Dallas CASA, which helps children navigate the foster care system, is calling for volunteers amid a shakeup in the system. The Texas foster care agency recently removed the private company overseeing Dallas County cases, leading to a heightened need for volunteers.

Background

The removal of the private contractor comes after a week of turmoil and four months after a Dallas County judge placed the company under receivership following the deaths of two children in its care. Texas has been moving towards community-based care, which allows private contractors to handle case management for children in foster care.

Kathleen LaValle, the CEO of Dallas CASA, says the current moment is critical for those interested in volunteering to step up. CASA volunteers often help manage cases for the private contractors, providing a consistent element during times of change.

Texas Family Care Network has been appointed to take over the contract, and LaValle hopes that the practices that have worked in East Texas can translate to a positive outcome for Dallas County.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.