reported.
• Child abuse and neglect have a lasting negative effect not only on the victims but also on the economy and our society at large.  However, because of the unique work performed by CASA, these individuals can and do, grow up to lead productive and fulfilling lives as contributing members of the community.  Research shows that a constant, stable, safe, and loving adult presence can reverse the trauma of abuse and neglect.   
• It takes caring, dedicated adults to help turn fragile young lives from despair to hope.  CASA volunteers impact every aspect of a child’s life, nurturing the child’s or children’s physical, mental, emotional, and educational needs.  CASAs are involved with the child’s biological or fictive family, foster placement(s), teachers, counselors, and attorneys, among others, focusing only on the child’s wellbeing.  They are the VOICE for these children when the court makes all-important decisions in their lives.
• It costs $300 to serve one of these children; won’t you make a donation to serve one more?