BY SHELBIE HAMILTON
advocates to act as a voice for the child during legal proceedings. The volunteer advocates often also act as a constant in the child’s life during their time in the foster care system, Clifton said. “At no fault of their own, these children are removed from what they once knew as home, and they’re thrust into this new environment, legal world that they know nothing about,” Clifton said. “What we aim to do is ... make sure they don’t fall through the cracks of an already completely overburdened child welfare system.” CASA of Collin County has between 200-250 volunteers at any given time, which helps ensure that any child that is placed into foster care is able to have a volunteer advocate. In 2024, every child assigned to CASA of Collin County was able to be paired with an advocate. Diving in deeper The organization continuously trains new volunteer advocates through an intensive multi- step process that includes an orientation followed by an application, interview and background check. Volunteers also completed 38 hours of
in-classroom learning prior to being assigned as a volunteer advocate. In 2024, over 12,400 hours of volunteer service was completed by CASA of Collin County volun- teers. Other ways to get involved include assisting with fundraising events and monetary donations. Zooming out There are 75 CASA programs throughout Texas, Clifton said, noting that some organizations serve multiple counties while other counties don’t have a CASA organization. CASA of Collin County serves over 30 cities, and has served over 12,000 children since its creation in 1991, its website states. The impact As a former foster child herself, Clifton said the organization plays a key role in providing consis- tency and normalcy for children in foster care. “My life was completely changed forever when I was adopted,” Clifton said. “If I can be any part of these children’s stories to help them become who they’re supposed to be and make sure that they are no longer victims [and be] victors, then that’s what I’m here for.”
CASA of Collin County trains community volunteers to act as advocates for children in the foster care system.
SHELBIE HAMILTON COMMUNITY IMPACT
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101 Davis St., McKinney www.casaofcollincounty.org
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