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Rowlett resident sworn in as Dallas CASA volunteer
By Staff Reports
Joanne Desso of Rowlett was sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) on Oct. 23 in the 305th Dallas County District Court by Presiding Judge Cheryl Lee Shannon.
Dallas CASA is a non-profit organization of volunteers appointed by judges to advocate the best interests of abused and neglected children in the foster care system. As a CASA volunteer, Desso will serve as a voice for children who have no one else to speak for them.
“Dallas CASA volunteers are everyday heroes who give abused and neglected children a powerful voice and a better chance of finding safe, permanent homes where they can thrive,” executive director Beverly Levy said. “It’s an amazing gift to give a child whose only wish is to be safe and to be loved.”
Dallas CASA empowers ordinary citizens to become strong voices for Dallas County children in the court system. It is the only organization that allows everyday citizens to advocate within the court system on behalf of children in crisis.
CASA volunteers often make recommendations that bring about better outcomes for children under the protection of the courts. Because they take only one case at a time, and no more than three cases, volunteer advocates can take the time necessary to get to know everyone involved in a child’s case. Child Protective Services caseworkers often are overwhelmed by a lack of funding and a high number of cases. Dallas CASA works to fill the gap between Dallas County children and the safe, loving home each of those children deserves.
“As an NICU nurse, I see and hear a lot of sad stories, so when I heard about CASA on TV, I felt that this was a way I could get involved,” Desso said. “I have the opportunity to help a child and potentially make an impact on that child’s life.”
Dallas CASA was established in 1979 and is a nonprofit organization of community volunteers who serve as voices in court for abused and neglected children. CASA volunteers are trained and supervised to advocate for the best interests of children in protective care and to make recommendations that help judges decide what is best for each child. In 2008, more than 400 volunteers contributed approximately 16,000 volunteer hours to assisting more than 1,000 children in the court system. Dallas CASA relies on funding primarily from the private sector to achieve its mission.
To learn about advocating for abused children, call 214-827-8961 or visit www.dallascasa.org.
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