On June 10th at the Women's Policy Forum monthly luncheon, attendees gathered to hear an informative presentation by Suzy Yowell, Director of Community Partnerships for CASA of Tarrant County.
Attendees learned about the vital mission and community impact of CASA of Tarrant County. Download Suzy's Presentation
As a non-partisan educational and networking organization, the Women's Policy Forum regularly hosts programs to shed light on critical issues affecting Tarrant County.
This session turned our collective attention toward the local foster care system, focusing on the essential work performed by Court Appointed Special Advocates. Court-appointed volunteers step up to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment, serving as a steady, guiding light as these youth navigate a complex system.
The presentation provided eye-opening data illustrating the magnitude of the challenges right here in our neighborhood. Attendees learned:
- Tarrant County sadly holds the highest per capita child abuse rate of all urban areas in Texas, totaling 4,592 victims.
- Tarrant County ranks third highest in the state for confirmed cases of abuse and neglect.
- In 2025 alone, 870 children in Tarrant County were paired with a CASA volunteer, supported by 439 active volunteers assigned to cases.
- The data showed that the top local zip codes requiring these services include 76112, 76119, and 76116, with infants and young children aged one to five comprising the largest demographic of those served.
When children enter foster care, they are abruptly separated from nearly everything familiar to them, including their parents, neighborhoods, schools, friends, pets, and sometimes even their siblings, language, and family traditions.
The speaker outlined how a CASA volunteer makes an incredible difference by mitigating this trauma. By committing an average of five to ten hours per month, an advocate conducts monthly visits, documents findings, communicates with all parties involved, connects families with resources, and stands up for the child inside and outside the courtroom.
Statistics conclusively show that children with a CASA volunteer are far more likely to experience a consistent adult presence, spend less time in foster care, face fewer placement changes, and have stronger educational supports in place.
The presentation concluded with a clear roadmap for individuals interested in getting involved.
- Becoming an advocate involves attending an initial information session, passing background checks, completing an application, and participating in a 30-hour comprehensive training curriculum modeled after Texas CASA guidelines.
- Once fully trained and sworn in by a judge, new advocates are ready to be matched with a child.
- For those unable to volunteer directly, the speaker highlighted other powerful ways to make a difference, such as hosting informational sessions, supporting the organization through financial donations, participating in community events, or nominating future volunteers.
The Women's Policy Forum extends its sincere gratitude to the speaker for sharing these profound insights and inspiring our members to continue building a stronger, safer Tarrant County for every child.
