Tom Green County Child Advocacy Center Awarded Grant

The Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) has received a $42,000 grant from the Carl B. and Florence King Foundation in Dallas, Texas, said a press release today.

According to the release, the grant will provide funding to hire an additional Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) case manager. CASA is one of the four main programs provided by the CAC of Tom Green County.  

“There have been many changes in the child welfare system over the last year. CASAs ensure each and every child has a voice unique to their specific needs, and are often one of the only constants in their lives,” stated Heather Ward, executive director. “We are grateful for the King Foundation and their steadfast support of our CASA program. CASA has a tremendous impact on children in our community and ensures each child remains in the forefront of the complex and changing system, while minimizing the difficulties each child endures.”

CASA provides front line advocacy for children in foster care, and CASAs speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children whose futures are being decided in a court of law, noted the release. In a child welfare system challenged by increasing caseloads, a CASA can make the single greatest difference in a child’s life and ensures the child receives services such as therapy, substance abuse counseling, and special medical or educational support. 

“With the generosity of the King Foundation, the additional staff will allow us to serve more children. Currently, we serve 60 percent of the children [who] need a CASA, and that leaves 40 percent with unmet needs. We are passionate about providing a CASA for every child [who] needs one, and work hard to ensure all children receive the representation they deserve,” Ward remarked. 

In 2015, CASA of Tom Green County served 504 children with a CASA case manager or volunteer representation. In Texas, 47 children enter foster care daily with a total number of over 47,000 in need of a CASA volunteer.

The support from the King Foundation will impact CASA of Tom Green County and the ten counties they serve. One paid staff supports 30 CASA volunteers who serve 75 children. 

About the Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation

Carl B. and Florence E. King started the Foundation that bears their names in 1966. Established by gifts from Mr. and Mrs. King, as well as a later bequest from their daughter, Dorothy, the Foundation has grown to more than $75 million in assets. The Foundation distributes more than $2 million per year to charities serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area, 38 counties in West Texas, and 32 counties in Arkansas.

For more information about the Children’s Advocacy Center, visit cactomgreen.org, or contact Leann Hubert Forbes (325) 653-4673.