Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Collin County is on the front lines of serving children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect. Appointed by District Court judges, CASA serves as each child's guardian ad litem, providing a dedicated volunteer advocate who remains by the child's side throughout their journey in the child welfare system. Over the past 35 years, CASA of Collin County has provided quality advocacy to more than 14,500 children.
Established in 1991, CASA is the only court-mandated child advocacy organization in Collin County. It is an affiliate of Texas CASA and the National CASA/GAL Association for Children, organizations that have received national recognition from the U.S. Congress, the White House, and the U.S. Department of Justice for their work in protecting vulnerable children.
CASA volunteers are community members who complete extensive screening, education, and training before advocating for children who have experienced abuse or neglect and have entered the child welfare system, often in foster care. Appointed by the court, these volunteers provide best-interest advocacy, ensuring each child's well-being remains the priority. They work to make certain children do not get lost in an overburdened system and help preserve important family connections whenever possible.
Becoming a CASA volunteer is a meaningful way to change the trajectory of a child's life. After completing an application, background check, interview, and specialized training, volunteers are sworn in by a judge and assigned to advocate for a child throughout their case. CASA volunteers build trusting relationships, gather information from everyone involved in the child's life, attend court hearings, and speak up for the child's best interests. With ongoing guidance and support from CASA staff, these dedicated volunteers provide consistency, encouragement, and hope during one of the most difficult seasons of a child's life.
Once trained, CASA volunteers advocate through five core practices:
Learn
Learn everything possible about the child, their family, and their unique circumstances.
Engage
Build a relationship with the child through regular visits and consistent communication.
Recommend
Advocate for the child's best interests in court by making recommendations regarding placement, services, and long-term well-being while monitoring the case until it is closed.
Collaborate
Work alongside caseworkers, educators, medical professionals, caregivers, and others to ensure the child receives the services and support they need.
Report
Provide the court with accurate, timely reports based on observations, conversations, and ongoing involvement with the child.
Upcoming Events
Volunteer Information Sessions
Interested in becoming a CASA volunteer? Register for an upcoming Volunteer Information Session to learn more. For additional information, contact Natasha Bywater, Volunteer Onboarding Manager, at nbywater@casaofcollincounty.org
North Texas Giving Day
September 17, 2026
Every donation helps CASA of Collin County recruit, train, and support volunteer advocates who speak up for children experiencing abuse and neglect.
35th Anniversary Casino Night
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Celebrate 35 years of advocacy and impact at The Flour Mill in McKinney. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and tickets are on sale now. For sponsorship information, contact Jessica Dunn, Chief Philanthropy Officer, at jdunn@casaofcollincounty.org.
Every child deserves a safe, stable, and nurturing future, and our community plays a vital role in making that possible. Whether you choose to become a CASA volunteer, make a financial contribution, provide in-kind support, attend a fundraising event, or sponsor the 35th Anniversary Casino Night, your involvement helps ensure that children experiencing abuse and neglect have a dedicated advocate by their side.
As CASA of Collin County continues its mission of serving vulnerable children, community support remains essential to recruiting, training, and equipping volunteers to be a voice for those who need one most. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, make a donation, or support upcoming events, visit CASA of Collin County and discover how you can make a lasting difference in the life of a child.
CASAofCollinCounty.org