MSU Graduate Recognized by Texas CASA

Wichita Falls, TX October 15, 2008 - Byron Webb has received the Lone Star Proud for Kids Special Recognition Award from Texas CASA. Webb, a volunteer for the Wichita Falls Child Advocates program, is a Wichita Falls resident and graduate of Midwestern State University. The award was announced at the 19 th Annual Texas CASA Conference in Austin, Texas last week.

With over 5000 volunteers in 68 different programs across the state, it was Webb's involvement and impact on the local Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program that earned him the prestigious award.

Webb's service to Child Advocates began as an intern through his social work studies at Midwestern State University in September 2006. His interest in the work of the local CASA program grew as he trained to become a CASA himself and identified other ways that he could help the program.

In 2007 he wrote a grant that was approved and is currently providing funds for recruitment. "Serving on a case, Webb saw first hand the impact a volunteer could make," says Suzanne Stone, Volunteer Recruiter. "And now thanks to a grant written by Webb we will be able to recruit many more volunteers to work with the abused and neglected children in our area."

Byron's work continued as he saw a need to improve the outcomes for our children. His desire was to improve the court system itself. Gathering support from child abuse agencies, local judges, and State Representative David Farabee, Webb testified before the Texas Judiciary Committee in March of 2007. The committee did not approve funding for the new cluster court, but David Farabee kept the ball rolling and was able to gain approval from the Wichita County commissioner's court for the creation of a Child Protection Court. Now one judge will hear all child abuse cases.

"In only two years time, Webb has had a profound impact not only on our program, but the system in which we work," says Executive Director Emily Streeton. "We will be forever grateful for the work he has done."

Child Advocates is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower volunteers to be the voice in court for abused and neglected children. CASA volunteers are appointed by the court to be the Guardian ad Litem for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.

Additional information regarding Child Advocates and the work they do in the surrounding counties is available at www.casawf.org, or by calling 940-766-0552.