By Danny Minton

Over five years ago, I signed up to be a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in the foster care system in Texas. While most cases are said to last an average of 18 months, due to several complications, my case lasted for over five years. 

I sat down in a foster home a little over five years ago, across from three Hispanic children who were removed from a home due to allegations of abuse. I had been named their “Guardian ad Litem (GAL).” Over the past years, I have walked with their journey through several foster homes, court appearances, schools, and various parts of daily life. Along the way, two of the children turned 18 and aged out of the system.

Now, after 2,029 days in the system, my last child has found a permanent placement, a family who has fostered him for the past three-plus years. At the court hearing, this eleven-year-old boy from five years ago, now a sixteen-year-old high school student, hugged me. Tears of joy filled the eyes of the now-permanent parents, the judge, and several others in the room. I let him know that I’m still around for him if he needs me. I signed papers last week releasing me from my role as his GAL. I received a text this week saying he had gotten his driver’s license. I doubt that this will be the last text the family will send me. 

There is a huge need for foster families and CASA advocates across Texas and the entire United States. Some figures point out that at any given time, there are between three and four hundred thousand (300,000-400,000) children in the foster care system in our country. The number doubles when counting everyone who enters and exits the system. Texas has over thirty thousand (30,000) children in the system, with many still needing foster homes and CASA advocates. I’ve read that 47 percent of the children are infants to five-year-olds. Thousands of children are waiting to be adopted, and many will “age out” without a permanent family. Most of those who are not adopted will be older children.

From a CASA perspective, it takes about 5-10 hours per month of an advocate’s time. Mine took closer to 10 hours when all three children were in the system, since they were in separate placements. I’ve met foster parents, lawyers, parents, school officials, law enforcement, and been in court meetings. The parents will have lawyers to represent them. The children will have lawyers to represent their wants.

The state agencies will have lawyers to represent their case. Where does CASA come in? A CASA’s role is to make sure that the best interest of the child or children is met. This includes keeping up with their living conditions, school, medical needs, and other aspects of their life, and making sure the child’s needs are properly met and reported. It sounds like a lot, but many things are just checked on every quarter.

The other need is for foster families. Without homes, the children have to be placed in group home settings and don’t have the benefit of that close family relationship that foster families can provide. My final child of the three was placed with a Hispanic family, which made him fit in perfectly. Over the years, they became his family, referring to his parents as mom and dad and his other siblings as brothers and sisters. 

I want to encourage those who have the time to consider becoming a foster family or a CASA. Children need them both. It should not be seen as the system needing them, but as children who need people in their lives. They deserve a home and caring adults who will be there for them, where others have failed them.

If you are interested in foster care, one place to start is the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The congregation I attend, Southern Hills Church of Christ, is having a foster care interest group meeting after services on Sunday, Feb. 1. Presented by Christian Homes of Abilene, the meeting is designed for individuals and families interested in learning more about foster care and how they can support children in need within our community. 

If you are interested in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), check with your local CASA organization or visit https://texascasa.org. I’ve found that other states use the same format for their state CASA organizations. In Taylor County, Texas, go to https://bigcountrycasa.org. 

Children need adults to stand up for them and show they care. Get involved, whether you become a foster parent, CASA, Big Brother, Big Sister, join another organization that helps children, support people in these positions, or assist financially. Instead of complaining about kids today, do something to improve their lives. Every child deserves a family and a bright future ahead.

As for me, I have no idea what the next 2,029 days will bring or if I’ll even have that many. I do know that, with all the time spent over those days, three children’s lives are better, and as a result, I too have been blessed.

Danny Minton, a member of Southern Hills Church of Christ, is a hospital chaplain