About CASA for the Highland Lakes Area
Standing beside children when they need it most.
CASA for the Highland Lakes Area promotes and protects the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect by empowering trained volunteers to advocate for their safety, well-being, and opportunities to thrive.
Our volunteers are appointed by the court to advocate for children involved in the child welfare system. They get to know the child, gather information from the important people in the child’s life, and help the court understand the child’s needs as decisions are made about safety, permanency, and the child’s future.
We serve children and families across Burnet, Blanco, Llano, Lampasas, and San Saba Counties.
Our Mission
CASA for the Highland Lakes Area promotes and protects the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect by empowering volunteers to advocate for their safety, well-being, and opportunities to thrive.
Our Vision
Quality advocacy, a safe home, and a promising future for every child in Burnet, Blanco, Llano, Lampasas, and San Saba Counties.
What We Do
When a child enters the court system because of abuse or neglect, a CASA volunteer may be appointed by a judge to advocate for that child’s best interests.
CASA volunteers are trained and supported to:
- Get to know the child and their unique needs
- Communicate with caregivers, family members, teachers, caseworkers, attorneys, and others involved in the child’s life
- Gather information to help the court make informed decisions
- Advocate for the child’s safety, permanency, and well-being
- Remain a consistent, caring presence while the case is open
CASA volunteers do not replace caseworkers, attorneys, caregivers, or family members. Their role is to focus on the child and help ensure the child’s needs and best interests remain at the center of the case.
Our History
In 1991, District Judge Clayton Evans asked five Burnet County residents to form a steering committee and bring the CASA program to his courtroom.
Originally established in October 1991 as CASA of Burnet County, the organization began with one volunteer whose advocacy made a meaningful difference in the lives of two young children who had been removed from their home due to abuse and neglect.
Since that time, the organization has grown to serve Blanco, Burnet, Llano, Lampasas, and San Saba Counties and has advocated for thousands of children and youth across the Highland Lakes area.
Today, we are known as CASA for the Highland Lakes Area, and we remain committed to providing quality advocacy, a safe home, and a promising future for every child who needs us.
A Local Program. A Community Mission.
CASA for the Highland Lakes Area is part of a national volunteer movement and a member of the Texas CASA network. While CASA is recognized across the country, our work is deeply local.
Our volunteers, donors, board members, staff, and community partners help make advocacy possible for children right here in the Highland Lakes area.
Get Involved
There are many ways to support CASA’s mission. You can become a volunteer advocate, join Friends of CASA, support an event, make a donation, or help share CASA’s mission in the community.