DALLAS, April 7, 2008 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is calling out to bilingual Latino adults to become a CASA volunteer to help place Latino children currently in foster care in a safe, loving and permanent home. There are over 1,300 Latino children in foster care in Dallas County; however, there are only 35 Latino CASA volunteers to serve them.

"Our CASA Latino children are in great need of that special person that can help them get through the intimidating and confusing court process," said Beverly Levy, the Executive Director of Dallas CASA. "Having a CASA volunteer whom the child can culturally identify with and speak the same language encourages them to freely communicate their needs, ultimately resulting in the successful placement of the child."

CASA volunteers are community members who are screened and specially trained to advocate for the best interests of children involved in the juvenile court system because of abuse or neglect. These volunteers gather information and act as the "eyes and ears" of the court on behalf of the child. The CASA volunteer assists the juvenile judge by providing important information regarding the abused and neglected child.

Every year in Dallas County, more than 4,000 abused and neglected children go from one temporary foster care home to another. Latino children comprise 28% of children in the system and they need a CASA volunteer so that they receive adequate attention and representation.

Dallas CASA invites the community to take a few minutes of their time to find out about how they can help these children in need by visiting http://www.dallascasa.org or calling 214-827-9603, Ext. 273 for more information. A small investment of your time can change a child's life forever.

About Dallas CASA
Dallas CASA is a 501(c)(3) organization that helps abused, abandoned and neglected children in protective care find safe, permanent homes where they can thrive. More than 4,000 children in Dallas need a "voice in court." CASA trains everyday citizens to represent the best interests of these children in need.

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