CASA for Kids of East Texas (Serving Smith, Wood, and Van Zandt Counties)

CASA for Kids of East Texas ensures that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect in our community has a dedicated advocate during one of the most critical times in their life. CASA advocates provide consistent support in the midst of crisis, identify educational gaps and barriers, ensure physical and mental health needs are addressed, meet basic needs such as food, and make informed recommendations to the court to help achieve safe, stable, and permanent homes.

Each year, children are removed from their homes due to safety concerns, placing them into foster or kinship care and into a complex legal and social service system. Many of these children have experienced significant trauma and face developmental delays, educational disruptions, and unmet medical or behavioral health needs. CASA advocates work to identify these needs early and ensure appropriate services and supports are in place.

CASA also plays a critical role in helping children achieve permanency. When safe and appropriate, advocates support efforts toward family reunification. When reunification is not possible, CASA helps identify and advocate for alternative permanent solutions, including kinship placements or adoption.

By ensuring every child has a consistent, informed advocate focused solely on their best interests, CASA strengthens the community’s ability to respond to child abuse and neglect. The result is improved outcomes for children with greater stability, better access to services, and a stronger path toward safe, permanent homes and brighter futures. Doesn't every child deserve that?