In Walker County, a group of dedicated volunteers serve our community’s most vulnerable demographic: children who are victims of abuse and neglect. The employees and volunteers of Court Appointed Special Advocates work tirelessly toward their vision of a safe, permanent and nurturing home for every child.
CASA began in 1977 when Judge David Soukup recognized a need for more information regarding children’s welfare in court. The organization developed from this need, expanding to Walker County in 2005 when Texas CASA presented to the Kiwanis Club.
Having grown immensely since its inception, CASA of Walker County acquired a new office space in 2023. The new space accommodates privacy requirements and training for 50 actively assigned advocates serving 85 children.
Kimberly Weiser, CASA of Walker County executive director, says the number of children coming into foster care fluctuates. “We roll with whatever that looks like and are prepared,” Weiser says. “We feel really blessed to be in this office.”
Advocates undergo extensive training to understand the foster care system, legal system, child development and trauma-informed care.
“Advocates go through about 40 hours of training before doing anything within the program, including obser-ving in court,” says Catharine James, advocate supervisor and a former advocate herself. “They also undergo a criminal background check and interview process.”
Once graduates are sworn in by a judge, they are eligible for assignment. “We never just assign a case; they have the option to say no and are given details before they accept,” James says. “Once assigned, they meet with the family, parents, CPS and the child’s attorney every month.”
James also reflects on a success story.
“We have a reunification story happening right now, where the kids are being transitioned to a monitored return with their parents once school is out,” she says. “It speaks volumes that the parents agreed to let the kids finish out their school year with the foster parents for stability! The foster family invites the parents to birthdays and extracurriculars, which the parents attend.
“[The foster family] really became an extended family to these parents. The parents are doing very well! They have turned a corner, both are working their services, attending parenting classes, domestic violence [prevention] classes and more.”
CASA strives for family reunification whenever possible. Advocates not only aim to assist children but families as well.
A distinguishing feature of this program is the personalized attention each child receives. Siblings are assigned to the same advocate as often as possible. Unlike other professionals involved in the welfare and legal process, advocates are appointed by the court to work exclusively on behalf of the child, providing thorough and individualized advocacy. Partnering closely with Child Protective Services, CASA brings attention to issues in court that other entities can’t.
CASA of Walker County is funded by a combination of grants and fundraising. Overseen by Development Director Laura Green, the organization raises funds through events like their Christmas in July Bingo and Parade of Playhouses.
“This year we have eight playhouses,” Green says. “The volume of participation we have is exciting!”
Aside from becoming an advocate, there are many ways community members can be involved. CASA has various committees and events open to volunteers, including service on the governing board of directors.
CASA and the children they represent rely heavily on monetary donations. Their Compassion in Action program provides an easy way for every community member to be involved. To make a difference, visit casaofwalkercounty.org and click “giving.”
Children in need are often silenced by bureaucracy and oversight. CASA stands as a protector, amplifying children’s voices and defending the best interests of those at risk. These unsung heroes transform lives—one case at a time. For more information on volunteering, visit casaofwalkercounty.org/contact.
