Every day, 54 Texas children are removed from their homes for abuse and neglect; the fate of these children is left to a team of trained individuals who work to ensure children placed outside their homes are safe and protected.

In 1977, a new member was added to that team – CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). Texas CASA is composed of volunteer members from the community who are appointed to represent a child’s best interest in the courtroom. Now more than 1,000 CASA programs exist nationwide with more than 70 in Texas.

CASA is only possible because community volunteers dedicate their time and skills to build relationships with children and guide them through a life in foster care. Serving as a special advocate is not an easy one, but the reward is plentiful. Just ask Betty Groepper of Wood County. Groepper celebrated 20 years of service as an advocate through CASA for Kids of East Texas in May of this year.

Since being sworn in as a guardian ad litem in May of 1998, Groepper has served on 12 cases and represented the best interest of 23 children.

Groepper moved to Wood County in 1996 and later saw a newspaper article about the local CASA program. Familiar with the legal system and recognizing a need for advocates in her community, Groepper completed extensive background checks and training and worked her first case in Van Zandt County.

“I went to school on that case. … Everything that could go wrong, did,” Groepper said. Her first case lasted two years. Later, Groepper continued to take new case after new case.

“These kids need all the help they can get,” Groepper said.

Serving children of all ages, Groepper plays a pivotal role in these children’s lives. Besides reporting to the judge at regular court hearings on a child’s well-being and needs, Groepper makes sure to give the children she serves one-on-one attention.

Children sometimes come into foster care lacking common experiences, like getting a Happy Meal at McDonald’s. Groepper has taken children to movies, local and educational events, restaurants, etc. She knows how simple it can be to make a child who has been abused and neglected feel special.

Groepper said it is satisfying to be a part of the solution. Children in foster care are faced with a plethora of challenges. Besides the trauma that placed them in foster care in the first place, children often have to start new schools in new places with new people. Some children are behind educationally and require special assistance. Some children have undiagnosed medical or mental health conditions. As a court appointed special advocate, Groepper plays an instrumental role in making sure each child is given the best chance to succeed.

“It’s rewarding and you feel accomplished,” she said.

Groepper understands how important it is for community members to step up and support the needs in their local area, no matter the cause. She said everyone has skills that can be applied in all kinds of lines of service. CASA is just one of many ways Groepper contributes to her community.

As far as adding to her already impressive 20 years of services for CASA, Groepper plans to keep going.

“If I don’t do it, who will?” she said.