Program Notes: September 2022
September is a time of transition. Children return to school, whether pre-K or college, and as the leaves change, we also experience a shift in our daily routines.
At CASA, this month signals the end of our previous Program year and the beginning of our new one on Sept. 1. As I reviewed our numbers for 2022, I couldn’t be more proud of our Advocates and the amazing work they do on behalf of the children in care in Montgomery County.
2022 Program year Statistics
During the 2022 Program year, which ran Sept. 1, 2021, to Aug. 31, 2022,
• 244 Advocates served 522 children in CPS care in Montgomery County,
• 162 new children came into care,
• 51 new Advocates were sworn in,
• 244 Advocates volunteered over 17,000 hours and drove over 150,000 miles on behalf of their CASA children, and
• 100 percent of the children in care were assigned an Advocate.
safe, permanent homes with family
At CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County, our goal remains solid that each child leaving care is in a safe, stable home with a support system in place. Collaborative Family Engagement plays an important part in that goal along with TBRI. This past year 71 percent of the children leaving care were placed with family—either reunification, custody with a relative, or adopted by a relative. This truly reflects the outstanding efforts of our Advocates and staff in finding family and working with those relatives to provide a positive outcome for the children.
New Home expands possibilities
This past year we had the incredible opportunity to move into our beautiful home at 505 N. Main Street in Conroe. The new house has allowed us to expand our efforts to inform the community about the impact of trauma on the children and families we serve along with the difference CASA can make in these children’s lives. We’ve expanded our work with our families to help break the cycle of abuse and neglect in Montgomery County.
As Program Director, I’m so thankful for our Advocates who decided to volunteer for CASA and our children year after year. I’ve worked at CASA for over 13 years, and the dedication and commitment of our volunteers continues to amaze me every day. The difference one caring adult can make in the life of a child cannot be overemphasized. Through all the changes in our children’s lives, the commitment of CASA remains evergreen.
Sincerely,
Marilyn McQueeney, TBRI Practitioner
Program Director
EVERY CHILD DESERVES A CHANCE…IT’S YOU!
Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer: VOLUNTEER or give online: DONATE.