CASA in need of volunteers
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The call is out for volunteers to help children navigate their way through the state's foster system.
Former First Lady Laura Bush helped the Court Appointed Special Advocates program launch a new volunteer drive Wednesday.
Last year, according to CASA, fewer volunteers were available to help children in protective custody, and that role is vital to fill for those children.
"There are a lot of cool kids out there, and they just need a little extra help, a little someone there in their lives, [and] that's what CASA does," CASA volunteer Carole Cates said.
Advocate and former foster child Jessica Chapman talked about the program Wednesday.
"Without CASA, and without the volunteer of Carol and others, I would not probably be as strong as I am today, because Carol has been so positive and encouraged me to do things I thought I would not be able to do," Chapman said.
Officials with the Department of Family and Protective Services project a 20 percent increase in the number of children under their care by 2014.
Texans interested in becoming a CASA volunteer in their community can contact Texas CASA, Inc. at (877) TX4-CASA or visit them online.