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Community wall spotlight: Dallas CASA

06/14/2022

This week, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Dallas CASA, one of our Community Wall organizations.

We sat down with Delivery Support Senior Specialist Katie Musselman to hear more about CASA, how she got involved, and ways we can all support the organization.

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Tell us about CASA.​

The mission of Dallas CASA is to advocate in the community and the courtroom for children in the protective care of the state so they can grow up in safe, permanent homes where they can thrive. Dallas CASA volunteers, referred to as Court Appointed Special Advocates or CASAs, are voices for abused and neglected children in court, trained to gather information and make recommendations that help judges decide the best possible outcome for children in foster care.

In practice, this looks like visiting the child(ren) on my assigned case monthly, performing regular educational and medical advocacy, communicating with Child Protective Services and attorneys involved in the case, and participating in hearings and other legal proceedings by providing recommendations to help inform the court’s decision-making.

When did you first hear about CASA? How long have you been involved?

I first heard about CASA from a family friend who has been involved in CASA for several years. I have always enjoyed hearing about the work CASA was doing for children in foster care. When I first started at Sendero, a couple people from my start group were going through training to become a CASA and their encouragement was the final push I needed to commit. I officially became a CASA about three years ago!

What have been your most impactful experiences with the community organization?​

Developing relationships with kids and their placement families is always so meaningful to me! It has also been really impactful to see how the recommendations I make in court in a child’s best interest can truly affect the outcome of their case.

How has Sendero supported CASA over the years? Walk us through that history.

Sendero has supported CASA for several years in many different ways! Dallas CASA is one of Sendero’s Community Wall organizations. Sendero has been a sponsor for several different events Dallas CASA has put on and has donated retired laptops to CASA for teens in foster care who need a laptop for school. Additionally, Sendero has participated in the Parade of Playhouses, Prom Dress Drive, and Angel Tree.

At any point in time, there are multiple Senderoans actively involved in CASA and our monthly Paid Volunteer Time (PVT) really comes in handy for child visits and attending court hearings.

How can people get involved and support CASA? Are there any immediate needs?

CASA strives to have an advocate for every child who comes into foster care, so they are always looking for more people to become advocates. If you are interested in becoming a CASA and advocating for abused and neglected children in your community, visit your local CASA’s website to find out more information. There are CASA chapters all over the country!

If you are interested in supporting CASA, consider making a donation or attending an event hosted by your local chapter. Here in Dallas, joining the CASA Young Professionals group is another great way to get involved in the mission of CASA.

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