North Dallas resident to stand up for abused children through Dallas CASA

Hope Palacio of Dallas was sworn in as a Dallas CASA volunteer or Court Appointed Special Advocate on Feb. 22 in the 304th district court, the Hon. William Mazur presiding.

Dallas CASA is a non-profit organization of volunteers appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the foster care system. CASA volunteers serve as voices for children who have no one else to speak for them.

“Dallas CASA volunteers are everyday heroes who give abused and neglected children a powerful voice and a better chance of finding safe, permanent homes where they can thrive,” Executive Director Beverly Levy said. “It’s an amazing gift to give a child whose only wish is to be safe and to be loved.”

For many children, a CASA volunteer is the only constant during a frightening, uncertain time. Dallas CASA trains volunteers to advocate for the children in protective care. Advocates gather critical information and make recommendations that help judges make crucial decisions about each child’s well-being.

Dallas CASA empowers ordinary citizens to become strong voices for Dallas County children in the court system. It is the only organization that allows everyday citizens to advocate within the court system on behalf of children in crisis.

CASA volunteers often make recommendations that bring about better outcomes for children under the protection of the courts. Because they take only one case at a time, and no more than three cases, volunteer advocates can take the time necessary to get to know everyone involved in a child’s case.