CASA Montgomery County launches pilot program to reach justice-involved youth

Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children of Montgomery County is expanding its advocacy efforts beyond the child welfare system. According to a news release Sept. 13, the organization historically has supported abused or neglected children but is expanding services this fall to include working with justice-involved youth and truancy courts in Montgomery County.

Two-minute impact

The pilot program will be in collaboration with Judge Scharlene Valdez of the 418th District Court and Judge Wayne Mack, Precinct 1 justice of the peace. According to the release, this initiative is the first of its kind in the state.

• The initiative will allow CASA to serve new populations of children and help families.
• Volunteers will work closely with justice-involved youth and truancy courts.
• The objective is to ensure children and families receive the support and connection to the resources they need.
• Advocate and Case Supervisor Mike Quinn will lead the pilot initiative.

What they’re saying

Valdez said she believes the justice-involved youth will benefit from CASA's involvement within the confines of the court and in the youth's life overall.

“First, I envision that the advocate will profoundly affect the youth’s life through a strong mentorship relationship,” she said in the release. “Second, I believe that the advocate will add greater knowledge to the availability of community resources for the youth. Finally, I am confident that such involvement with the advocate will foster a spirit of change within the youth, resulting in an optimistic future for them.”

Get involved

Residents of Montgomery County can be involved in the new program by becoming a court-appointed special advocate volunteer or donating to the organization. To learn more, visit www.casaspeaks4kids.com.