Protecting children one case at a time

How to Become a CASA Advocate

If you would like train to become a volunteer advocate for local abused, neglected children contact CASA at (817) 599-6224 or program director Lori Cope at loricope@casaofparkercounty.com.
To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call the Children’s Protective Services’ hotline at (800) 252-5400.

Related Photos

CASA of Parker County program director Lori Cope gives a tour of the local Child Protection Services offices. Libby Cluett/Index

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October 7, 2012

Protecting children one case at a time

Volunteer advocates needed for abused, neglected children

Anonymous Mineral Wells Index The Mineral Wells Index Sun Oct 07, 2012, 11:19 AM CDT

By LIBBY CLUETT | lcluett@mineralwellsindex.com

Because many area children are affected by abuse, neglect and domestic violence, one take-home message for October – dedicated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month – is that Court-Appointed Special Advocates volunteers can become part of the solution in improving a local child’s life.

No matter where in the state they operate, CASA programs are always looking for qualified volunteers.

“A CASA volunteer cannot change the past of an abused or neglected child, but a CASA volunteer can be a part of changing a child’s future,” said CASA of Parker County program director Lori Cope, citing a phrase she has often seen in CASA promotional material.

In March of this year, the Palo Pinto County CASA program exited the five-county CASA of the Cross Timbers and merged into CASA of Parker County, with guidance and encouragement from Texas CASA, Cope said.

CASA is about to swear in four new Palo Pinto County volunteers who have completed training, but she and Executive Director Barb Tucker said the need is great because of the caseload here of children in the court system because of reported abuse and neglect.

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