NEWS RELEASE: Texas Bar Foundation Awards Texas CASA $25K for Juvenile Justice Advocacy

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is honored to be a
recipient of a $25,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation to fund its Justice Involved
Youth (JIY) Pilot Program. This grant will assist Texas CASA in strengthening its
support and resources for youth who are experiencing the foster care and juvenile
justice systems alongside Child Advocates of Fort Bend County, Child Advocates of
Montgomery County and CASA for Kids of South Central Texas’ work in Waller County.

“We’re grateful to the Texas Bar Foundation for helping us strengthen advocacy for
youth involved in two systems that frequently work in different directions,” said Texas
CASA CEO Vicki Spriggs.

“So many of these youth who have experienced removal from their home have
experienced a trauma that may manifest as behavior that puts them on the radar of the
juvenile court,” Spriggs added. “CASA advocacy is critical here — volunteers help
create an individualized case plan for that youth and family and works to stop the CPS
to juvenile probation pipeline.”

Youth in foster care are disproportionately represented in the juvenile justice and
criminal justice systems. These youth are at an even greater risk for mental health,
education and vocation challenges as well as having higher rates of recidivism, suicide,
drug use and homelessness.

Since 2021, CASA volunteers appointed guardian ad litem (GAL) in a Child Protective
Services (CPS) court can also be legally appointed as GAL by a juvenile court if the
youth has an open case in both systems. CASA volunteer advocacy for JIY is a critical
bridge in facilitating two systems in a way that supports healing and positive outcomes
for youth.

Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $29
million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of
Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation’s largest charitably funded bar
foundation.

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About Texas CASA 

Established in 1989, Texas CASA’s mission is to support local CASA programs with training, community awareness, resources and public policy to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families in Texas. We are the statewide membership association for all local CASA programs. In this role, we support the CASA network by serving as the administrator of state and federal funds, setting and monitoring standards, providing training, leading a statewide volunteer recruitment campaign, advocating for public policy and more. Texas CASA is committed to partnering with statewide stakeholders and the CASA network to elevate best practices when working with children and families.

Collectively, the local CASA programs serve the majority of Texas’ 254 counties. As integral members of their respective communities, they recruit, train, supervise and support court-appointed volunteers to advocate for the best interest of children. Local programs also coordinate and collaborate with other service providers who share the mission of supporting Texas families.

Contact:

Madi Donham, External Communications Manager
Phone: 281-750-9117
Email: mdonham@texascasa.org