On many of the cases to which CASA volunteers are appointed, it isn't possible for the children to go home. Reunification is always hoped for but it isn't always possible. In one recent case, a CASA volunteer helped reunite a family. Dallas CASA volunteer Sophie was appointed as an advocate for six children who were removed from their mother's care when the oldest boy reported to the police that his mother hit him.

The family came to Dallas after Hurricane Katrina and struggled to provide for their children. They were evicted from their apartment and were living on the streets.   

On a sweltering day last summer, pregnant and overwhelmed, the mother snapped and struck her oldest son, Matthew. Matthew, his three younger brothers and two younger sisters were taken by Child Protective Services and placed in three different foster homes.

The children's father, who had been out of town and separated from their mother at the time of their removal, was able to show that he could care for his children. He took a leave of absence from work so he could stay home while they settled in to their new environment. Sophie got to know the children and learned that they had never before experienced abuse before.

"This family was not violent," Sophie said. "They just needed help to restore their family. This family didn't have a support system." 

"I realized that if I didn't help the family, the children's safety would be in jeopardy," she added. Sophie advocated for the children to return home under the supervision of CPS. 

During the monitored return period, the air conditioning system in their apartment broke down, and the family had to move to another unit. The owner of the apartment complex demanded that the family pay for the cost of both apartments. Sophie researched tenant rights for renters and informed the parents about their rights. Because the landlord refused to work with the family, Sophie and her volunteer supervisor Chad helped the family find a place to stay at a local homeless shelter. The family had to leave behind everything and move quickly.

Though it took them a while to get on their feet, the family is now thriving. They have found the support they needed, found jobs and have secured place to live. The children are safe and living with their parents.  

"I can look back on times when things weren't so rosy for me, and people helped me," Sophie said, reflecting on the experience. "I can't go find those people who helped me, but I can pass it on to these people and help them have a chance."

Thanks to Sophie, Matthew and his brothers and sister found their way home.  

Victoria Rowell

Actress Victoria Rowell of "The Young and the Restless" and "Diagnosis: Murder" will be the keynote speaker for the fifth annual Cherish the Children luncheon coming up on April 13.

A former foster youth herself, Rowell will share insights from her book, "The Women Who Raised Me," which pays tribute to the various foster mothers who played a positive role in her life and her success. Rowell's unique perspective will inspire all of us to remember that each child's life is full of possibility and hope.

Hosted by the Dallas CASA Children's Council, the luncheon provides the perfect opportunity to purchase a fun and fanciful gift for the child in your life.Cherish the Children also offers a chance tomingle with the talented local designers and artists who create the whimsical children's chairs and furniture which are the hallmark of this event. 

The Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta is this year's Honorary Chair, and Diana Hamilton will serve as Event Chair. Click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets. For more information, contact Sara Rockey at srockey@dallascasa.org or call 214-827-8961.  

Every kid needs a hero, but abused kids need superheroes. That's the premise behind an exciting and fun-filled Dallas CASA event coming this spring.

Dallas CASA's first annual Superhero 5K and Family Fun Run will be held April 14 at Lindsley Park. Hundreds of runners (many in full costume) will walk, jog or run toward a better future for Dallas County children. Welcoming all runners and walkers, from beginner to elite, the Superhero Run is an opportunity for participants to become superheroes in the eyes of children who need CASA volunteers to speak for them in court and in the community.

CASA volunteers, like superheroes, know they can never give up. They pursue justice for each child, and because superheroes are more powerful if they work together, the Superhero 5K brings our community together to help keep abused children safe. 

This one-of-a-kind event will feature costume contests, a children's activity area, food and drinks, awards ceremonies and a family-friendly atmosphere. Most importantly, this event will help provide more advocates for children who need and deserve superheroes of their own.

You're invited to dress up as your favorite superhero and walk, jog or run to help us give every abused child a true superhero...a CASA volunteer.  

To register to participate, click here. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Sara Rockey at srockey@dallascasa.org or at 214-827-9603 ext. 272.

As evidenced by this month's "Because CASA Was There" story, it's important to remember that families are often struggling to make ends meet. Sometimes a holistic approach helps a child by giving the family a fresh start. 

Dallas CASA volunteers in 2011 gave an incredible 27,848 hours advocating in court for the best interests of abused and neglected children. Thank you to every volunteer who gave their time, energy and compassion to serve our children.