Valentine’s Day often brings cards, candy, and small reminders of love from the people closest to us. But for many children in the foster care system, this holiday can feel very different. Instead of celebrating with family and friends, they may be spending the day far from their home community—navigating uncertainty through no fault of their own.
When a child enters foster care, it often means leaving behind familiar faces, schools, and support systems. Many children experience multiple placements and school changes, increasing the risk of losing connection with friends, mentors, and loved ones who matter most to them.
That’s where CASA for the Cross Timbers Area steps in.
CASA volunteers serve as consistent, caring adults for children in foster care—advocating for their safety, well-being, and best interests while working to keep them connected to family and community whenever possible.
“Studies show that one of the key indicators for child well-being is the number of committed adults in their lives,” says Kristy Allen, Executive Director of CASA for the Cross Timbers Area. “In addition to advocating for children in court, our volunteers help ensure kids maintain positive relationships with their parents, families, friends, mentors, and home communities in whatever ways possible.”
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers are everyday people appointed by a judge to advocate for a child or sibling group in the foster care system. Volunteers get to know the child personally and communicate with everyone involved in their life—parents, foster families, social workers, teachers, and others—to help build a strong, lifelong support network.
“Foster care can be scary, lonely, and uncertain for children—especially when they are placed far away from everything they know,” Allen shares. “CASA volunteers remind them they are not alone.”
CASA volunteers have a heart for reunification and advocate for safe family connections whenever possible—always guided by what is best for the child. Today, 31 CASA volunteers are walking alongside 57 children in the Cross Timbers Area. As new children enter the foster care system in the months ahead, the need—and opportunity—for caring advocates continues to grow.
“Every child deserves to feel loved, supported, and connected—on Valentine’s Day and beyond,” says Allen. “By becoming a CASA volunteer, you can help give a child and family a brighter, more hopeful future.”
Learn More: CASA 101
Interested in learning more about becoming a CASA volunteer? Join us for our next CASA 101 Information Session on February 10 at noon or 5:30 pm. CASA 101 sessions are offered in person (1385 N Graham St., Stephenville) and via Zoom on the second Tuesday of every month.
To register or learn more, visit www.casacta.org/info or contact Derek Dodson, Outreach & Development Coordinator, at outreach.development@ctacasa.org.