SETX — A local organization that advocates for abused and neglected children is getting new funding aimed at stepping into cases sooner, with the goal of supporting families earlier in the process.
The Texas Bar Foundation awarded a $6,500 grant to CASA of Southeast Texas, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. The grant will help the organization expand early intervention services, including engaging with children and families within 24 hours of a child’s removal, identifying support systems and connecting families with resources.
CASA of Southeast Texas Executive Director Alexis Patronis said the grant supports work she has been trying to advance for some time.
“Judge Shelton and I have both been working for a long time to get CASA as soon as we can. We both see a really great potential for where CASA can go and how it can continue to impact the lives of our children, and one of those earliest conversations has always been, ‘How do we get CASA in as soon as possible?’”
People interested in helping CASA with the effort can visit the organization’s website to volunteer.