Making a Difference
Speaking Up For Foster Children In Tarrant County
Meet Board Member Stef Mauler
This article appeared in the March 2021 edition of Simply Westlake Magazine.
Westlake resident Stef Mauler has always been supportive of organizations that serve the health, education and well-being of children. She recently had the privilege of joining the Board of Directors for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Tarrant County and serves on the Board Governance committee. Simply Westlake asked Stef to tell them more about CASA and how dedicated volunteers advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children throughout Tarrant County.
Stef says, “CASA of Tarrant County is an organization of volunteer advocates who stand up on behalf of abused and neglected children. From helping siblings find permanent placement together, to finding a child a stable home with a relative, to uncovering information that helps reunite a loving family, CASA volunteers make incredible differences in the lives of abused and neglected children. These children in foster care are at risk of getting lost in an overburdened system. Their CASA works to find them a safe, permanent home. 95% of children in foster care who have a CASA volunteer find a permanent home - either reunification with their parents, living with relatives or adoption.”
Why did you choose to volunteer for CASA? “I have always been committed to organizations that serve the health, education and well-being of children and support the family unit. Strong families build strong communities. And with that, all kinds of good things happen. Education improves. Health improves. Safety improves. People get happier. Families get better. It’s a virtual cycle.
Child abuse is not a poor person’s problem. Tarrant County boasts some of the most affluent neighborhoods in the nation and, yet, we also have the 3rd highest rate of reported child abuse in the state of Texas. And that number continues to grow, and is exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. Approximately 650 children were removed from unsafe home environments in Tarrant County in 2020. For many of them, their CASA volunteer is the only consistent adult in that child’s life. Children who have a CASA volunteer spend an average of 4 fewer months in foster care and are more likely to succeed in school. Children who do not have a CASA experience far more problems throughout their lives: 50% are incarcerated by the time they are 23 years old and 25% experience homelessness. Right now, we have 500 children who are waiting for an advocate. I will do whatever I can to see that they get one so that we can provide healthy environments for these children to grow into productive adults and successful community members.”
Describe any fundraisers or events that support the organization: “Although a lot of non-profits have been forced to cancel crucial fundraising events due to COVID, CASA has been fortunate to keep our outdoor events which allow for social distancing. I’m excited for our 5th Annual Pull For Kids Clay Shoot (casaclayshoot.org) on March 26 at Alpine Shooting Range. So, grab a team and take aim to end child abuse and keep children safe! Another favorite is the annual Superhero Run (casatarrantsuperherorun.com), which is a family-friendly 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run on October 30, 2021 at Levitt Pavilion in Arlington.”
How can others get involved? “No matter how you choose to support CASA of Tarrant County, your generosity enables the organization to serve over 1,200 abused and neglected children in our community each year. If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, start by attending a virtual information session, where you will learn all about becoming a CASA volunteer. Other ways to help include making monetary or in-kind donations through the CASA website (speakupforachild.org/donate) or by hosting a Facebook fundraiser. Your gift of time or resources fights the loneliness these kids are feeling, giving them the comfort, normalcy, certainty and connection we all need right now.”