Voices for Children

The Legacy of CASA and Its Impact in Williamson County

In 1977, Judge David Soukup of Seattle recognized a major flaw in the legal system. The most vulnerable members of society, children in foster care, lacked adequate representation. After hearing the stories of these children whose futures were decided without an advocate, Judge Soukup created the first-event CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) in Washington. The program was designed to provide trained volunteers who would advocate in court for the safety and well-being of these children.

The program was quickly endorsed by a committee from the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and it was recognized as a model for protecting a child’s right to a safe and permanent home. The CASA movement gained momentum rapidly. In 1982, the first Annual CASA Conference was held in Nevada. This event marked a turning point, leading to the establishment of the National CASA Association. By the end of that year, 88 CASA/GAL programs were already operational across the United States. By 1983, the reach of CASA/GAL had expanded to 29 states, and by 1984, the National CASA Association was officially formed in Seattle. That same year, the association entered into a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, securing crucial funding that continues to support the organization to this day.

In 1993, Williamson County CASA was established by The Honorable Jane Crockett Franks. Judge Franks, a mother of twelve children, was determined to make a difference in her community. She recruited local leaders to serve on the Williamson County CASA Board of Directors and worked closely with the National CASA Association to train volunteer advocates. Despite the misconception that child abuse and neglect did not occur in affluent communities like Williamson County, Judge Franks worked tirelessly to educate the community on the need for CASA services and to involve them in the cause.

CASA volunteers in Williamson County have assisted with thousands of cases involving abused or neglected children. As unsettling as it may be, the demand for CASA volunteers and services has grown each year. With our area’s population growing, the caseload of the legal system continues to rise, as do instances of neglect and abuse involving local children.

On May 1st, Williamson County CASA will host its annual “Voices for Children” event, with all proceeds going directly to support the advocates who give children a voice in court. The evening promises a delightful experience with dinner, drinks, and a live auction. Attendees will also have the opportunity to celebrate the year’s success stories with the CASA board and advocates, while honoring the 2025 Community Service Award recipient, Mustaches For Kids. The event aims to inspire guests with the accomplishments of CASA and motivate them to find ways to make a difference in the lives of children in need in the year ahead. To support CASA’s vital mission, go to williamsoncountycasa.org or call 615.591.2699