400 Foster Kids in Tarrant County Wait for Advocates

When a child enters foster care after abuse or neglect, everything in their world can shift without warning. Their caseworker might change, their attorney might change, even their home might change multiple times.

But there's one person who can remain constant through it all: a volunteer advocate. And right now, more than 400 children in Tarrant County are waiting for that person.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Tarrant County pairs trained volunteers with children removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. These volunteers become a steady presence in chaotic times, visiting their assigned child regularly, following their case, and attending court hearings every three months.

The impact is real. Children with CASA volunteers are more likely to exit foster care and reunify with family, according to Natalie Stalmach, chief development officer for CASA of Tarrant County.

"They become the one constant for that child," Stalmach said.

The organization needs to grow by at least 50% to serve every child on their waiting list. As Tarrant County's population expands, so does the number of children needing advocates.

The commitment fits into real life. After completing 33 hours of training, volunteers typically spend about five hours per month on their cases. Most of that work happens on their own schedule, and the majority of CASA volunteers work full time jobs.

Why This Inspires

This opportunity offers something rare: a clear path to making a measurable difference in a child's life. Volunteers don't just observe from the sidelines. They investigate the child's situation, build a relationship, and make recommendations to the judge about the child's permanent home.

The work transforms both sides of the relationship. Volunteers consistently describe the experience as life changing, not just for the children they serve but for themselves.

One person dedicating five hours a month can become the stable force that helps a traumatized child find their way home. That's the kind of math that changes communities.

Anyone ready to get plugged into Tarrant County and make a real impact can learn more and sign up on CASA's website.