Texas CASA and Child Advocates San Antonio will name State Senator Carlos Uresti a “Big Voice For Little Texans” Monday . The award is reserved for legislators who exhibited leadership during the legislative session in making foster children a priority.
“We wanted to show our appreciation for Sen. Uresti’s continued leadership on behalf of the 42,000 children that are in state custody each year due to abuse and neglect allegations,” said Texas CASA Chief Executive Officer Joe Gagen. “Sen. Uresti has been a longtime champion of these children. This session he passed bills that will prevent more children from being victimized by abuse and neglect and protect children from further abuse and neglect in the foster care system.”
One of those bills establishes a Foster Children’s Bill of Rights. This legislation will help to ensure that children in the foster care system are informed of their rights to appropriate food, clothing and shelter and to be treated fairly and humanely in the system."As part of the ceremony, Senator Uresti will also help celebrate the graduation of the newest class of 30 CASA volunteer advocates as they are sworn in by the Honorable Judge Peter Sakai. CASA will also be presented a $25,000 check by Walmart as the newest recipient of the $25,000 grant awarded through Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program.
WHO: Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA), Senator Carlos Uresti, Walmart, joined by local community volunteer advocates
WHEN: Monday, August 22, 2011
12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Child Advocates San Antonio
406 San Pedro, San Antonio TX 78212
WHY: Last year, 345 CASA volunteers served 1329 abused and neglected children in Bexar County. Unfortunately, this number represents only 1/3 of the abused and neglected children in Bexar County who needed a voice to help speak up for them.
After screening and training, volunteers are sworn in by judges and then charged with representing a foster child’s best interests in court. They get to know the child and speak to everyone involved in the child’s life, including their family members, teachers, doctors, lawyers, social workers and others.
The information they gather and their recommendations help the court overseeing the cases make informed decisions. CASA volunteers work to move children through the foster care system and into safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.
For more information about becoming a CASA volunteer and to find the CASA program nearest you, please visit
www.BecomeACASA.org.
VISUALS: Senator Carlos Uresti being presented with Big Voices for Little Texans Award by CASA; Presentation of $25,000 check from Walmart to CASA; Class of 30 court-appointed volunteer advocates getting sworn in by the Honorable Judge Peter Sakai.
