CASA of Collin County

Who We Are

CASA of Collin County is on the frontline of services for children removed from their homes and placed into the child welfare system due to abuse and neglect. With a child’s best interests and protection at the forefront, CASA of Collin County is appointed by District Court Judges as the child’s guardian ad litem or volunteer advocate and will remain with them throughout the duration of their time navigating the child welfare system. 

CASA's volunteer advocates form trusting relationships with the children assigned to them and interact with all individuals involved in their lives such as their family of origin, foster parents, CPS workers, attorneys, therapists, teachers, and others. 

Volunteer advocates are everyday heroes making extraordinary differences for children and families. Since 1991, CASA volunteer advocates have championed for the safety and well-being of each child assigned to CASA's program.  

Studies have shown that children and youth who have a CASA by their side:

• Are more likely to find a safe and permanent home.
• Are more likely to succeed in school.
• Have higher levels of hope.
• Receive a higher number of services. 
• Are half as likely to re-enter the child welfare system. 

In 2022, CASA of Collin County served 343 children and youth. We trained and supported 220 total volunteer advocates, who dedicated 11,818 hours to advocacy and drove 129,044 miles to visit their assigned children.  

Kelsey's Story

Provide a CASA Advocate for Trafficked Youth this NTXGD

Kelsey came into care at the age of 13 when a family member began trafficking her for drug money. Covered in bruises and a black eye, she felt scared and alone with no one to turn to.

Her CASA advocate, Michelle committed to advocating for Kelsey's best interests and standing by her side. 4 years later, Michelle is still a dedicated and trusted advocate. No matter how many times Kelsey has run away, Michelle has always been the first person she calls when she needs someone. 

CASA utilized the Commercial Sexual Exploitation-Identification Tool (CSE-IT) to understand Kelsey's trauma and empower Michelle to request personalized services needed to begin Kelsey's healing journey. District court judges in Collin County now rely on CASA to administer this tool for at-risk youth in the child welfare system. 

As many as 4 out of 5 victims of child sex trafficking in the United States have spent time in the child welfare system. Many youth in the child welfare system lack strong support systems and grapple with mental health struggles as a result of their trauma, making them highly susceptible to trafficking. Resources for kids who have been trafficked are low and limited in the child welfare system. CASA volunteer advocates like Michelle stand in the gap to advocate for the right services and care for children affected by trafficking. 

Your donation to CASA of Collin County on North Texas Giving Day gives children like Kelsey the support and advocacy they need during an unspeakable time. Help CASA reach our goal of $125,000 to continue providing court-appointed advocacy for all children who need it. The first $50,000 will be matched dollar for dollar by the SRS Raise the Roof Foundation. 

We couldn't do this important work without supporters like you!