For year 2010, CASAŽ for Kids of East Texas advocated for the best interests of 425 abused and neglected children. Estimated costs of maintaining one child in temporary substitute care for 12 months ranges from $17,000 to $35,000, depending on the needs of the child. With these children in foster care, that is a cost to taxpayers of a minimum of $6,426,000 dollars a year! Furthermore CASAŽ volunteers contributed more than 4,900 hours, both in and out of the courtroom, and drove 42,000 miles acting as court appointed guardian ad litems to the children of Smith, Wood and Van Zandt Counties. Through their tireless efforts, CASAŽ volunteers have saved the taxpayers of these counties over $400, 000 in attorneys' fees alone.

Children who suffer abuse or neglect are 53 percent more likely to become juvenile delinquents, 38 percent more likely to be arrested as adults, and 38 percent more likely to become violent criminals. What's more, abused and neglected children are involved in delinquency and criminal activity earlier, commit more offenses, and more often become chronic or repeat offenders.

Click here to request a Volunteer Packet
Click here to download a
Volunteer Application
Click here to download a
Criminal Background Form



If you're not able to serve as a CASAŽ volunteer, but believe in the need for helping abused and neglected children, you can still make a significant difference.

Your local CASAŽ program is a not-for-profit organization and affiliate of Texas CASAŽ and the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association. Your tax-deductible gift to CASAŽ will support the training of volunteers so they can be there when an abused or neglected child needs someone most.

Next to your time, your financial support of CASAŽ is the most valuable contribution you can make to help children who do not have the representations they desperately need in court.


click here for a
printable donation form



  • If you’re a member of a business, church or professional group and would allow us to give a presentation at your next meeting or place an ad in your newsletter, call 903-597-7725.

  • Include CASAŽ brochures in your next company or association mail out.

  • Donate other resources
    Examples: advertising space, printing services, catering for events and workshops. Be creative!

  • Share your skills
    Programs often need help with public relations. You might be able to help the CASAŽ program get attention and recruit much-needed volunteers. If you have good computer skills, you can train staff in using software, input data, or build a home page

  • Offer to serve
    On a committee, board of directors or advisory group. The program will benefit from your leadership skills, expertise, and community contacts.

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    CASAŽ for Kids of East Texas
    318 E. Fifth Street
    Tyler, TX 75701
    903•597•7725