Jonathan Horstmann

When a family is in crisis and becomes involved in the child welfare system, a volunteer may be appointed by a judge to advocate for the child. That volunteer is called a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA. CASA volunteers provide valuable information to the judge and others involved in the case to help ensure a child's best interest is being met. At the local level, the 72 CASA programs in Texas do the hands-on work of recruiting, training and supervising volunteers to speak up in court and represent the best interests of children. As the statewide organization, Texas CASA provides financial support and services to help ensure the state's CASA programs operate effectively and works directly with the state legislature to create systemic changes - clearing the path for volunteer to better advocate for children. Vision: A safe and positive future for all Texas children and families. Mission: To support local CASA volunteer advocacy programs and to advocate for effective public policy for children and families in the child protection system. The CASA Way: We have an uncompromising belief that we will achieve what others think is impossible, and each of us is an essential part of the solution.