CASA for the Highland Lakes Area, a non-profit organization that speaks up for the best interest of abused and neglected children in Blanco, Burnet, Lampasas, Llano, and San Saba counties, was recently recognized by Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates (Texas CASA) for serving 100% of the children in the foster care system in the counties they serve.

Only 14 of the 69 Texas CASA programs, which serve over 22,000 children in 208 Texas counties, achieved the goal of serving every child in it’s’ care.

“Just as no child should ever be in water over their heads without a life jacket, no child should ever have to navigate the turbulent waves of the child welfare system without a CASA,” said Sue Thornton, Executive Director of CASA for the Highland Lakes Area. “CASA for the Highland Lakes Area ensures that a volunteer is in place to advocate in court for the best interest of every Highland Lakes child in the Texas foster care system; CASA volunteers are that life jacket that keeps a foster child’s head above water.”

Since its inception 20-years ago, CASA for the Highland Lakes Area has served over 1300 abused and neglected children; and in calendar year 2011 its 97 volunteers have served over 245 abused and neglected children.

CASA for the Highland Lakes Area recruits and trains volunteers to provide direct services to children after they have been removed from their home by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services due to abuse and/or neglect.

For more information on becoming a CASA volunteer, and a list of upcoming CASA for the Highland Lakes Area events, please go to www.highlandlakescasa.com or call 325-388-3440.